Brazilians celebrated their Independence Day on September 7, giving us yet another reason to end summer with a bang (and, of course, to celebrate the country that brought us the thong bikini). Even if you're busy throwing a backyard fiesta you can still bring a taste of Brazil to your glass. So raise a glass of delicious drinks from Rio and celebrate con los brasileños—even if just a few days late. Saudé!

Brazilian Ricky
This drink is zesty and bubbly, bursting with juicy lemon, lime and orange. However, what makes this citrus elixir stand out is VeeV, the world’s first spirit made from Brazil’s national fruit, açai. Not only does the berry offer 50 percent more antioxidants than a pomegranate, its rich flavor can only be described as chocolate dipped in red wine. Could it get any better? Actually, yes. For every bottle sold, VeeV donates a $1 to the preservation of the Brazilian rainforest.

Ingredients
2 oz. VeeV Açai Spirit
1 lemon Slice
1 lime Slice
1 orange Slice
3 oz. tonic
1 citrus wheel

Preparation
Shake VeeV and citrus wedges with ice and pour into a highball glass adding additional ice if necessary. Top with tonic. Stir and garnish with the citrus wheel.

Rainforest on the Rocks
This drink’s key ingredient, mint, is a mellow, sweet herb that provides the umph in this powerfully tangy concoction. A cool thirst quencher, Rainforest will also leave your breath fresh and ready to pucker up. They don’t call Brazilians sexy for nothing!

Ingredients
2 oz. VeeV Açai Spirit
1.5 oz. fresh watermelon Juice
8 sprigs of fresh mint
1 lime wedge
Dash of Sugar

Preparation
Muddle the mint sprigs and the lime wedge in a mixing glass. Add VeeV, watermelon juice, sugar, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake drink and pour into a glass.

Guava Rose
In honor of the many beautiful Brazilian muses that have graced the covers of magazines—and will no doubt dominate the runways at Fashion Week—we’re serving up this drink, which incorporates succulent slices of guava and even some sexy rose syrup. The result is a crisp and perfumed indulgence. And its looks? Beautiful and modelesque, a to-die-for pink cocktail.

Ingredients
2 oz. Leblon cachaça
¾ oz. guava puree
1½ oz. Monin rose syrup
2 Rose petals
¾ oz. fresh lime juice

Preparation
Add all ingredients into a blender with 1 cup of ice and blend. Serve in a rocks glass. Garnish with a Rose petal.