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Glass mug of Costa Rican tea recipe with cinnamon stick and lemon on rustic wood.

Costa Rican Tea Recipe

A soothing costa rican tea recipe featuring cacao shells, fresh ginger, and aromatic spices—a Costa Rican classic that’s comforting, energizing, and easy to enjoy hot or iced.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Costa Rican
Calories: 5
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons cacao shells (or 1 tablespoon cacao nibs)
  • 1–2 slices fresh ginger
  • 1 cinnamon stick2–3 strips
  • Fresh lemon peel
  • 3–4 cups filtered water
  • Optional: fresh mint leaves, lemongrass, a spoonful of raw honey, or a squeeze of lime

Method
 

  1. Bring water to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan.
    Water boiling in saucepan for Costa Rican tea recipe
  2. Add cacao shells, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon peel. For more flavor, add mint or lemongrass.
    Ingredients simmering in a saucepan for Costa Rican tea recipe
  3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
    Covered saucepan resting on a linen towel for Costa Rican tea recipe
  4. Strain the tea into mugs.
    Strained Costa Rican tea recipe poured into three mugs with leftover ingredients in a strainer
  5. Sweeten with honey or add lime juice to taste.
  6. Serve hot, or let cool and pour over ice for a refreshing twist.

Notes

  • Adjust ingredient amounts for stronger or milder flavor.
  • Try hibiscus petals for color and tang.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; serve chilled or reheat.