Tereré — Iced Yerba Mate with Citrus and Mint
Paraguay's beloved tereré: ice-cold yerba mate with fresh citrus and mint—the ultimate South American summer cooler.
Tereré is Paraguay's answer to hot mate—yerba mate prepared with ice-cold water or juice instead of hot water. It's been a staple of Paraguayan and northeastern Argentine life for centuries, and once you try it in summer, you'll understand why.
Unlike iced tea made by cooling a hot brew, tereré is prepared cold from the start. The cold extraction pulls different compounds from the leaves, producing a smoother, less bitter flavor with a refreshing grassy brightness.
Fresh citrus juice is the most popular addition—orange, grapefruit, or lemon all work beautifully. The acidity lifts the mate's earthy notes and creates a drink that's both energizing and deeply refreshing.
Traditionally served in a guampa (a horn or wooden cup) with a bombilla, you can also make a pitcher version for sharing. It's the perfect drink for a hot afternoon—all the energy of mate without the warmth.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp yerba mate
- 2 cups ice-cold water
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lime
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
- Ice cubes
How to make it
- 1In a pitcher, muddle mint leaves gently with a spoon to release oils.
- 2Add yerba mate, orange juice, and lime juice. Stir to combine.
- 3Pour ice-cold water over the mixture. Add honey if using and stir until dissolved.
- 4Fill with ice cubes. Let sit 2 minutes for flavors to meld.
- 5Serve in tall glasses, straining out the yerba mate, or traditionally with a bombilla.
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