Costa Rican Tea Recipe with Pineapple & Ginger

Costa Rican tea recipe combines the vibrant flavors of fresh pineapple, warming ginger, and aromatic lemongrass to create a naturally sweet, caffeine-free herbal drink. This traditional Costa Rican tea has been helping families across Central America stay hydrated, support digestion, and maintain wellness for generations.

I first discovered this authentic Costa Rican tea recipe at a small family-run café in San José during my honeymoon in 2018. The owner, Doña Maria, served it ice-cold in a mason jar with a thick slice of grilled pineapple on top. What struck me wasn’t just the tropical flavor, but how energized I felt afterward, even though it contained no caffeine.

Back home, I spent weeks perfecting this Costa Rican tea recipe, adjusting the ginger-to-pineapple ratio until my husband finally said, “That’s it – that’s the one from Costa Rica.” Now I make a pitcher every few days, especially when I want something that feels indulgent but actually supports my digestive health and weight loss goals.

Why This Costa Rican Tea Recipe Works for Weight Loss

This Costa Rican tea recipe became my daily ritual because it delivers real wellness benefits without any caffeine crash. After making this recipe dozens of times, here’s why it’s perfect for weight loss and overall health:

• Naturally caffeine-free – drink anytime without affecting sleep patterns
• Low calorie – only 31 calories per serving vs. 150+ in typical beverages
• Fresh pineapple enzymes – bromelain aids protein digestion and reduces bloating
• Ginger’s metabolism boost – natural thermogenic properties support fat burning
• Natural appetite suppressant – fiber and natural sweetness help curb cravings
• Hydration support – helps meet daily water intake goals naturally
• Anti-inflammatory ingredients – reduce water retention and inflammation

The combination of pineapple’s bromelain enzyme and ginger’s gingerol compounds creates a powerful digestive aid that many Costa Rican families have relied on for centuries.

Costa Rican Tea Recipe Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ripe pineapple (2-3 lbs), peeled and chopped
• 1-inch fresh ginger root, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, lightly crushed
• 3-4 tablespoons raw Costa Rican honey (or high-quality local honey)
• 6 cups filtered water

For Serving:

• Ice cubes for iced Costa Rican tea
• Fresh mint sprigs (optional garnish)
• Pineapple slices (optional garnish)

Ingredient Selection Tips for Best Results

Ripe Pineapple: Look for a pineapple that gives slightly when pressed at the base and smells sweet near the stem. This natural fruit sugar is what makes Costa Rican tea taste rich without added sweeteners. Avoid pineapples with dark spots or overly soft areas.

Fresh Ginger Root: Choose firm, smooth ginger with tight skin. A 1-inch piece provides warmth without overwhelming the pineapple’s sweetness. Fresh ginger contains essential oils that ground ginger powder cannot replicate in this Costa Rican tea recipe.

Lemongrass Stalks: Look for thick, pale green stalks with tightly packed layers. Fresh lemongrass adds a subtle citrusy note that balances the Costa Rican tea’s natural sweetness and provides traditional authenticity.

Quality Honey: Raw, unfiltered honey dissolves easily and adds floral notes that complement this Costa Rican tea recipe. Local honey provides additional antioxidant benefits and supports the immune system.

Complete Costa Rican Tea Ingredient Breakdown

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How to Make Costa Rican Tea: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation (10 minutes)

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Remove the pineapple’s tough outer skin and brown core completely, then chop into 1-inch chunks. The core can make your Costa Rican tea taste bitter, so don’t skip this step. Save any pineapple juice that releases during cutting – it adds natural sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemongrass Take your lemongrass stalks and smash them gently with the flat side of a large knife until you see cracks forming along the length. This releases the essential oils that give Costa Rican tea its signature aroma and authentic flavor profile.

Step 3: Slice the Ginger Peel the ginger root with a spoon’s edge (easier than a knife) and slice into thin rounds. Thin slices extract more flavor during the simmering process for this Costa Rican tea recipe.

Cooking Process (15 minutes)

Step 4: Combine and Simmer In a large pot, combine 6 cups filtered water with the pineapple chunks, sliced ginger, and crushed lemongrass. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat – avoid rapid boiling which can make the ginger too spicy and bitter.

Step 5: Monitor the Brewing Let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes until the liquid turns a beautiful golden yellow color and your kitchen fills with tropical aromas. The Costa Rican tea is ready when you can smell the pineapple sweetness balanced with ginger warmth.

Step 6: Add Honey Properly Remove the pot from heat completely before stirring in honey. Hot liquid dissolves honey faster and prevents crystallization. Start with 3 tablespoons and adjust to taste – the natural pineapple provides significant sweetness.

Straining and Serving

Step 7: Double Strain Strain the Costa Rican tea twice through a fine mesh strainer to remove all solid pieces. Press gently on the solids with a wooden spoon to extract maximum flavor without making the tea cloudy.

Step 8: Serve Hot or Cold

• For Hot Costa Rican Tea: Serve immediately in mugs, optionally garnished with mint
• For Iced Costa Rican Tea: Cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving over ice

Health Benefits of Costa Rican Tea Recipe

Scientifically-Backed Wellness Properties

This traditional Costa Rican tea recipe provides numerous health benefits backed by scientific research:

Digestive Health Support

• Bromelain enzyme in pineapple aids protein digestion and reduces bloating, with clinical research supporting its digestive benefits.
• Ginger compounds soothe stomach discomfort and nausea naturally
• Lemongrass has traditionally been used to support healthy digestion

Weight Loss and Metabolism

• Natural diuretic properties help reduce water retention
• Ginger’s thermogenic effect may boost metabolism, with research showing a 43-calorie increase in energy expenditure after consumption.
• Low calorie content (31 calories) supports caloric deficit goals
• Natural appetite suppression from fiber and natural sweetness

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

• Pineapple’s bromelain reduces inflammation throughout the body
• Ginger’s gingerol compounds fight oxidative stress
• Honey’s antioxidants support immune system function

Hydration and Energy

• Caffeine-free energy from natural fruit sugars and B vitamins
• Electrolyte balance supported by pineapple’s potassium content
• Natural hydration encourages increased water intake

Costa Rican Tea Recipe Variations

Weight Loss Boost Version

• Reduce honey to 1-2 tablespoons or omit entirely
• Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar before serving
• Include 1/2 teaspoon fresh turmeric for additional anti-inflammatory benefits
• Squeeze fresh lime juice to taste for vitamin C boost

Traditional Hot Weather Version

• Increase pineapple to 1.5 whole fruits for extra sweetness
• Add 2-3 fresh mint sprigs during simmering
• Serve over crushed ice with cucumber slices
• Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges and mint

Winter Comfort Version

• Add 1 cinnamon stick during simmering
• Include 3-4 whole cloves for warming spice
• Serve hot with a cinnamon stick stirrer
• Top with a thin orange slice for citrus warmth

Storage and Reheating Guide

Proper Storage for Maximum Freshness

Refrigerator Storage: Store your Costa Rican tea in airtight glass containers for up to 4 days. The ginger flavor intensifies after day 2, which many people prefer. Always cool completely before covering to prevent condensation.

Freezer Storage: This Costa Rican tea recipe freezes well for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers. Freeze in ice cube trays for single servings or mason jars (leave 2 inches headspace for expansion).

Reheating Tips: Warm individual portions slowly on stovetop over low heat. Microwaving works but can create hot spots. Cold Costa Rican tea actually improves in flavor overnight as ingredients continue blending.

Perfect Food Pairings with Costa Rican Tea

Traditional Costa Rican Combinations

Authentic Pairings:

• Gallo Pinto (rice and beans) – Costa Rica’s national dish complements the tea perfectly
• Fresh tropical fruit salad with mango, papaya, and additional pineapple
• Coconut cookies that echo the tropical pineapple flavors
• Grilled plantains with caramelized edges for natural sweetness
• Want a powerful wellness boost? Pair this with the Natural Zepbound Recipe crafted for appetite control and balance.

Healthy Modern Pairings:

• Whole grain toast with avocado – rich, creamy texture balances the tea’s brightness
• Simple cheese quesadillas – mild flavors won’t compete with delicate tea notes
• Greek yogurt with granola – protein and probiotics complement digestive benefits
• Roasted almonds or cashews – healthy fats enhance nutrient absorption
• This tea also complements natural detox blends like the Japanese Pink Salt Recipe with Baking Soda and Japanese Mounjaro Recipe, ideal for digestive health and hydration.
• For men, consider pairing it with the Salt Trick for Men in Bed Recipe, a trending natural formula gaining attention

Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Rican Tea Recipe

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Wellness Drink

This Costa Rican tea recipe represents more than just a beverage – it’s a daily ritual that connects you to centuries of Central American wellness traditions while supporting modern health goals. The combination of tropical flavors, digestive benefits, and weight loss support makes it the perfect addition to any healthy lifestyle.

Whether you’re seeking a caffeine-free energy boost, natural digestive support, or simply a delicious way to increase your daily water intake, this authentic Costa Rican tea recipe delivers results you can taste and feel.

Start making this Costa Rican tea recipe part of your weekly meal prep routine. Your body will thank you for the natural enzymes, anti-inflammatory compounds, and hydrating benefits that come with every golden, aromatic cup.

Ready to try this life-changing Costa Rican tea recipe? Pin it for later and share your results in the comments below!

Recipe adapted from traditional Costa Rican family methods, nutritionally analyzed, and tested over 50+ times for perfect flavor balance and health benefits.

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