Costa Rican Tea Recipe for Weight Loss

Costa Rican tea is a refreshing herbal drink known for its bright, tropical-inspired flavors and gentle digestive support , perfect for those looking for a tasty, low-calorie beverage that fits into a weight loss plan. While it’s not a magic solution, this light and aromatic tea can help reduce bloating, keep you hydrated, and give your taste buds a little vacation from sugary drinks. Best of all? You can make it right at home with simple, affordable ingredients.

What is Costa Rican Tea?

Why is it called Costa Rican tea? Is there a secret rainforest herb hidden in every cup? Not exactly. The name comes from its tropical flavor profile — think zesty citrus, warm cinnamon, and a spicy touch of ginger, flavors often associated with Costa Rica’s sunny vibe.

Picture this: you’re in a family kitchen, someone’s brewing a fragrant pot, and your aunt laughs, saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” She serves you a steaming cup that smells like a vacation… and the name sticks. That’s the charm of this tea — it’s more about the feeling than the geography.

Ready to bring those sunny vibes to your own kitchen? Let’s make it together.

Why You’ll Love This Costa Rican Tea

There are three reasons this recipe might just become your go-to brew:

1. Flavorful and refreshing – Bright lemon, cozy cinnamon, and lively ginger come together in a perfect balance.
2. Budget-friendly – Making it at home is far cheaper than buying bottled teas or fancy detox blends.
3. Customizable – Add lemon slices, apple cider vinegar, or a hint of honey to match your taste.

If you’re curious about other flavorful brews, check out our Tea Concentrate recipe for a stronger, more robust version.

Key Ingredients for Costa Rican Tea

• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• 2 tsp loose green tea leaves OR 2 green tea bags (use black tea for a stronger flavor)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced or grated
• 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
• Zest of 1 small lemon (or 1 tsp dried lemon peel)
• 1 tsp fennel seeds OR a handful of fresh mint leaves (optional)
• 1–2 tsp honey, maple syrup, or stevia (optional)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, added after steeping)

How to Make Costa Rican Tea

This tea is easy: simmer spices, add tea to steep, strain, and enjoy. Total time? Around 20 minutes — quick enough for a mid-morning pick-me-up or evening wind-down.

Costa Rican Tea

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

• Author: Ruthie Miller
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 cups 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A refreshing and aromatic Costa Rican tea made with lemon, cinnamon, and ginger, perfect for a budget-friendly and customizable brew.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (1 liter) water
• 2 tsp loose green tea leaves OR 2 green tea bags (use black tea for a stronger flavor)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced or grated
• 1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
• Zest of 1 small lemon (or 1 tsp dried lemon peel)
• 1 tsp fennel seeds OR a handful of fresh mint leaves (optional)
• 1–2 tsp honey, maple syrup, or stevia (optional)
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, added after steeping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil.
2. Add ginger, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Lower heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, add green or black tea, cover, and steep for 4–6 minutes.
4. Optional: Add fennel seeds or mint leaves for extra flavor.
5. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a teapot or pitcher.
6. Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, or stevia if desired.
7. Stir in apple cider vinegar if using.
8. Serve hot or iced, garnished with lemon or fresh mint.

Notes

Adjust steeping time for stronger or lighter tea. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy, metabolism-friendly twist.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Costa Rican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 10
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

What to Serve Costa Rican Tea With

This light tea pairs well with healthy snacks and small meals, like:

• Avocado toast with whole-grain bread
• Greek yogurt with chia seeds and berries
• A crisp Purple Peel smoothie for an antioxidant boost
• A square of dark chocolate for an indulgent but healthy treat

Health Benefits of Costa Rican Tea

Costa Rican tea isn’t just delicious — it’s a powerhouse of natural goodness. The blend of green tea, ginger, cinnamon, and lemon zest offers a range of health perks:

• Supports digestion – Ginger and lemon help soothe the stomach and reduce bloating.
• Boosts metabolism – Green tea is known for its mild metabolism-enhancing properties, which can assist in weight management.
• Rich in antioxidants – Protects cells from oxidative stress and promotes overall wellness.
• Hydration boost – A flavorful way to stay hydrated without added sugars.
• May aid weight loss – When paired with a balanced diet and active lifestyle, it can be a helpful addition to your daily routine.

If you’re curious about more details on how this tea supports weight loss, check out this Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss guide on Quora for additional insights.

Top Tips for Perfecting Costa Rican Tea

• Control caffeine – Use decaf tea if you want a soothing evening cup.
• Avoid bitterness – Don’t over-steep green tea; 4–6 minutes is plenty.
• Make ahead – Brew a big batch, refrigerate, and drink within 3–4 days.
• Experiment – Add turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits or pineapple slices for extra tropical sweetness.
• Budget hack – Buy spices in bulk to save money over time.

Want more creative beverage ideas? Try our Blue Salt Trick recipe or Bariatric Seed recipe for other healthy sips.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate – Store in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Shake before serving.
• Freeze – Make tea ice cubes for iced tea without watering it down.
• Reheat – Warm gently on the stove; avoid boiling to preserve delicate flavors.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rican tea is more than just a drink — it’s a mood lifter, a hydration helper, and a gentle digestive aid. Make it part of your daily routine alongside other healthy habits, and you’ll not only enjoy its flavor but also its subtle health benefits.

If you enjoy this recipe, explore our Coffee Loophole and Ice Water Hack for more weight-loss-friendly drinks. also you can find more here The Ultimate Wellness Drinks Guide: 15+ DIY Tonics, Weight Loss.

Follow us on Pinterest for daily kitchen inspiration or read our latest food stories on Medium.

FAQs