Cachaça Is the New Tequila, Devotees Say

The next big buzz in the world of potent beverages may well be cachaça, the Brazilian take on rum that has its sights set on unseating tequila as the trendy shot du jour in the US. The exported version of the national drink, distilled from sugar cane, ranges from 76 to 96 proof and is already popular in Germany, BusinessWeek reports.

What to do if you see cachaça on the menu? Try asking for a caipirinha, which muddles lime, sugar, and club soda with the Brazilian alcohol. Other mixing options abound, as the zesty South American flavor pairs well with fruits like pineapple and pomegranate. For now, look for cachaça in Brazilian bars, but expect it to soon splash across the border. (More alcohol stories.)