TRINBAGO COCOA TEA

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups water

• 1 star anise

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 2–3 bay leaves

• 2 whole cloves

• 2 blocks Trinbago cocoa

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for extra richness and decadence)

• 1 ½ cups full-cream milk

• ¼ cup brown sugar (never white sugar- the depth of flavor matters!)

• 2 tablespoons condensed milk

• 2 pinches salt

• 2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg

Samantha's Serving Suggestions:

Top your steaming cup with an extra dusting of freshly grated nutmeg for that finishing touch. Pair it with:

• A few homemade cookies or biscuits

• A thick slice of freshly baked coconut bake topped with saltfish buljol for a hearty, traditional pairing

• Or keep it simple with a slice of cheese alongside your bake.

DIRECTIONS:

• In a medium-sized pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a gentle boil.

• Add the star anise, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves to infuse the water with their warm, aromatic flavours.

• Ad the cocoa blocks and cocoa powder, whisking until smooth and fully dissolved.

• Allow the water to simmer before adding the full-cream milk and stirring gently.

• Sweeten the tea with brown sugar and condensed milk, adjusting to your preferred level of sweetness.

• Finish with two pinches of salt to balance the flavours, then grate in the fresh nutmeg for that irresistible island flavour and aroma.

• Remove from heat.

• Strain into mugs if you prefer a smooth finish, or serve as is for a more rustic experience.

There’s something truly magical about waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed Trinbago cocoa tea. The rich scent of roasted cocoa wafting through the house, mingling with the warm notes of cinnamon, star anise, and nutmeg, is enough to make you slow down and savour the moment.

In Trinidad and Tobago, cocoa tea isn’t just a drink- it’s a ritual. It’s the comfort that greets you on a rainy morning, the warmth that soothes you after a long day, and the taste of home during quiet moments of reflection. Made with deep, earthy cocoa blocks and a touch of extra cocoa powder for richness, this drink is smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced- not too sweet, not too bitter, but indulgent in every sip.

This recipe keeps tradition at its heart but adds a little decadence to make every cup feel special. Whether you enjoy it with a few cookies or biscuits, or the classic coconut bake with saltfish buljol, this cocoa tea is pure island comfort in a cup.

Take your time with it. Let the spices steep, whisk the cocoa until velvety smooth, and don’t forget the finishing touch of freshly grated nutmeg. One sip, and you’ll understand why this humble drink holds such a treasured place in our kitchens- and in our hearts.