Cachaca (pronounced ka-sha-sa) is the national spirit of Brazil. Invented by the first Portuguese settlers in the 16th century, it is distilled from fermented sugar cane juice. White cachaca is usually used to make the 'Caipirinha' cocktail, where sugar and crushed fresh limes are added and aged cachaca (velha) is drunk straight. As a spirit, it is in fact very versatile and is particularly good in fresh fruit-based cocktails.