This curious spirit is basically the Brazilian form of rum – as it must be produced there to be honored with the name Cachaca. Best known for its role in the increasingly popular drink Caipirinha, the Fazenda Mae de Ouro is made in pot stills using a 400 year old process, which involves triple filtration and around 2 years of aging in white oak barrels. This results in a clear spirit, with a slightly sweet and smoky nose, and a bit of spice on the palate. While it is sugar-based like rum, it’s a bit more aggressive, making it an excellent component in a summer cocktail.