Cachaça substitutes
The closest substitute for Cachaça is Rhum Agricole, which works and barely changes the drink. Both are sugarcane-juice spirits. White Rum also works.
What to use instead of Cachaça
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Rhum AgricoleAlmost the same Both are sugarcane-juice spirits. Same amount | Same amount | 40–55% ABV | +7 points |
White RumWorks, tastes different Cleaner, less grassy. Same amount | Same amount | 37.5–47% ABV | About the same |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Cachaça, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Caipirinha
50ml (1⅔ oz) Cachaça → 50ml (1⅔ oz) Rhum Agricole
About 33% ABV → about 42% ABV+9 points
- Rabo de Galo
60ml (2 oz) Cachaça → 60ml (2 oz) Rhum Agricole
About 31% ABV → about 38% ABV+7 points
- Frozen Caipirinha
60ml (2 oz) Cachaça → 60ml (2 oz) Rhum Agricole
Same strength
- Miami Vice
10ml (⅓ oz) Cachaça → 10ml (⅓ oz) Rhum Agricole
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Cachaça | Rhum Agricole |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 38–48% ABV | 40–55% ABV |
| Taste | Grassy, Sweet cane, Funky, Vegetal | Grassy, Vegetal, Clean, Earthy |
| Aroma | Fresh grass, Sugarcane, Tropical fruit, Vegetal | Grass, Sugarcane, Vegetal, Floral |
| Finish | Clean, Grassy, Medium | Clean, Herbal, Dry |
| Property | Cachaça | White Rum |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 38–48% ABV | 37.5–47% ABV |
| Taste | Grassy, Sweet cane, Funky, Vegetal | Sweet, Smooth, Light banana, Coconut hints |
| Aroma | Fresh grass, Sugarcane, Tropical fruit, Vegetal | Light sugarcane, Vanilla hints, Tropical fruit, Clean |
| Finish | Clean, Grassy, Medium | Clean, Light, Slightly sweet |
Already have one of these?
If you have Leblon, Novo Fogo Silver or Avuá Prata, you don't need a substitute: they are all Cachaça. How they differ
What is Cachaça?
Cachaça is a Brazilian spirit distilled from fresh sugarcane juice, essential for the Caipirinha. It has grassy, funky character distinct from molasses-based rum.
Got Cachaça? It also replaces
Questions about Cachaça substitutes
What is the best substitute for Cachaça?
Rhum Agricole is the closest substitute for Cachaça and barely changes the drink. Both are sugarcane-juice spirits. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Cachaça in a Caipirinha?
Rhum Agricole: swap 50ml (1⅔ oz) of Cachaça for 50ml (1⅔ oz) of Rhum Agricole. It ends up about 42% ABV instead of about 33% (before the ice melts).
Which Cachaça brands can I use?
If you have Leblon, Novo Fogo Silver or Avuá Prata, you don't need a substitute: they are all Cachaça. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Rhum Agricole instead of Cachaça change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Caipirinha, which goes from about 33% to about 42% ABV (before the ice melts). The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Cachaça?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.