We recently spent a vacation in the tropical climate of Costa Rica. Our stay at the Arenal Observatory Lodge provided the best view of the Arenal Volcano. Our room overlooked the volcano, and until the clouds settled in and totally obscured the volcano we didn't realize how fortunate we were to see the volcano in its entirety. Later in our journey, we happened upon some locals that told us they've been to visit the volcano 6 times and have only seen it once.
Why didn't I snap more pictures on the day it was in full view!
When I asked our guide what is considered a typical drink of Costa Rica, he mentioned Agua Dulce. Costa Rica is known for its coffee, not its tea. Fortunately, we were able to sample Agua Dulce on two different occasions. Sweet Water is the translation, and indeed it is! It is always served hot, made with boiling water and unrefined unbleached whole sugar cane. It looks like brown sugar but smells like molasses. We can imitate the drink by mixing 2 c. boiling water with 3 Tbsp. of the darkest brown sugar available. Stir until the brown sugar is dissolved. Serve with a touch of fresh lemon juice.
In San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, we were served Agua Dulce that also had a frothy topping of milk. Warm and very sweet, the milk added another dimension to this flavorful drink. According to Google, it is a popular campesinos drink, and provided necessary energy for field workers.
Oh, I would have tried this too! So glad you did!
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds just wonderful and glad you saw the volcano in it's entirety. Agua Dulce sounds like a drink I would want to try and rather yummy. It looks so good with all that froth.
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