If you are wondering why you've never heard of Gaviao navideño before, you're in good company. This traditional Dominican Christmas drink is perhaps one of the most obscure recipes in our blog, a comforting drink originating in one of my favorite parts of the country.
By - Reviewed: . Original: Dec 10, 2023
Why we ❤️ it
When I first heard about this drink, I found it amusing that it seemed like it was made by combining every Dominican Christmas hot drink: the mixed child of Chocolate de agua, Té de jengibre, Té de limoncillo, and Tisana de limón. So, of course, I had high hopes.
I was NOT disappointed.
Making my house smell of Christmas, the nourishing, aromatic result is a drink I will certainly incorporate into my own Christmas repertoire.
What's gaviao?
Gaviao navideño is one of the traditional Dominican drinks typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. It originates from Dajabón and Santiago Rodriguez, located in La Linea, in the northwest of the Dominican Republic. This hot beverage is made with fresh ginger root, cinnamon sticks, and cocoa powder.
Many people add orange or lime leaves, fresh lemongrass, and cloves.
Ponche de desayuno.
Serving suggestions
My sources were very firm about this: you serve gaviao with Galletas de panadería - galletas de manteca. So my plans to serve with some fancy Danish cookies or some Mantecaditos were quickly abandoned.
This is served as a pick-me-up, as a snack, or to treat guests in lieu of some cafecito.
Top tips
- Simmering: To steep the leaves, it's best to simmer over very low heat. It took me about 20 minutes, and the water had a light caramel color in the end. Add the cocoa to the hot water after the leaves/ginger/spices have been steeped.
- Adding cocoa powder: I used unsweetened cocoa powder because that's what I had. If you have sweetened cocoa you can use it too.
- Sugar: While the traditional drink does contain sugar, I leave it to you whether to add and how much at the end. Try with your preferred sweetener, too, if you like.
About this recipe
Dajabón is one of my favorite parts of the country, and one of a few places I can find my way around easily. I have been there countless times, and I was born and spent my first years in neighboring Montecristi.
Yet I had never heard of Gaviao before. It sure is some closely guarded secret.
So, thanks to Denisse -from Dajabón- for making me aware of this drink, sharing her recipe, and walking me through the process.
And, you know the drill... Even if only some tens of thousands of people know of this drink, not all agree on what's supposed to go in it. Let's hear it from Doña Luisa:
"I make the traditional one, as it should be: cocoa, ginger and cinnamon." ["Yo lo hago típico, cómo manda la ley": chocolate, jengibre, y su canela."]
Listen to it
Unlike Doña Luisa, I went full in and added lemongrass, lime leaves, and cloves. And I loved it! I hope I have made dajaboneros and santiagorodriguenses proud.
Have you ever heard of this? Will you try it? Let me know in the comments.
Salud!
Video
Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 sticks cinnamon
- 10 cloves
- 12 slices fresh ginger, peeled and rinsed
- 4 pieces lemongrass leaves, rinsed (optional)
- 4 lime leaves, rinsed (optional)
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar , or white sugar (or to taste)
Instructions
1. Steeping
Pour 8 cups of water into a medium saucepan or small pot.Add the cinnamon, cloves, ginger, lemongrass, and lime leaves. Heat over low. heat and let simmer very gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the water has a light caramel color.
2. Adding cocoa
- Add the cocoa and stir to dissolve. Increase the heat to medium-low until it breaks the boil. Remove from the heat.Pass through a fine mesh sieve to remove all the solids.
3. Serve
- Add sugar to taste, or serve unsweetened for everyone to add sugar to their own taste.See serving suggestions above the recipe.
Cook's Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is calculated automatically based on ingredients listed. Please consult your doctor if you need precise nutrition information.
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More cocoa recipes
If you're looking for more lovely chocolate drinks, don't miss Chocolate de agua (non-dairy cocoa) and Chocolate con leche, our lovely, creamy cocoa.
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