After a day of sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro, chances are you're in need of a drink. And let's face it, even a lazy afternoon spent sunbathing on Rio's world-famous beaches can be thirsty work! Luckily there are a number of refreshing options to quench your thirst. We've listed five of the best typical drinks in Rio, for your refreshment!

There are several typical drinks in Rio to enjoy on the beach / Image Source

1. Açaí: thick, sweet and juicy

Acai is berry-like superfruit which is rich in antioxidants and extremely popular all over Brazil, where it is mixed with guarana and blended into a smoothie. The end product is so thick that it has to be consumed using a spoon, and you can add toppings such as coconut flakes, wheat and granola. A refreshing and healthy option for drinks on the beach!

Acai with granola on Copacabana Beach / Image Source

2. Ice cold chopp

A chopp, i.e. draught beer, is the perfect alcoholic refreshment. It has to be served "estupidamente fria" (stupidly cold) on the beaches, otherwise it’s not deemed acceptable. Order a local Brazilian beer like Brahma, Bohemia or Antarctica and sit back and relax enjoying your ice cold beverage in a beautiful setting. What better way to enjoy a drink Rio's beautiful beaches?

There's nothing quite like an ice cold beer on a hot day / Image Source

3. Água de coco

Água de coco (coconut water) is not only tasty and refreshing, but extremely healthy too. As a natural source of potassium, calcium and sodium with zero fat, it’s not surprising that it’s been the most popular hydrating drink amongst cariocas for such a long time, and one of the staple drinks on Rio's beaches.

Água de coco is tasty, healthy and refreshing / Image Source: Vinicius Freitas

4. Caipirinha: Brazil’s national drink

Caipirinhas are the iconic and refreshing cocktails that you’ll find people drinking at all hours of night and day in Rio. Made using lime, sugar and cachaça (a spirit made from sugarcane juice), this is the ultimate typical drink in Rio de Janeiro to try. There are plenty of alternatives, such as ‘Caipivodka’ which replaces cachaça with vodka and can be made using native Brazilian fruits instead of lemon.

Caipirinha, Brazil's national drinkA caipirinha is one of the most iconic and typical drinks in Rio / Image Source

5. Mate tea

There are numerous vendors who stroll along Copacabana Beach with two large circular containers: one is filled with mate, a caffeinated infusion made from the leaves of the native yerba mate plant, the other with lemon juice. You can’t miss them as they are repeatedly shouting the words “Ohla o mate!” to alert people of their presence.

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As soon as your throat starts getting a little parched, simply signal a vendor on one of Rio's beaches, and select your refreshing drink of choice, without even getting up from your beach chair. And if you're going for a stroll, there is nearly always a fruit juice stand or drinks vendor within a few feet, so you have no excuse not to try some of these popular drinks in Rio!

Want to know more facts about Rio, its carnival and other cultural manifestations? Here are a few articles to guide you during your trip in Rio de Janeiro:

See more tours and activities in Rio de Janeiro 

By: Milly Day