Skip rooftop bars in Ipanema... Head to SubAstor Santa Teresa. Basement spot, cash only, best caipirinhas in the city. Bartender Carlos worked fancy places before opening this.

Academia da Cachaça multiple locations but original Leblon knows their stuff. Maze Santa Teresa has great views... Muddles fresh fruit properly instead of dumping sugar syrup.

Beach bars fine for beer but anything beyond basic caipirinhas is overpriced tourist trap quality.