Fruit has always meant more to me than food. It offers warmth, wellness, and a deep link to my heritage. As a child, I watched my grandmother stir pineapple, ginger, and lemongrass into a warm, golden tea. That scent still reminds me of home. Today, I make this Costa Rican tea with the same care. It’s simple, soothing, and naturally supportive for digestion and wellness. Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, this tea offers calm and a taste of tropical goodness in every sip.
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Costa Rican Tea for Weight Loss
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 cups
Description
Costa Rican tea is a naturally sweet herbal drink made with pineapple, ginger, lemongrass, and honey. It’s caffeine-free, easy to prepare, and great for digestion, relaxation, or cooling down on hot days.
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
1. Peel and chop a ripe pineapple into chunks, saving any juices.
2. In a large pot, add water, pineapple, ginger, and lemongrass.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the honey until fully dissolved.
5. Strain the tea to remove solids and let it cool slightly.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour if serving cold.
7. Serve over ice with mint or pineapple slices, or enjoy warm straight from the pot.
Notes
- This tea is naturally caffeine-free and suitable for all ages. You can adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey, and try cinnamon or lime for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Costa Rican
What Is Costa Rican Tea?
Costa Rican tea is a naturally sweet, herbal infusion made from tropical fruits and local botanicals. Most versions combine ripe pineapple, fresh ginger, and lemongrass ingredients cherished across Central America for their flavor and wellness properties. While some blends add cinnamon or citrus, the classic recipe stays simple and vibrant.
Traditionally brewed at home, this tea has roots in folk remedies passed down through generations. Families drink it to soothe digestion, reduce bloating, and warm the body during rainy months. It’s not uncommon to find a pot simmering gently in rural kitchens, especially when someone’s feeling under the weather.
Unlike processed teas, Costa Rican tea uses whole ingredients. The result is a warm, golden tea that delights both the senses and the body. You can enjoy it hot for comfort, or serve it over ice for a refreshing tropical twist.
Costa Rican Tea Overview & Ingredients
| About Costa Rican Tea | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| A naturally sweet, herbal infusion from Costa Rica, blending fruit and healing herbs. | 1 ripe pineapple, peeled and chopped |
| Traditionally made with pineapple, ginger, and lemongrass for taste and wellness. | 1-inch fresh ginger root, thinly sliced |
| Rooted in folk remedies, used to soothe digestion and boost immunity. | 2 stalks lemongrass, lightly crushed |
| Often simmered at home, served hot or iced, and known for reducing bloating. | 3-4 tbsp Costa Rican honey (or any high-quality honey) |
| Uses whole, fresh ingredients – never processed – to create a radiant, fragrant brew. | 6 cups water |
| Known for its golden color, tropical flavor, and calming effects. | Ice cubes (for serving cold) |
| Easy to adapt with mint or fruit garnishes for extra refreshment. | Optional: Mint sprigs and pineapple slices for garnish |
How to Make Costa Rican Tea
Preparing Costa Rican tea is a soothing process that blends fresh ingredients into something both healing and delicious. Here’s how to make a cup of sunshine that tastes like the tropics:
- Chop the Pineapple
First, peel and dice a ripe pineapple into small chunks. As you cut, be sure to catch any juices—they’ll enhance the tea’s sweetness naturally. - Combine and Simmer
Pour six cups of water into a big pot to get things started. Then, add the chopped pineapple, sliced ginger, and gently crushed lemongrass stalks. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tea turns a deep golden color and smells delightfully aromatic. - Sweeten with Honey
After simmering, remove the pan from heat. While the tea is still warm, stir in three to four tablespoons of Costa Rican honey. Stir thoroughly so the honey dissolves completely. - Strain and Cool
Go ahead and strain out the bits using a fine mesh sieve so you’re left with just the liquid. Let it cool for a few minutes. If you’re planning to serve it cold, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least an hour. - Serve Your Way
Finally, choose your style. For a refreshing iced tea, pour the chilled tea over ice and garnish with mint or pineapple slices. On the other hand, if you prefer something cozy, simply pour the warm tea into a mug and enjoy immediately.
Because this tea is caffeine-free and naturally hydrating, it fits perfectly into any part of your day—whether you’re winding down or looking for a light energy boost.
Health Benefits of Costa Rican Tea
Costa Rican tea isn’t just tasty, it’s loaded with natural benefits, thanks to the fresh ingredients used in every batch. Let’s take a look at what each ingredient adds to your brew:
Pineapple: A Natural Digestive Aid
Pineapple is rich in bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down protein and support digestion. That’s why this fruit is often used to ease bloating and reduce inflammation. Plus, it’s naturally sweet, so your tea stays delicious without added sugar.
Ginger: Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory
Ginger is well known for calming the stomach, but it does much more. It can help reduce nausea, improve circulation, and relieve muscle soreness. It’s also one of the key ingredients in our lemon ginger detox water, which works beautifully alongside this tea.
Lemongrass: Refreshing and Cleansing
People have used lemongrass for generations to help clean out the body and fight off germs naturally. It also adds a crisp, citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness of pineapple and honey. Many drink it for its light diuretic effect and calming scent.
Honey: Natural Energy and Immunity
Not only does honey sweeten the tea, but it also brings antibacterial and antioxidant properties. A spoonful adds natural energy and supports the immune system especially when you’re feeling run down. If you can find Costa Rican honey, even better; it adds authentic depth to the flavor.
Ingredient Spotlight: Why These Work So Well
Each ingredient in Costa Rican tea isn’t just there for flavor—it plays a specific role in how this tea supports your body. Below is a simple breakdown of what each one does:
| Ingredient | Main Benefit | Extra Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Pineapple | Supports digestion with enzymes like bromelain | Reduces inflammation and adds natural sweetness |
| Ginger | Soothes nausea and promotes circulation | Helps detox the body and eases sore muscles |
| Lemongrass | Aids in cleansing and has natural antibacterial traits | Brightens flavor and acts as a light natural diuretic |
| Costa Rican Honey | Boosts immunity and energy | Adds antioxidants and balances the tea’s flavor |
| Water | Keeps the body hydrated and helps absorption | Carries nutrients and makes the tea refreshing |
| Mint (Optional) | Refreshes breath and supports digestion | Adds cooling aroma and visual appeal |
This tea brings together tropical fruit, warming roots, and herbal brightness in a way that feels good and tastes even better.
Serving Tips: Hot or Iced, You Choose
One of the best things about Costa Rican tea is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooling off after a sunny walk or cozying up with a warm mug, this tea fits the moment.
To Serve It Cold
Once your tea has chilled in the fridge for at least an hour, pour it over ice for a crisp, refreshing drink. It’s perfect on warm afternoons or as a tropical pick-me-up. Want to take it up a notch? Add a few mint leaves or a pineapple slice to each glass for an extra burst of flavor and color just like we do in our cranberry pineapple juice for a naturally sweet finish.
To Serve It Warm
Prefer something soothing? Just skip the ice and pour the freshly brewed tea straight into your favorite cup. It’s ideal in the morning or as a relaxing evening sip especially when you’re looking for something calming that won’t keep you up at night.
Bonus Tip
This tea also works great in a thermos or glass bottle if you want to bring a healthy drink on the go. Because it’s caffeine-free, it’s gentle enough for kids and won’t interfere with sleep.
No matter how you serve it, Costa Rican tea delivers a flavorful pause that’s both nourishing and easy to enjoy.
FAQs About Costa Rican Tea
Costa Rican tea typically includes fresh pineapple, ginger root, lemongrass, and honey. These ingredients are simmered together in water to create a naturally sweet, caffeine-free herbal drink. Some versions also include mint or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Herbal teas with ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and pineapple -like Costa Rican tea- may help support weight loss by boosting digestion and reducing bloating. While no tea can target belly fat alone, drinking it regularly alongside a healthy lifestyle may support your goals.
Some weight loss teas can aid digestion, reduce water retention, or slightly boost metabolism. However, they’re not miracle solutions. Natural blends like Costa Rican tea support wellness, especially when combined with balanced meals and movement.
Costa Rican cacao tea is made from roasted cacao husks steeped in hot water. It’s rich, chocolatey, and often enjoyed with cinnamon or a splash of milk. Though different from pineapple-based tea, it’s another traditional Costa Rican favorite.
Final Thoughts: A Tea That Heals and Connects
Costa Rican tea is more than just a recipe it’s a ritual. Starting with that first cut of pineapple and ending with the last sip, it brings a quiet moment of peace. Whether you drink it warm in the quiet of morning or iced in the afternoon sun, this tea invites you to slow down and reconnect with yourself, your health, and the beauty of simple things.
To me, it’s a reminder of cozy kitchens, laughter with loved ones, and the simple magic of real ingredients. I hope this tea becomes a part of your story too bringing comfort, clarity, and a little tropical joy with every cup.
