it is believed that cachaça has been produced in brazil since the mid sixteenth century, when sugarcane was first introduced to the country - in the early days, the remains of the sugar production were given to the slaves, who would let them ferment and form various alcohols.

preferring to drink the cane wine that the leftovers would produce, cachaça was initially used medicinally to heal plasters, and as a special treat for slaves during parties and festivals - as cachaça was almost exclusively drank by slaves and the lower classes, it was regarded as a poor man's drink for centuries, which could be the inspiration behind the name caipirinha, which translates, loosely, to little country-person (someone who lives in the country).