Whether you’re sipping one of these tasty concoctions on Brazil’s sandy beaches or simply doling them out to friends in your own kitchen, this Brazilian beverage is an awesome alternative to the margaritas and mojitos that usually accompany summer’s rising temperatures. So if you’re looking for a Portuguese-inspired way to cool down at the end of these hot July days, a caipirinha may be exactly what you–and your taste buds–have been craving.

With past temperatures in Brazil reaching a scorching 113 degrees farenheit, it isn’t surprising that the country’s national drink, caipirinha (pronounced ky-pee-reen-ya), is cold, delicious, and oh-so refreshing. The traditional Brazilian refreshment is made with tropical limes, sugar, and the sugar cane brandy known as cachaca, and with plenty of ice cubes, you’ve got yourself a cooling taste of the tropics.

If you’re heading to Brazil, you won’t want to miss sipping on one of these delicacies, and since most bars serve them up generously, finding a spot to enjoy one shouldn’t be too difficult. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, we’ve got some recommendations for especially authentic bars and restaurants that do caipirinhas right.

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If you’ll be near São Paulo, you’ll find that Valadares, a local bar known for it’s cold beer and unconventional meats, has a great caipirinhas selection. If you’re traveling more centrally (near Brasilia, perhaps), the North Wing of Martinica Cafe is a popular happy hour spot for lots of locals, and is rumored to serve some of the tastiest caipirinhas in the area.

Even if you’re not jet-setting to Brazil this summer, caipirinhas are easy to make at home, too, so that you can experience the taste of Brazil right in your own backyard. Check out our simple caipirinha recipe for mixing up a single-serving or a full pitcher. Also, if you want to change it up a bit, you can add to or replace the recipe’s lime with other tropical fruits such as passion fruit, strawberry, or kiwi.