The caipirosca is the classic caipirinhas russian twin, featuring neutral vodka in place of the originals cachaa. The removal of the sugarcane spirit makes for a simpler, less-complex drink with a greater focus on the sugar and lime. Since the sweetness is more forward in this version, we like dale degroffs suggestion from the craft of the cocktail replace white sugar or simple syrup with brown sugar instead for more flavor and intrigue. Like all the members of this muddled-lime-and-sugar family, the type and amount of sugar are hotly contested. Start with a teaspoon of sugar, or two teaspoons of syrup, or a single cube, and increase to taste. If your limes are small, out-of-season, or just not all that sweet and juicy, feel free to use a whole lime instead of just half.