Mangue Seco Cachaçaria, Rio de Janeiro

What to buy here:

CACHAÇA: Famous as the alcohol base of the Caipirinha cocktail, the history of cachaça, a spirit made of sugar cane, goes back 400 years to colonial Brazil, when the country was the biggest sugar producer in the world. The first drinkers of cachaça were slaves who were given the highly alcoholic drink (around 50% volume) to relieve the pain caused by hard work and to boost their energy. But its pleasant flavor extended its popularity to other segments of society in the 16th century. Although banned for a few years to avoid competition with Portuguese produce, by the time Brazil became an independent country, cachaça had become a staple of the Brazilian economy. These days there are several upmarket versions of the drink, including organic bottles. It can be bought in any supermarket and some specialized shops such as Mangue Seco Cachaçaria. Located in the old center, the shop/restaurant is the only venue in the city that sells all cachaça brands made in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and it also sells rarities produced in other states as well. Recommended by the Brazilian Cachaça Academy. Mangue Seco also specializes in seafood and samba music. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:30am. Closing times vary, but it stays open late on Friday and Saturday (1am and 2am, respectively).

Spend at least $10 to get a decent bottle of the stuff, although it can be cheaper than that. Very special, artisanal bottles can cost over $100.