Tereré (Cold Yerba Mate Infusion)
Why this recipe works
- Clean, refreshing flavour: Very cold water extracts the herbal notes of yerba mate gently, keeping the drink crisp rather than harsh.
- Bright citrus balance: Lime sharpens the grassy character of the mate and gives the drink a livelier finish.
- Ready quickly: A short cold infusion and simple straining make this an easy drink to prepare on demand.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Serve straight away: Tereré is at its freshest when poured over ice immediately after straining.
- Adjust the infusion time: A shorter steep gives a gentler drink, while a longer steep develops a stronger herbal flavour.
Ingredient notes
- Choose yerba mate carefully: Different yerba mate blends vary in bitterness, smokiness and herbal intensity, so the final drink will change depending on the tea used.
- Balance the lime: Add lime gradually and taste before serving so the citrus lifts the drink without overwhelming the mate.
Make-ahead tips
- Prepare the infusion ahead: The strained mate can be chilled briefly in the fridge, then poured over fresh ice just before serving.
- Best the same day: For the cleanest flavour, drink it soon after making rather than leaving the infusion to sit for too long.
Authenticity notes
- South American cold mate: Tereré is especially associated with Paraguay and is a cold, refreshing counterpart to hot yerba mate.
- Citrus variations: Lime is a bright, simple addition, while lemon can be used for a sharper citrus profile.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the yerba mate into a small bowl or jug. Add the cold water and stir briefly, then leave to infuse for 3 minutes.
- Fill a glass with the ice. Squeeze in the lime juice, reserving a little to adjust at the end.
- Strain the infused mate into the iced glass. Taste and add the remaining lime juice if you want it brighter, then sip straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Keep the water very cold so the infusion stays light and clean rather than bitter.
- If you prefer a gentler drink, strain after 2 minutes; for a stronger one, infuse for up to 5 minutes.
Substitutions
- Replace lime with lemon for a sharper citrus finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 1 days
- Best served immediately over ice. If needed, strain and chill the infusion in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then serve over fresh ice with lime.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 glasses
- Total time: 10min (5min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Latin American
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