3 Traditional Costa Rican Drinks You Can Make with Cacao

In Costa Rica, cacao is a tradition. Families and communities have gathered to prepare cacao drinks that warm the heart, celebrate special occasions, and connect people to the land. At Blue Valley Chocolate, we honor these traditions by sharing recipes that are simple, delicious, and true to their roots.

Here are three traditional Costa Rican drinks you can make with cacao at home.

1. Hot Drinking Cacao (Chocolate Caliente)

This is the classic way Costa Ricans enjoy cacao. Unlike sugary hot chocolate, this version highlights the richness of pure cacao while keeping sweetness balanced.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk or water

• 3 tablespoons of Blue Valley cacao paste or powder

• 2 tablespoons of sugar cane (tapa de dulce or raw sugar)

• A pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk or water in a pot until steaming.

2. Whisk in the cacao paste or powder until smooth.

3. Add sugar cane and cinnamon to taste.

4. Whisk vigorously until frothy. Serve hot.

This drink is perfect for mornings, cool evenings, or holiday gatherings.

2. Cacao with Corn (Chorote)

Chorote is a traditional drink enjoyed in Guanacaste and other regions. It blends ground cacao with corn, making it both nourishing and filling.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water

• 3 tablespoons of ground cacao paste

• 3 tablespoons of ground corn or cornmeal

• Sugar cane or honey to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the ground corn with water in a pot to make a smooth base.

2. Add cacao paste and whisk until it blends.

3. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring often.

4. Sweeten with sugar cane or honey before serving.

This drink is hearty, slightly thick, and deeply tied to Indigenous traditions of mixing cacao with corn as a source of strength.

3. Cold Cacao Fresco

On a hot Guanacaste afternoon, nothing refreshes like a cold cacao drink. This recipe uses the same roots as a traditional hot drink but is chilled for a cool twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water or milk

• 3 tablespoons of cacao powder

• 2 tablespoons of raw sugar or honey

• Ice cubes

• Optional: a splash of vanilla or a pinch of chili for spice

Instructions:

1. Blend cacao, water or milk, and sweetener until smooth.

2. Pour over ice cubes.

3. Add vanilla or chili for an extra kick.

It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect way to enjoy cacao in Costa Rica’s tropical climate.

These three drinks: warm drinking cacao, hearty chorote, and refreshing cacao fresco, show how versatile cacao is in Costa Rican tradition. Each one carries a piece of history, from Indigenous roots to family recipes passed down through generations.

At Blue Valley Chocolate, we love sharing these traditions with visitors. Whether you’re sitting under a cacao tree on our farm or recreating the recipes in your own kitchen, these drinks bring the taste of Costa Rica straight to your cup.