Every spirit has a luxury brand, and for Cachaça (pronounced: ka-shah-sa), the hot Brazilian rum-like spirit, it's Leblon.

The popularity of Latin-inspired drinks like the Mojito have turned the cachaça into a favorite in clubs and restaurants from Miami to LA, and made it the number three most-consumed spirit in the world. (Vodka is number one, and Shoju, the Asian rice spirit, is number 2.)

Named for the upscale beach neighborhood next to Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ultra-premium Leblon is made from the highest quality fresh cane juice and is distilled in the heart of Brazil. It's then sent to Southern France for aging in vintage Cognac casks, which gives Leblon an unmatched flavor and smoothness.

Just like rum, cachaça is great for summer drinks. Here are a few recipes from Leblon that'll bring a little of the heart of Brazil to your place this weekend.

$30 for a 750ml bottle
www.liveloveleblon.com

Leblon Caipirinha
2.5 oz Leblon Cachaca
7 Chunks of lime
2 tbsp Superfine sugar (or 1 packet of Splenda or Equal) or 1 oz. simple syrup

Cut the lime in half lengthwise and remove the white middle strip. Cut each half lengthwise again and then into 8 chunks. Place 7 lime chunks in a 10 oz. rocks glass and add the sugar on top. Muddle well with a muddler until almost a paste. Fill the glass with ice, then Leblon Cachaca. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Garnish with the remaining lime chunk.

French Sambatini
2 oz Leblon Cachaca
1/2 oz fresh pineapple juice
1/2 oz Chambord
1/3 oz lime juice

Place Leblon Cachaca, pineapple juice, Chambord, lime juice and ice into a shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass.

The White Monk
1.5 oz Leblon Cachaca
1/2 oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
1 oz milk
Splash of Coca-cola

Place Leblon Cachaca, Kahlua, milk and ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously and pour into highball glass. Top up with Coca-cola.