Drinks

Coffee — Costa Rica's Liquid Gold

Costa Rica produces exclusively Arabica coffee — by law, no other variety may be grown. The volcanic soils, the altitude (1,200–1,700 m), and the equatorial climate result in a mild, balanced flavor profile with chocolate and citrus notes. Costa Rican coffee consistently ranks among the best in the world.

Ironically, many Ticos themselves drink rather mediocre coffee — the best is exported. In tourist centers and specialty cafés, however, you'll find excellent coffee: Pour-over, Chemex, Cold Brew. The "Café chorreado" (filtered through a cloth filter, the Chorreador) is the traditional preparation method.

Imperial — The National Beer

The Imperial with its eagle logo is iconic: A light, refreshing lager that tastes best ice-cold from the bottle. The eagle is a national symbol, and "Una Imperial, por favor" is probably the most frequently spoken phrase in Costa Rican bars. Alternatives: Pilsen (a bit more bitter) and Bavaria (more full-bodied).

Guaro (Cacique)

Cacique Guaro is Costa Rica's national spirit: a sugarcane brandy, clear, mild, and with 30% alcohol, less harsh than it sounds. Only the hardy drink it straight — the standard is "Guaro con Fresa" (with strawberry syrup and lime) or the "Guaro Sour" (with lime juice and sugar). In bars, a shot costs 1,000–2,000 CRC (2–3 USD).

Fruit Juices (Jugos Naturales & Batidos)

The fruit juices in Costa Rica are legendary: freshly pressed from tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, cas (a sour local fruit), passion fruit, soursop, and tamarind. A "Batido" is a smoothie with milk or water. In every soda for 1,500–3,000 CRC (2.50–5 USD).

Agua de Pipa

Coconut water straight from the coconut — especially available at every corner on the Caribbean coast. The vendor chops the nut open with a machete, inserts a straw, and you drink the most refreshing beverage in the world. 500–1,000 CRC (1–2 USD).