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Costa Rican Tea

A simple yet deeply comforting beverage that blends local herbs and spices with hot water to create something far more special than ordinary tea bags. This traditional Costa Rican tea delivers warmth, flavor, and authenticity without requiring any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 cups
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Costa Rican
Calories: 25
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups fresh water
  • 1 tablespoon dried lemongrass or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh, grated
  • 3 to 4 fresh mint leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 2 to 3 dried hibiscus flowers optional, adds tartness and color
  • 1 small cinnamon stick about 2 inches long
  • 1 whole clove
  • 1/2 teaspoon raw honey per cup optional, for sweetness
  • Pinch of sea salt optional, enhances flavor

Equipment

  • Kettle or small pot
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine mesh strainer or tea infuser
  • Two mugs or tea cups
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Cutting board (if using fresh herbs)
  • Small knife (if using fresh herbs)

Method
 

  1. Measure out 2 cups of fresh, cold water and pour it into your kettle.
  2. If using fresh herbs, roughly chop the lemongrass and ginger and tear the mint leaves by hand.
  3. Turn your kettle or stove to high heat and bring the water to a gentle boil, then turn the heat off.
  4. Add the lemongrass, ginger, mint, hibiscus flowers, cinnamon stick, and clove to your fine mesh strainer or tea infuser.
  5. Carefully pour the hot water over your prepared herbs in the infuser or strainer, making sure all the herbs get thoroughly wet.
  6. Let the tea steep undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your flavors.
  7. After 5 minutes, check the tea color and aroma. The liquid should have deepened to a warm golden or light amber color.
  8. Carefully lift the infuser or strainer out of the water and set it aside to drain completely.
  9. Pour the hot tea into two waiting mugs and let it cool for about 30 seconds.
  10. Stir in honey if you desire extra sweetness, and add a tiny pinch of sea salt to enhance all the flavors. Serve immediately.

Notes

Always taste your tea before adding honey, because the natural sweetness of the herbs and spices might be enough for your palate. Use the freshest dried herbs you can find and store them in airtight glass containers away from direct sunlight. This tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.