Beer is particularly good and draught beer is called chopp . The local liqueur is cacha a , a type of rum popular with locals, but not so much with visitors. This phenomenally strong spirit is often mixed with sugar, crushed ice and limes to make caipirinha , a refreshing if intoxicating cocktail and the Brazilian national drink. Southern Brazilian wine is of a high quality. Some bars have waiters and table service.
Brazilian coffee is served in espresso-sized cups and is extremely popular.
The best entertainment occurs in Rio de Janeiro and S o Paulo. In Rio and S o Paulo major shops and markets stay open quite late in the evening. Rio and Bahia specialise in antiques and jewellery. Fashions and antiques, crystal and pottery is a speciality of S o Paulo. Bel m, the city of the Amazon valley, specialises in jungle items, but be careful that you are not purchasing objects that have been plundered from the jungle, contributing to the general destruction.