Costa Rican tea recipe lovers, you’re in for a vibrant, soothing, and health-boosting treat. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this naturally caffeine-free tea using fresh pineapple, ginger, lemongrass, and local honey. You’ll learn where the recipe comes from, how to prepare it step by step, and what makes it unique among herbal teas. We’ll also answer top questions about its role in digestion, fat burning, and wellness. By the end, you’ll be sipping this tropical tea hot or iced, feeling refreshed and energized.
Table of Contents
Easy Costa Rican Tea Recipe for a Refreshing Tropical Drink
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing, caffeine-free Costa Rican tea recipe made with fresh pineapple, ginger, lemongrass, and honey. Perfect served hot or iced for digestion and wellness.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 ripe pineapple, peeled and chopped
1-inch fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
2 stalks lemongrass, lightly crushed
3–4 tablespoons Costa Rican honey (or any high-quality honey)
6 cups water
Ice cubes (for serving cold)
Optional: Mint sprigs and pineapple slices for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
Combine water, pineapple, ginger, and lemongrass in a large pot.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to infuse flavors.
Remove from heat and strain out solids. Stir in honey until dissolved.
Chill in the fridge or serve over ice. Garnish with mint and pineapple slices if desired.
Notes
Notes:
Adjust ginger amount for a milder or stronger flavor.
Substitute honey with agave nectar or maple syrup if preferred.
Store refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat gently when serving warm; avoid boiling after adding honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Costa Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz)
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Costa Rican tea recipe, pineapple ginger tea, lemongrass tea, herbal tea, Rican, lemongrass, fresh ginger root, pineapple slices, ice cubes
The Story & Intro to Costa Rican Tea Recipe
The first time I tasted this blend was during a warm, lazy afternoon in Guanacaste. My local host poured it over ice and explained how it’s been brewed for generations using backyard ingredients. Pineapple for sweetness, ginger for heat, lemongrass for calm—it was more than just tea; it felt like an embrace. That memory stayed with me, and once home, I began experimenting to recreate it.
This Costa Rican tea recipe isn’t just about flavor. It connects you to the land and the people—where everything has purpose and nothing is wasted. Ripe pineapple simmers with sliced ginger root and crushed lemongrass, releasing a tropical aroma that’s both comforting and energizing. A spoonful of Costa Rican honey ties it all together.
It’s the kind of tea that supports digestion after a big meal and helps you unwind at night. I often serve it chilled during summer cookouts or warm on rainy evenings. It’s not just about wellness claims—it’s about how good it makes you feel, inside and out.
Whether you’re here for the health benefits or the soothing taste, this Costa Rican tea recipe is a simple way to feel centered. In the next section, I’ll show you how to make it with easy steps and fresh ingredients.
Costa Rican Tea Recipe Ingredients & Preparation
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this refreshing Costa Rican tea recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and incredibly flavorful. Start with one ripe pineapple, peeled and chopped. Add a one-inch piece of fresh ginger root, thinly sliced for maximum infusion. You’ll also need two stalks of lemongrass, lightly crushed to release their oils, and three to four tablespoons of high-quality honey—Costa Rican honey if you can find it. Measure out six cups of water and have some ice cubes ready if you’re serving it cold. For garnish, mint sprigs and pineapple slices add a nice finishing touch but are completely optional.
This ingredient list keeps things fresh, simple, and balanced. Each component has a role—pineapple adds sweetness and vitamin C, ginger brings heat and digestive benefits, and lemongrass offers calm, citrusy notes. Honey ties everything together with floral warmth.
Preparation Steps: Step-by-Step
Step 1: In a large pot, combine the six cups of water with chopped pineapple, sliced ginger, and crushed lemongrass stalks.
Step 2: Set the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Once simmering, reduce the heat and allow it to cook for 15 minutes so the flavors infuse deeply.
Step 4: Remove from heat, then strain out all solids. Stir in the honey while the liquid is still warm so it dissolves evenly.
Step 5: Let the tea cool slightly. Serve warm or chill in the fridge. Pour over ice and garnish with mint or pineapple slices, if desired.
With just five steps, this Costa Rican tea recipe becomes part of your regular kitchen rhythm—simple to make, satisfying to drink, and full of vibrant tropical flavor.
Cooking Notes & Nutritional Information
Flavor Tips and Customization
This Costa Rican tea recipe is as adaptable as it is flavorful. While the original version uses ripe pineapple, don’t hesitate to experiment with golden or even slightly underripe varieties for a tarter flavor. For a stronger ginger kick, slice it thicker or add a few extra pieces. Lemongrass is subtle but essential—if you can’t find fresh stalks, use dried lemongrass or a small amount of lemongrass tea bags as a substitute.
Want a spiced version? Try simmering a cinnamon stick or a few cloves along with the other ingredients. If you’re avoiding honey, agave nectar or pure maple syrup both work beautifully while keeping the flavor profile balanced.
When serving iced, pour the tea over crushed ice for a quick chill and a more intense mouthfeel. If serving warm, reheat gently over low heat and avoid boiling it again to preserve the delicate honey notes.
This recipe makes a great batch drink for gatherings. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot, then chill and serve in a dispenser or pitcher.
Nutritional Benefits
One of the best parts of this Costa Rican tea recipe is how naturally healthy it is. Pineapple delivers vitamin C, bromelain (a digestive enzyme), and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger is well known for soothing nausea and promoting gut health, while lemongrass contributes antioxidants and a light diuretic effect that may support detox.
Honey, when used in moderation, provides a touch of natural sugar along with antibacterial properties. Unlike store-bought teas, this recipe contains no artificial flavors, additives, or caffeine.
Here’s a general nutritional snapshot per serving:
Nutrient Information (Per 8 oz Serving)
Caffeine: 0 mg
Calories: 60–70
Sugar: 12–15 g
Vitamin C: >25% DV
Tips & Serving Suggestions
Serving Ideas for Any Occasion
This Costa Rican tea recipe is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for a wide range of occasions. Serve it warm in the morning as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee, or pour it over ice for a hydrating afternoon refresher. It pairs beautifully with light breakfasts like fresh fruit or avocado toast. For brunch, serve in glass pitchers with mint sprigs and pineapple wedges—your guests will love the vibrant look and tropical aroma.
If you’re entertaining outdoors, freeze some of the tea in ice cube trays. Use these flavored cubes instead of plain ones so your drink stays strong as it chills. For a spa-inspired twist, add thin cucumber slices and a splash of lime juice. It transforms from simple tea to a wellness mocktail in seconds.
And don’t forget, this recipe scales up well. Make a double batch and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once prepared, your Costa Rican tea can be stored in an airtight glass jar or pitcher in the refrigerator. It keeps best for 2 to 3 days. After that, the fruit flavors may begin to fade. If you plan to drink it hot later, reheat gently—never boil it again or the honey’s natural properties may degrade.
You can also prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop pineapple and ginger in bulk and freeze them in portioned bags. That way, when you’re ready to brew, just grab, drop, and simmer. It saves time and keeps things fresh.
With these tips, your Costa Rican tea recipe becomes more than a once-in-a-while treat—it’s a staple that fits easily into your weekly wellness routine.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
Serving Ideas for Any Occasion
This Costa Rican tea recipe is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for a wide range of occasions. Serve it warm in the morning as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee, or pour it over ice for a hydrating afternoon refresher. It pairs beautifully with light breakfasts like fresh fruit or avocado toast. For brunch, serve in glass pitchers with mint sprigs and pineapple wedges—your guests will love the vibrant look and tropical aroma.
If you’re entertaining outdoors, freeze some of the tea in ice cube trays. Use these flavored cubes instead of plain ones so your drink stays strong as it chills. For a spa-inspired twist, add thin cucumber slices and a splash of lime juice. It transforms from simple tea to a wellness mocktail in seconds.
And don’t forget, this recipe scales up well. Make a double batch and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once prepared, your Costa Rican tea can be stored in an airtight glass jar or pitcher in the refrigerator. It keeps best for 2 to 3 days. After that, the fruit flavors may begin to fade. If you plan to drink it hot later, reheat gently—never boil it again or the honey’s natural properties may degrade.
You can also prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop pineapple and ginger in bulk and freeze them in portioned bags. That way, when you’re ready to brew, just grab, drop, and simmer. It saves time and keeps things fresh.
With these tips, your Costa Rican tea recipe becomes more than a once-in-a-while treat—it’s a staple that fits easily into your weekly wellness routine.
Conclusion
The Costa Rican tea recipe provides a refreshing and natural way to enjoy a caffeine-free beverage that supports digestion and promotes well-being. Combining fresh pineapple, ginger, and lemongrass, this simple recipe brings tropical flavors straight to your cup. Whether you choose to enjoy this tea warm or chilled, the Costa Rican tea recipe fits effortlessly into any daily routine. While it complements a balanced diet and active lifestyle, it’s important to remember that no tea alone guarantees health. Give this Costa Rican tea recipe a try to experience a taste of tropical wellness at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costa Rican tea made of?
Costa Rican tea generally blends fresh tropical flavors such as pineapple, ginger root, and lemongrass. While some recipes add mint or citrus peel for extra aroma, the foundation is always a mix of fruit and herbs steeped in water, usually sweetened with honey sourced locally. It’s naturally caffeine-free and known for its light, refreshing taste and digestive benefits.
What tea burns fat at night?
Teas that may support fat burning at night include herbal blends like ginger tea, oolong tea, and green tea (if caffeine is tolerated). This Costa Rican tea recipe, made with pineapple and ginger, may gently support metabolism due to bromelain (in pineapple) and gingerol (in ginger), which aid digestion and reduce bloating.
What tea helps remove belly fat?
While no tea directly “removes” belly fat, certain ingredients may help support weight management. Ginger and lemongrass, both found in this Costa Rican tea recipe, can reduce inflammation and improve digestion. Paired with healthy eating and exercise, herbal teas can complement a belly fat reduction plan.
Do weight loss teas work?
Weight loss teas alone aren’t magic solutions. However, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, some herbal teas may support digestion, curb appetite, or reduce water retention. Natural ingredients like ginger, pineapple, and lemongrass—found in this Costa Rican tea recipe—offer gentle benefits without artificial additives or stimulants.