Pitu

Pitu is a type of Brazilian distilled spirit made from sugarcane. It is most commonly used in the traditional Brazilian cocktail, the Caipirinha.

History

The production of Pitu and other sugarcane spirits in Brazil dates back to the 16th century, when Portuguese colonists began cultivating sugarcane in the region. The name "Pitu" is believed to have originated from the indigenous Tupi-Guarani language, in which it means "fish". This is likely a reference to the brand's logo, which features a red crayfish.

Production

Pitu is produced through the fermentation and distillation of sugarcane juice. The process begins with the extraction of juice from freshly harvested sugarcane. The juice is then fermented, a process that typically lasts for 24 to 36 hours. Following fermentation, the liquid is distilled to produce a clear spirit with a high alcohol content.

Unlike cachaça, another Brazilian sugarcane spirit, Pitu is not aged in wooden barrels. This results in a spirit that is clear in color and has a lighter, cleaner flavor profile.

Consumption

While Pitu can be consumed neat, it is most commonly used as a base for cocktails, particularly the Caipirinha. The Caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail, is made by muddling lime and sugar in a glass, adding Pitu, and topping it off with crushed ice.

See also

• Cachaça
• Brazilian cuisine
• Distilled beverage