Agua de sapo is a refreshing drink from the Caribbean side of Costa Rica- and its name also happens to translate to “frog water.” Though its name sounds weird is actually a delightful and refreshing drink unique to Costa Rica.

The flavor of this drink is something akin to an iced sun tea with ginger added. It’s truly a unique drink. the ingredients are tapa de dulce (rounded sweetener made of browned sugar cane.), lime, and ginger. Boiled and strained and then left to cool, it’s a simple recipe.

Ingredients

• tapa de dulce, piloncillo o panela (sugar cane sugar or regular brown sugar)
• ginger
• water
• limes

You can omit the ginger if you like or add a little to your taste!

Instructions

• Place 2 liters of water and your tapa de dulce in a large saucepan or stockpot.
• Boil on medium heat until the tapa de dulce is dissolved, stirring occasionally.
• While the tapa de dulce is dissolving, peel and chop your ginger.
• Juice the limes.
• Once the tapa de dulce has melted, add the ginger and lime juice. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
• Strain the juice into a large container and add the other 2 liters of water.
• Place in the fridge until cold. Serve ice cold.

Substitutions

• You can substitute 2.5 cups of dark brown sugar for the tapa de dulce
• If you are in Costa Rica you will use “limones criollos” and in the US you will use just regular green lime or a key lime.

Ready to enjoy!