Cachaça refers to the Brazilian sugarcane alcohol. It is referres to as the Brazilian "firewater" made from fermented sugarcane alcohol used in the popular drink Caipirinha; a Brazilian liquor made from distilled sugar cane juice Cachaca is distilled in such a way that the scent of sugar cane and rum are retained. While rum is distilled from molasses, Cachaca is distilled directly from the juice of the unrefined sugar cane. Before distillation, the juice ferments in a wood or copper container for several weeks, and is then boiled down to a concentrate. It is one of the most popular drinks in Brazil, and is used to make caipirinha and batidas. Cachaca is available all year-round and if not available, rum can be used as its substitute.