Macunaíma
A bold, citrusy Brazilian sour elevated by Fernet-Branca's herbal bitterness — the cocktail that swept across Brazil after its 2014 debut in São Paulo.
- 1½ ozcachaca
- ¾ ozlime juice
- ¾ ozsimple syrup
- ¼ ozfernet branca
Share this page
The Macunaíma was created in 2014 by bartender Arnaldo Hirai at his Boca de Ouro bar in São Paulo, Brazil. Hirai developed the drink to capture the spirit of Brazil during that year's FIFA World Cup. He named it after the beloved 1928 novel by Mário de Andrade, considered one of the founding texts of Brazilian modernism. The recipe — a tight four-ingredient shaken sour built around cachaça, lime, sugar syrup, and a measured pour of Fernet-Branca — spread rapidly across the country. By Hirai's own account, a combination of its simplicity and the fact that almost every Brazilian bar stocks cachaça, lime, and a dusty bottle of Fernet made it instantly replicable. Within years it had become a national favorite and is now considered a modern Brazilian classic.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Macunaíma at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.