Times are tough in Brazil in 2016, with the worst national recession in several decades slowing spending across the board. But while the majority of industries are in decline – from luxury items to essentials like food – sales of premium beer and make-up are as strong as ever.

Even though Brazil is the third largest beer market in the world, Brazilians aren’t downing pints in bars anymore. In an effort to spend less, they're opting to entertain at home instead, leaving beer brands trying to figure out how to bring the bar into a domestic setting.

New shopping malls and a young population with sophisticated shopping tastes are helping make Brazil one of the world's most profitable luxury markets. But the recent economic downturn means optimism is ebbing. Does a gloomy economic outlook spell the end of Brazil’s luxury bonanza?

Cachaça is the key ingredient of one of Brazil's favourite cocktails – caipirinhas – but it's long been considered a street drinker’s tipple. Now, it’s increasingly on the lips of sommeliers and on the tasting menus of sophisticated restaurants, as the spirit enjoys a high-end transformation