0 0 0 The moment Rio de Janeiro was picked as host for the 2016 Olympics, I knew that no one would cheer louder than the cachaça companies! Within days of the announcement, both Leblon and Cabana are e-blasting signature cocktails. And, if you look closely at the Rio 16, you'll also notice Veev acai spirit - made from Brazilian acai berries - sneaked in, for good measure. Why not start celebrating now?

The Lemon Lime and Blue Caipirinha

2 oz Leblon Cachaça

3 Lime Wheels

3 Lemon Wheels

6 Blueberries

2 Teaspoons of Superfine Sugar (or 1 oz. Simple Syrup)

Cut lime into (3) 1/8" wheels and cut lemon into (3) 1/8" wheels and place into shaker. Add 2 teaspoons of superfine sugar, or 1 ounce of simple syrup. Gently muddle fruit in shaker for 10-15 seconds, extracting juice from lemon and lime wheels. Add Leblon Cachaca. Fill rocks glass to the top with crushed ice. Add 6 blueberries. Shake or stir, mixing blueberries, ice and lemon-lime fruit thoroughly. Garnish with Lemon, Lime, and Blueberry combination.

For Chicago, a special consolation cocktail:

Chi-Town Consolation Caipirinha

2 oz Leblon Cachaça

6 blackberries

1 lime wedge

1 oz. of honey simple syrup (4 parts honey to one part hot water)

2 sprigs of mint

Place blackberries, lime wedge, and honey simple syrup into a shaker. Gently muddle for 10-15 seconds, extracting the juice from the blackberries and lime. Add Leblon Cachaca. Fill rocks glass to the top with crushed ice. Shake or stir well to thoroughly combine all ingredients. Garnish with a mint sprig.

The Rio 16

1oz Cabana Cachaça

1oz VeeV acai spirit

1oz Simple Syrup

1oz Kiwi Puree

The juice of 2 lime wedges

Shake all ingredients together and serve over ice in a rocks glass.

The Rio 16 will be served at:

Isla on Sunset- Los Angeles
Founding Farmers- Washington, D.C.
Agraria Farmers and Fishers- Washington, D.C.
Cantina- San Francisco