St Lucia Cocoa Tea
Saint Lucia Cocoa Tea is a traditional beverage enjoyed across the island, often served as a breakfast drink or during special occasions. This rich, spiced drink is made with locally produced cocoa sticks, fresh spices and often milk, creating a comforting and flavorful tea with a deep chocolate taste. Cocoa tea is a beloved part of Saint Lucian culture, often prepared with care and steeped in history, evoking warmth and home.
Saint Lucia Cocoa Tea is not meant to be overly thick like a hot chocolate and recipes for cocoa tea can vary. This recipe is from our neighbor and hits all the spots taste wise for us. We didn’t even need any milk or sugar for this recipe and just enjoyed the spiced cocoa flavors by itself. But feel free to adjust these to your own taste. I was surprised at the use of lime zest but it works well with the other spices.
Cocoa Tea Origins
Saint Lucian Cocoa Tea has its roots in the island’s long history of cacao cultivation, which dates back to the colonial period. Cacao was introduced to the Caribbean by the Spanish in the early 16th century, and it quickly became a major crop. Saint Lucia, with its fertile volcanic soil, was ideal for growing cacao, and it became a key producer during the colonial era. The island’s locals, particularly enslaved Africans and their descendants, developed cocoa tea as a way to enjoy the rich flavors of the cacao they cultivated.
Cocoa tea was more than just a drink—it was a symbol of resilience, culture, and community. Families would often make their own cocoa sticks by fermenting, roasting, and grinding the beans, and the drink would be enjoyed in the morning, during family gatherings, or on special occasions. It became a tradition passed down through generations, and today, it remains an essential part of Saint Lucian culture, particularly around Christmas or after attending church on a Sunday.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its delicious flavor, cocoa tea holds a special place in Saint Lucian tradition. It’s more than just a beverage—it’s a symbol of home, comfort, and heritage. Preparing and sharing cocoa tea is a communal act, often enjoyed in the company of family and friends. It’s also seen as a restorative drink, warming both body and spirit, especially during cooler times of the year.
For Saint Lucians living abroad, cocoa tea represents a comforting taste of home, a reminder of the island’s natural bounty and rich cultural traditions.
What Are Cocoa Sticks?
Cocoa sticks are a traditional Caribbean ingredient made from fermented, roasted, and ground cocoa beans, often shaped into stick or ball forms. They are a key component in making cocoa tea, especially in Saint Lucia and other Caribbean islands.
The primary use of cocoa sticks is to make cocoa tea. When boiled in water, the sticks dissolve and infuse the liquid with their chocolate flavor, along with the added spices and milk. Cocoa sticks can also be used in baking or cooking to add chocolate flavor to various dishes.
Ingredients
Enjoy this delicious warming Caribbean cocoa tea recipe.
- Cocoa Stick – The base of the tea, providing deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Lime Zest – optional but try it!
- Star Anise – Gives the drink a subtle licorice-like flavor with warm, sweet, and mildly peppery notes.
- Ground Nutmeg – Adds a sweet, nutty aroma and enhances the overall spice flavor.
- Cinnamon – A cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon is used. Adds warmth and a slightly sweet, woody flavor.
- Bay Leaves – Gives a subtle, earthy fragrance to the tea.
- Ground Cloves – Gives a warm, slightly sweet, and pungent flavor that enhances the richness of the cacao and spices.
- Water – For boiling the cocoa stick and infusing the spices.
- Thickener – Cocoa tea is often thickened with a little cornstarch or flour.
How to Make St Lucia Cocoa Tea
This is an easy recipe to make in a saucepan.
Add all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer.
Strain to remove the spices.
Return to the pot and add a thickener.
Serve and enjoy
Variations
While the traditional cocoa tea recipe has remained relatively consistent over time, regional variations and personal preferences have led to several unique twists on this classic drink.
- Coconut Milk Cocoa Tea
Instead of cow’s milk, many Saint Lucians use coconut milk for a creamier, tropical flavor. The rich, slightly sweet coconut milk complements the bitterness of the cacao and adds a layer of complexity to the drink. This version is particularly popular in more rural areas, where fresh coconuts are abundant. - Spice Variations
While cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaves are the classic spices used in cocoa tea, some variations include:- Clove: Adds a warm, slightly pungent note, giving the tea a spicier edge.
- Allspice: Enhances the tea’s warmth with a blend of peppery, cinnamon-like flavors.
- Star Anise: Adds a subtle licorice flavor that brings a unique twist to the drink.
- Sugar-free or Health-conscious Versions
In recent years, some people have adapted the recipe to be more health-conscious by reducing or eliminating added sugar and using alternative sweeteners like honey, agave or stevia. Some opt for almond milk or other plant-based milks for a lower-calorie version. - Chocolate Cocoa Tea
Some modern variations use chocolate instead of or alongside cocoa sticks. This creates a much richer and sweeter drink, popular among those who enjoy a dessert-like experience. - Iced Cocoa Tea
While traditionally served hot, cocoa tea can also be enjoyed cold, particularly during the warmer months. In this variation, the tea is chilled and served over ice, with a splash of milk or coconut milk for added creaminess. This version is often sweetened more to enhance the cocoa’s flavor when cold. - Festive Cocoa Tea
Around Christmas, many Saint Lucians add a special twist to their cocoa tea by infusing it with extra spices, like additional cinnamon or nutmeg, and sometimes adding a splash of rum for a festive flair. This version is often enjoyed during family gatherings or after Christmas Mass.
Traditional Saint Lucian Accompaniments
Saint Lucian Cocoa Tea pairs well with a variety of comforting, traditional foods, as well as light snacks and baked goods. Here are some delicious ideas for what to enjoy with cocoa tea:
- Bake (Bakes or Johnny Cakes):
These fried or baked dough rounds are soft and slightly sweet, making them the perfect complement to the rich, spiced flavor of cocoa tea. They can be eaten plain or with butter, cheese, or saltfish. - Cassava Bread:
A popular Caribbean flatbread made from cassava (yuca), this slightly crisp, gluten-free bread has a mild flavor that balances the bold taste of cocoa tea. - Saltfish Accra:
These savory fritters made from saltfish (salted cod) are lightly fried and often served as a snack. Their crispy texture and salty flavor contrast nicely with the sweetness of cocoa tea. - Banana Fritters:
Sweet and spiced banana fritters are a great treat to enjoy with cocoa tea. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a hint of cinnamon that pairs beautifully with the spiced tea.
St Lucia Cocoa Tea
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Ingredients
- 1/3 cocoa stick (about 15g)
- 4 bay leaves
- 3 star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon lime zest optional
- 2 cups water
Thickener
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
Instructions
- All all the ingredients into a medium saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the mixture to remove the spices.
- Return the liquid to the pot and add the thickener, milk or coconut milk (if using. We didn't for this recipe in the photos). Heat until warmed through.
- Serve hot, traditionally in a mug or bowl.