Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss—yep, that’s exactly what this is. And trust me, once you taste it, you’ll wonder where it’s been your whole life.
This isn’t just another herbal tea; it’s a blend rooted in traditional Costa Rican drinks known for their simplicity, natural goodness, and surprising benefits. We’re talking about a metabolism-boosting, hunger-curbing, bloat-fighting kind of tea that also happens to be super refreshing and low in calories. Just 31 per 8 oz serving, to be exact.
Let me break it down: this slimming tea combines tropical ingredients like pineapple, fresh mint, cinnamon, and turmeric. Add a Lemon Verbena tea bag into the mix and you’ve got a natural cleanse tea recipe that doesn’t taste like dirt. (You know what I’m talking about.)
I first stumbled across this idea while trying to cut back on my afternoon snacks—you know, the “I just need a little something before dinner” moment. Turns out, sipping this tea before meals helped me stop that mindless munching. Plus, it made me feel like I was doing something good for myself without making a big fuss. No powders, no pills, just whole ingredients that your grandma would recognize.
And hey, whether you’re trying to lose belly fat, boost your digestion, or just stay hydrated with something more exciting than plain water, this Costa Rican detox tea is gonna be your new kitchen sidekick.
Oh, and it works both hot and iced. So whatever the weather (or your mood), there’s always a reason to brew a batch.

Let’s get into it—because this tea practically makes itself, and your body is gonna thank you.
Jump to
Ingredients
This Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss brings together a powerhouse lineup of natural ingredients—each one chosen for its flavor and functional benefits. You probably already have most of them hanging out in your kitchen.
Core Ingredients:
- 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, sliced
→ This one’s a hero for digestion and inflammation. Plus, it gives the tea a gentle kick. - 1 thumb-sized piece fresh turmeric, sliced (or 1 tsp ground)
→ Known for its anti-inflammatory powers and bold color. It plays real nice with ginger. - 1 cinnamon stick
→ Naturally sweet, helps with blood sugar balance, and adds that cozy warmth. - 5–6 fresh mint leaves
→ Refreshing, soothing, and great for the gut. This is what keeps things light and breezy. - ½ cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
→ Enzymes, sweetness, and tropical flavor in every sip. - 2 cups water
- 1 Lemon Verbena tea bag
→ Great for digestion, and it gives the whole drink that citrusy zing.
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tsp raw honey – if you like things a bit sweeter
- 1 slice fresh lemon – brightens the flavor and supports fat burning
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar – totally optional, but it amps up metabolism support
Preparation Instructions
Alright, time to bring this Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss to life. Don’t worry—this is one of those “set it and forget it” types. No fancy equipment. No steep learning curves. Just a pot, a stove, and some good smells taking over your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Grab a medium-sized pot and pour in your 2 cups of water.
→ Cold tap water is fine. No need to overthink it. - Add all the core ingredients:
- Sliced ginger
- Turmeric (fresh or ground)
- Cinnamon stick
- Mint leaves
- Pineapple chunks
- Lemon Verbena tea bag
- Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
→ Not a rolling boil—just a calm bubble. You want the flavors to infuse, not evaporate. - Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered.
→ You’ll start smelling that warm ginger-cinnamon-pineapple blend… that’s the good stuff. - Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let steep for another 10 minutes.
→ This gives the tea time to mellow out and pull all the flavor from the herbs and fruit. - Strain the tea into a mug (if drinking now) or a jar (if storing for later).
→ If you’re adding apple cider vinegar or honey, stir it in while the tea’s still warm—but not boiling hot. - Serve warm, or let it cool and pour over ice for a refreshing detox tea.
Boom. You just made your own Costa Rican slimming tea—fresh, natural, and full of flavor.

Weight Loss Costa Rican Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
This Costa Rican Tea is great for boosting weight loss and curbing hunger. With just 31 calories per serving, you can enjoy it hot or cold. Includes optional fat-burning add-ins like apple cider vinegar and lemon slices for even more benefits.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
- ½ tablespoon fresh turmeric (or 1/2 teaspoon ground)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ⅓ cup pineapple
- 1 cup water
- 1 Lemon Verbena tea bag (tag removed)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Optional: 1 lemon slice
- Optional: honey to taste
Instructions
- To a medium pot, add the ginger, turmeric, mint, pineapple, water, and tea bag.
- Bring to a simmer on low heat, then remove from the heat and cover.
- Allow to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain into a mug and add any optional ingredients (vinegar, lemon, or honey).
- Serve hot, or chill in the fridge and pour over ice.
Notes
Drink 1–3 times a day before meals. Pre-make and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Great both hot and iced. Add lemon and apple cider vinegar for extra fat-burning support.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8oz
- Calories: 31
- Sugar: 4.9g
- Sodium: 4mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7.7g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg


Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss isn’t just a one-time treat—it’s perfect for meal prepping and keeping on hand for your weekly wellness routine.
How to Meal Prep It:
- Make a big batch. Just double or triple the recipe depending on your pot size.
- Store in a sealed jar or bottle in the fridge.
- Keeps for up to 2 days refrigerated without losing flavor or potency.
It’s one of those low-maintenance drinks you can toss in your bag for work or pour over ice for a chill afternoon pick-me-up. Seriously—wake up, grab a jar, and go. No mess, no excuses.
Serving Ideas:
- Drink 1 to 3 times per day, before meals—this helps curb hunger and supports digestion.
- Pour it over ice with extra mint and pineapple for a tropical vibe.
- Heat it gently in the microwave or stovetop if you prefer sipping it warm before bed.
Pair it with your favorite light meals or check out these low-calorie detox drinks with cucumber and lime for even more options to mix up your routine.
If you love having healthy stuff prepped and ready, this tea’s a total win. Tastes great, travels well, and feels like a treat every time you drink it.
Nutrition Facts (Per 8 oz Serving)
Let’s break it down—because healthy should also mean you know what you’re putting into your body. One serving of this refreshing Costa Rican detox tea is light, clean, and totally guilt-free.
Per Serving (8 oz):
- Calories: 31 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7.7g
- Protein: 0.7g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 4.9g
Micronutrients:
- Potassium: 111mg
- Calcium: 29mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Sodium: 4mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This tea is a smart swap for sugary drinks and way more flavorful than plain water. Plus, you’re getting digestive support from ginger, anti-inflammatory perks from turmeric, and natural enzymes from pineapple—all in one low-calorie glass.
It’s a great way to sneak more functional nutrition into your day without needing to chug bitter-tasting diet teas or mystery supplements.
Jake’s Kitchen Notes
Alright, here’s where we get personal. I’ve been sipping this Costa Rican slimming tea for a few weeks now, and let me tell you—it’s become my go-to before meals. Not only does it actually help me curb those “I could eat a whole pizza right now” urges, but it also just feels… soothing. You know?
When to Drink It:
- 1 to 3 times a day, ideally before meals.
- Morning? Perfect. It gives your metabolism a little wake-up call.
- Midday? Keeps you from raiding the pantry.
- Evening? Helps with digestion and settles the stomach before bed.
Easy Customization Ideas:
- Want a fat-burning boost? Add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar—especially good before dinner.
- Like it tart? Drop in a slice of lemon.
- Need something sweet? Go for a little raw honey or even a splash of stevia.
You can also try switching the Lemon Verbena bag for chamomile or lemon balm tea for variety. Speaking of which, check out this lemon balm tea as a slimming herbal remedy if you want a cozy variation.
Oh, and pro tip: If you love morning rituals, pair this tea with a glass of Japanese lemon-ginger water for detox to really start your day with purpose.
This isn’t just a drink—it’s a little wellness moment you can have anytime, without needing a whole routine. Trust me, it makes a difference.
Related recipes
Looking to mix things up or dive deeper into your weight loss tea journey? Here are some reader favorites and helpful links that pair perfectly with this Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss:
- Curious about the power of ginger? Read more about the benefits of ginger tea for weight loss.
- Want a vibrant alternative? Try this refreshing hibiscus tea detox option.
- Add minerals to your routine with using Himalayan pink salt for weight management.
- Looking for a lemony herbal variation? Here’s a cozy lemon balm tea as a slimming herbal remedy.
- Pair this tea with a glass of Japanese lemon-ginger water for detox.
- Try this super popular ice water weight loss hack.
- Or explore more hydration options with hydrating lemon mint cucumber water recipe.
These are just a few of the tools and recipes we love over at Virile Recipes to keep things flavorful and functional in the kitchen.
Costa Rican Herbal Tea Culture & Variations
The beauty of this Costa Rican tea recipe for weight loss is that it’s more than just a trendy detox drink—it’s inspired by generations of herbal traditions passed down in Costa Rican kitchens.
In Costa Rica, tea isn’t always just “tea.” It’s agua de hierbas—herbal water brewed with fresh roots, leaves, and spices. These infusions are part of everyday life. Grandma might hand you a warm cup after a big meal to help digestion, or you might find street vendors selling iced herbal blends during hot afternoons. There’s a rhythm to it, and a lot of heart.
Traditional Costa Rican Drinks Meet Wellness
Many of the ingredients in this recipe—ginger, cinnamon, mint, and pineapple—are common in traditional Costa Rican drinks. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also serve a purpose:
- Ginger and turmeric help fight inflammation and settle the stomach.
- Mint and pineapple are refreshing and support digestion.
- Lemon Verbena has calming properties and is known for aiding sleep and bloating relief.
- Cinnamon adds warmth and helps balance blood sugar.
You’ll find versions of this Costa Rican herbal tea being used as a natural fat-burning tea or slimming tea, especially when enjoyed before meals. It’s not about extremes or crash diets—it’s about balance and mindful choices.
Fun Variations to Try at Home:
- Swap pineapple for papaya for an enzyme-rich twist.
- Use lemongrass or hibiscus instead of lemon verbena for a tropical tang.
- Add star anise or cloves for a spiced-up version that’s perfect in cooler months.
- Serve it over crushed ice with a slice of orange or a splash of lime for that “vacation-in-a-glass” vibe.
If you’re craving more exotic sips, check out this popular fat-burning drink ingredients explained guide—it’s full of ideas to customize your brew with ingredients from around the world.
This tea isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about enjoying the journey, one cup at a time.
FAQS
Yep, you sure can. In fact, sipping this 1 to 3 times daily—especially before meals—can help curb cravings, support digestion, and keep your hydration levels up.
The ingredients are gentle and natural, but if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications, it’s always best to check with your doctor first. For seniors, this is a great way to stay hydrated and support joint health—just be mindful of the cinnamon if you’re watching your blood sugar closely.
No problem. You can swap it with chamomile, lemon balm, or even plain green tea. Each brings its own vibe. Bonus: this lemon balm tea as a slimming herbal remedy is a great alternative.
Honestly? Whichever you like. In cooler months, warm it up and sip it slowly. On hot days, pour it over ice and garnish with fresh mint or pineapple. Either way, you’re winning.
Yes—when used consistently and before meals, this tea can support natural fat-burning, reduce bloating, and help curb hunger. Combine it with healthy meals and movement, and it becomes part of a really doable routine.
For more creative baking inspiration and marketing ideas, explore the Pinterest or connect with us on Facebook.