Carrulim is a refreshing cocktail that combines the bold flavor of Sugar Cane Spirit with the tartness of fresh lime juice and the sweetness of honey. This cocktail is also infused with the herbal notes of Rue, adding a unique and complex flavor profile to the drink. With a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors, Carrulim is a cocktail perfect for any occasion, from a summer barbecue to a cozy night in. Follow this simple recipe to enjoy this delicious and unique cocktail at home.
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What is Carrulim?
Carrulim is an ancient natural remedy from Paraguay, a potent drink that contains Sugar Cane Spirit (Caña Blanca), rue (a herb), and lime. In Paraguay, they have a saying, “Agosto, Vaka Piru ha tuja rerahaha” (which translates as August, the month that takes away the skinny cows and the old (people). Why? Because August is one of the coldest harshest months when there are frequent storms in parts of Paraguay, and traditionally, being the middle of winter, food was hard to come by.
So, according to popular belief, drinking Carrulim on August 1st is supposed to renew your blood and protect you from physical and spiritual harm that often comes in August.
Carrulim Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Sugar Cane Spirit (Caña Blanca): This is the primary alcoholic base of the Carrulim. Caña Blanca is a type of sugar cane spirit, also known as white rum, which imparts a sweet and slightly fruity flavor to the drink. It serves as the core spirit, providing the necessary kick and alcohol content to the cocktail.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a zesty and tangy flavor to the Carrulim cocktail. It provides a refreshing and citrusy balance to the sweetness of the sugar cane spirit and honey. Additionally, the acidity of the lime juice enhances the overall taste of the drink and complements the other ingredients.
- Rue: Rue leaves are used as a flavoring agent. However, it is crucial to note that the herb has a very strong and bitter taste, so it is usually used sparingly.
- Honey: It adds depth and complexity to the Carrulim cocktail. Its rich and smooth sweetness complements the other flavors and helps balance the tartness of the lime juice. It also adds a subtle floral undertone, enhancing the overall drinking.
- Ice (optional): This is an optional ingredient that serves to chill the cocktail and dilute it slightly. Adding ice helps to mellow the flavors and makes the Carrulim cocktail more refreshing. The dilution also ensures that the drink is not overly potent and can be enjoyed at a comfortable strength.
👀👉Note: It's important to emphasize that Rue can be toxic in large quantities, so its use should be approached with caution. Pregnant women should avoid contact with Rue, as it may cause uterine contractions.
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How to Make Carrulim
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Lightly muddle the rue with honey in a shaker. Add the Sugar Cane Spirit (Caña Blanca), fresh lime juice, and ice to the shaker. Give it a brief shake to mix the ingredients. Strain the mixture into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of rue and a lime wheel if desired.
Alternatively, for a less herby Carrulim: Combine Sugar Cane Spirit, fresh lime juice, honey, and ice in a shaker. Give it a brief shake to mix the ingredients. Strain the mixture into a lowball glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of rue. Remember to adjust the amount of rue according to your taste preference, as it has a potent flavor. Enjoy your Carrulim responsibly!😉
Substitutions
- Sugar Cane Spirit (Caña Blanca): If you don't have sugar cane spirit, you can use white rum as a substitute. It has a similar flavor profile and will work well in this recipe.
- Fresh Lime Juice: If you don't have fresh lime juice, you can use bottled lime juice as a substitute. However, fresh lime juice is always preferred for its brighter and more natural taste.
- Rue: If you can't find rue, use a small amount of another bitter herb, such as rosemary or thyme. Alternatively, leave it out altogether, and the cocktail will taste delicious.
- Honey: You can substitute simple syrup or agave nectar if you don't have honey. Remember that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust to your taste.
- Ice (optional): If you don't have ice, chill the cocktail shaker and glasses in the freezer before making the cocktail. Alternatively, you can serve the cocktail at room temperature if you prefer.
Variations
- Orange Carrulim: Substitute fresh orange juice for lime juice to create a vibrant and citrusy variation of Carrulim. Shake well, strain, and garnish with an orange wheel or zest for an eye-catching presentation.
- Strawberry Carrulim: Add fresh strawberries to the cocktail shaker and muddle them with the other ingredients before shaking. Strain the cocktail into a glass and garnish with a strawberry.
- Pineapple Carrulim: Add fresh pineapple juice to the cocktail shaker and other ingredients. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a slice of pineapple.
- Mint Carrulim: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to the cocktail shaker and muddle with the other ingredients. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.
- Ginger Carrulim: Add fresh ginger juice or syrup to the cocktail shaker and other ingredients. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a slice of ginger.
How to Serve
Carrulim is an excellent choice as an aperitif, making it a delightful pre-meal drink. Its refreshing and balanced flavors stimulate the appetite, making it a perfect way to start a meal.
How to Store
Store Carrulim in a sanitized, airtight bottle or container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead
Carrulim can be prepared a day ahead and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you decide to store it at room temperature, keep it in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight. Alternatively, for longer freshness and to prevent any potential spoilage, it is recommended to store Carrulim in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Please note that the taste and quality of the cocktail may vary depending on the storage method and the specific ingredients used. For the best flavor, it is always recommended to consume Carrulim as soon as possible or within the first few days of preparation.
Tips for Making The Best Carrulim
- Use fresh, good-quality ingredients: Fresh ingredients taste better than bottled or preserved ones. Use fresh limes, high-quality sugar cane spirit, and aromatic rue for the best flavor.
- Muddle the rue: Muddling the rue before adding it to the cocktail shaker will help to release its essential oils and flavors, giving the cocktail a more pronounced herbal taste.
- Use the right amount of honey: The sweetness level of honey can vary, so it's essential to adjust the amount to your liking. Add a little at a time, and taste as you go until you find the right balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Chill the cocktail shaker and glasses: Chilling the cocktail shaker and glasses before making the cocktail will help to keep the cocktail cold and refreshing.
- Shake well: Shake the cocktail vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds to ensure that the ingredients are well combined and the cocktail is properly chilled.
- Strain the cocktail: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove any small bits of rue or ice from the cocktail, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.
- Garnish for presentation: A slice of lime or a sprig of rue can add a touch of color and flavor to the cocktail, making it more appealing and inviting to drink.
FAQ
What is Sugar Cane Spirit (Caña Blanca)?
Sugar Cane Spirit, or Caña Blanca, is rum made from sugar cane juice. It has a bold and slightly sweet flavor profile, with notes of caramel and molasses.
Can I substitute the rue with another herb?
You can use other bitter herbs like rosemary or thyme as a substitute for rue. You can also omit the rue altogether if you prefer.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?
You can use bottled lime juice if you don't have fresh limes. However, fresh lime juice is always preferred for its brighter and more natural taste.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Carrulim?
You can make a non-alcoholic version of Carrulim by substituting the sugar cane spirit with soda water or another carbonated drink. You can also adjust the sweetness level by using more or less honey.
Can I make a larger batch of Carrulim?
You can make a larger batch of Carrulim by multiplying the ingredients accordingly. However, remember that the flavors may change slightly when making a larger batch, so adjust the measurements to your liking.
Can I use a different type of honey?
You can use any honey, such as clover honey, wildflower honey, or manuka honey. Remember that the flavor and sweetness level may vary depending on the type of honey used.
How long can I store the ingredients?
The sugar cane spirit, fresh lime juice, and honey can be stored in a cool, dry place or refrigerator for several weeks. Likewise, the rue can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
Can I freeze the sugar cane spirit or the finished Carrulim cocktail?
Freezing the sugar cane spirit or the finished Carrulim cocktail is not recommended. Freezing the sugar cane spirit can alter its flavor and texture, and freezing the finished cocktail can cause the ingredients to separate and result in a less desirable taste. However, you can freeze some of the ingredients separately, such as the fresh lime juice and rue, in ice cube trays and store them in the freezer for later use.
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Recipe
Carrulim
Ingredients
- 1 shot Sugar Cane Spirit (Caña Blanca)
- 1 shot of fresh lime juice
- 1 sprig of Rue
- 1 tablespoon of honey , to taste
- Ice , optional
Instructions
- Lightly muddle the rue with the honey in a shaker. Add the sugar cane spirit, lime juice, and ice, and give it a brief shake—strain it into a lowball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a rue sprig and lime wheel, if desired. Alternatively, for a less herby Carrulin, add the Sugar Cane Spirit, lime juice, honey, and ice and give it a brief shake in a shaker. Strain into a lowball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a sprig of Rue.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.