Name: Costa Rican Tea Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 3
Cuisine: Costa Rican
Ingredients: 4 cups water.; 2–3 oz tapa de dulce (or dark brown sugar/panela).; 2–3 black tea bags (or 2 tsp loose black tea).; 1 small cinnamon stick.; 1 tsp fresh lime juice (optional).; Lime wedges, for serving.

In Costa Rica, where green mountains roll into sunny coastlines and life flows with a laid-back “pura vida” spirit, there’s a simple drink that warms both the hands and the heart—Agua Dulce con Té, or Costa Rican Tea. More than just a beverage, this Costa Rican Tea Recipe, a cozy tradition passed down through generations, perfect for starting your day or taking a peaceful pause in the afternoon.

Made with tapa de dulce (raw sugarcane), black tea, and a touch of cinnamon, this tea is naturally sweet, earthy, and comforting. Whether enjoyed hot on a cool morning or chilled on a sunny afternoon, it’s a little taste of Costa Rican comfort in every cup.

Let’s bring this heartwarming tradition into your kitchen with an easy, delicious recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Table of Contents

How to Make Costa Rican Tea

Ready to make a cup of cozy, tropical goodness? Don’t worry, no fancy equipment or complicated steps here. Making Costa Rican Tea is as relaxing as sipping it. With just a few simple ingredients and a little simmering magic, you’ll create a warm, fragrant drink that tastes like a hug in a mug. Whether you’re a tea lover looking for something new or just in the mood for a soothing pick-me-up, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Let’s dive in and brew up something special!

Ingredients for Costa Rican Tea

4 cups water.
2–3 ounces tapa de dulce (or substitute with dark brown sugar or panel).
2-3 black tea bags (or loose black tea).
1 small cinnamon stick.
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice (optional).
Lime wedges, for serving.

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Base

Boil water in a medium saucepan.
Add the tapa de dulce and the cinnamon stick.
Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture turns rich and golden.

Brew the Tea

After the sugar has completely dissolved, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat source.
Next, add the black tea bags to the sweetened water, ensuring they are fully submerged. To help retain the heat and flavor, cover the saucepan with a lid.
Allow the tea to steep for about 5 minutes, but feel free to adjust the steeping time based on your personal preference for strength; a longer steep will yield a bolder flavor, while a shorter steep will create a milder brew. Once the desired flavor is achieved, you can proceed to remove the tea bags and enjoy your perfectly brewed cup of sweet black tea.

Add a Fresh Touch

To enhance the flavor of your beverage, start by removing the tea bags and cinnamon stick from your infusion. This step ensures that your drink is not overly steeped, allowing the flavors to remain balanced and enjoyable.
If you’re looking to add a refreshing twist, consider stirring in a teaspoon of fresh lime juice. This vibrant citrus addition brings a bright, zesty note that perfectly complements the warmth of the tea and cinnamon. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon or hosting a gathering, this simple enhancement will elevate your drink and make it even more delightful. Enjoy your perfectly crafted beverage!

Serve

Begin by carefully pouring the delicious Costa Rican tea into your favorite cups or mugs.
Add a vibrant lime wedge to each cup for an appealing burst of color and an extra layer of flavor.
Enjoy your Costa Rican tea hot for the best experience, and savor the unique flavors!

Tips for Making the Best Costa Rican Tea

Use tapa de dulce if possible: This traditional, unrefined sugar gives the tea an authentic and deep caramel flavour that you won’t get from regular sugar.
Adjust sweetness: Feel free to add more or less tapa de dulce depending on your preference for sweetness.
Experiment with spices: Add cloves or a nutmeg pinch for extra warmth and complexity.
Serve chilled: In warmer weather, let the tea cool and serve it over ice for a refreshing cold version.
Use fresh lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a perfect zesty balance to the rich and sweet tea.

What to Serve with Costa Rican Tea

Costa Rican tea pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods, including delicious pastries like empanadas de chiverre, which are jam-filled, and queque seco, a rich buttery pound cake.

A slice of toast: topped with jam or butter, especially when made with sourdough or local breads, makes for a delightful accompaniment to Costa Rican tea.
Gallos: Traditional Costa Rican snacks known as “gallos” are also great pairings; these small bites are often made with tortillas, beans, or cheese.
Banana bread, coconut cookies, or cinnamon rolls: For a comforting sweet pairing, consider enjoying banana bread, coconut cookies, or cinnamon rolls alongside your cup of Costa Rican tea.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet moment, these pairings enhance the tea’s cozy character.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you can’t find some of the traditional ingredients, don’t worry—here are some great alternatives:

Tapa de dulce: Substitute with dark brown sugar, panela, or muscovado sugar. These offer similar richness and caramel notes.
Black tea: If you don’t have English Breakfast or Ceylon, use Assam, Darjeeling, or even loose-leaf black tea.
Cinnamon stick: Ground cinnamon can work in a pinch—use about ¼ to ½ teaspoon.
Lime juice: Lemon juice can be used if lime is unavailable, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Costa Rican Tea Variations

Iced Costa Rican Tea: After brewing, chill the tea and serve over ice with a splash of lime juice.
Spiced Tea: Add extra cinnamon, cloves, or a star anise for a cozy spiced version.
Herbal Twist: Blend the tea with chamomile or mint for a relaxing herbal variation.
Stronger Brew: Steep the tea bags a little longer or use more tea bags if you prefer a more robust flavor.
Tropical Pineapple Costa Rican Tea: For a refreshing tropical twist, stir in a splash of fresh pineapple juice after brewing. Serve it chilled over ice for a fruity, vibrant take on traditional Costa Rican tea. This is a modern variation and especially popular on warmer days!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular brown sugar instead of tapa de dulce?

Yes! While tapa de dulce offers a deeper flavor, dark brown sugar or panela is a great substitute if you can’t find it.
Can I make Costa Rican tea ahead of time?

Absolutely. Brew a batch, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready, simply reheat or serve over ice.
What type of tea is best for this recipe?

Traditional Costa Rican tea uses strong black tea like English Breakfast or Ceylon, but any bold black tea will work.
How do I make it less sweet?

Simply reduce the amount of tapa de dulce to your taste. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rican Tea, or Agua Dulce con Té, is a simple yet soul-satisfying beverage that captures the essence of Costa Rica’s warm-hearted culture. With its natural sweetness, aromatic spices, and deep comforting notes, this tea is more than a recipe—it’s a sensory journey to a tropical paradise.

Whether you’re new to Latin American flavors or looking to recreate a beloved taste from a past trip, this tea invites you to pause, savor, and enjoy the little moments. It’s adaptable, easy to make, and always hits the right note—hot or cold, sweet or spiced.

So, gather your ingredients, put the kettle on, and get ready to fall in love with a mug of Costa Rican comfort. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—it might just become your new favorite ritual.

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