Burgundy & Loire • Aspen • Croatia • Ireland • Costa Rica • Kaua'i • Hong Kong
Burgundy & Loire • Aspen • Croatia • Ireland • Costa Rica • Kaua'i • Hong Kong
by Veronica Cervera
Although the name Agua de sapo or “Frog Water” might not sound very appealing, this refreshing beverage is delicious and especially perfect for hot summer days.
Similar to lemonade, Agua de sapo originated in Puerto Limón, a small port city situated on the east coast of Costa Rica, but the drink is now popular throughout the country. Best of all, the preparation is simple and quick!
Ingredients
2 liters of water
1 ginger root – about 100 grams – peeled and cut into small pieces
1 cup of lemon juice
4 oz of panela or unrefined whole sugar cane, broken into bits
NOTE: Panela can be found in most grocery stores or ordered online from Amazon or other gourmet specialty sources.
Preparation
Boil the water with the ginger and sugar, then drain through a colander.
Let the mixture sit. As the liquid cools, add ice and lemon juice.
Serve cold, garnished with a slice of lemon.
To spice up your Agua de sapo, add a jigger or two of rum. One of the most popular rums in Costa Rica,Flor De Caña, is actually made in Nicaragua. Flor De Caņa is renowned as one of the best rums in Latin America, having won more than 100 international awards since 2000 and has received high recommendations from wine and liquor enthusiasts.
The slowly-aged Flor de Caņa is a beautiful medium-dark shade of amber. It’s floral on the nose and slightly flowery upon initial taste, with vanilla and a hint of butterscotch — perfect for sipping or adding to a favorite drink.
Veronica Cervera enjoying another one of her culinary creations!
Veronica Cervera was originally from Cuba. Now based in Miami, she is an Account Executive for Santillana Publishing and, when she’s not reading, she spends hours cooking. Recently, she launched a blog called “Cocina al minuto con comida.”. A literal translation is “Cook Fast with Food,” which may not make sense initially, but the name originates from an old Cuban TV show.
Veronica explains: “The show featured a grandma who invented recipes every Sunday using strange combinations of whatever she could find at the grocery stores -- which in Cuba, typically had very little to offer. I always think of that show, now that I’m here in the States, cooking things that I never imagined I’d eat, reading the banned authors I always wanted to read, and traveling to faraway places I always dreamed of visiting. Life is delicious!”
