Yerba mate is renowned for its energizing and health-boosting qualities, but have you ever considered a drink made with cold yerba mate? A drink made with cold yerba mate, also known as tereré, is a refreshing and invigorating way to enjoy this unique South American beverage. In this article, we will explore five amazing reasons why you should try a drink made with cold yerba mate and how it can become your new favorite drink.
What Is a Drink Made With Cold Yerba Mate?
A drink made with cold yerba mate is typically prepared by steeping yerba mate leaves in cold water, ice, or juice. This cold infusion retains the same powerful antioxidants and caffeine content found in hot yerba mate but offers a lighter, more refreshing taste. Cold yerba mate, also called tereré, is a staple in Paraguay and is quickly gaining popularity in other parts of the world for its crisp, rejuvenating qualities.
A Drink Made With Cold Yerba Mate Ingredients
The beauty of a drink made with cold yerba mate lies in its simplicity and versatility. Here’s what you’ll need:
Yerba Mate: The primary ingredient. You can buy yerba mate loose-leaf or in tea bags. Choose the traditional Paraguayan or Argentine yerba mate, or try a flavored variety if you prefer.
Cold Water: For a classic cold yerba mate, water is the main liquid used to steep the leaves. Some people prefer ice-cold water, especially on hot days, for a more refreshing drink.
Ice: Optional but commonly added to chill the drink further.
Fresh Herbs: Mint, boldo, or lemongrass can add a refreshing herbal flavor to the drink.
Citrus: Slices of lime, lemon, or orange can bring a tangy kick to your cold yerba mate. Many people also squeeze the juice directly into the drink.
Fruit Juices: You can replace water with fruit juices like orange, pineapple, or grapefruit for a sweeter and tangier flavor.
Sweetener: Optional, depending on your preference. You can add honey, stevia, or agave syrup if you like your yerba mate on the sweeter side.
By combining these ingredients, you can create a variety of refreshing cold yerba mate drinks that suit your taste.
Can I Drink Yerba Mate Cold?
Yes, you can absolutely drink yerba mate cold. In fact, a drink made with cold yerba mate is a great way to enjoy this beverage on a hot day. Drinking yerba mate cold, particularly in the form of tereré, allows the flavors to be more refreshing and less intense than when brewed hot. It’s a perfect option for those who prefer their drinks served chilled.
What Is the Cold Version of Yerba Mate?
The cold version of yerba mate is called tereré, which is typically served in a gourd with a metal straw, similar to traditional hot yerba mate but with cold water or juice. A drink made with cold yerba mate, or tereré, is often enjoyed in social settings, shared among friends and family as a symbol of hospitality and camaraderie.
What Is Cold Yerba Mate Called?
Cold yerba mate is most commonly referred to as tereré, a drink native to Paraguay and parts of Argentina and Brazil. Tereré is made by infusing yerba mate leaves with cold water or juice, creating a crisp, cool beverage that’s both energizing and hydrating. A drink made with cold yerba mate can also be customized with different flavors, such as mint or citrus, to suit personal preferences.
What Is Good to Mix With Yerba Mate?
When preparing a drink made with cold yerba mate, the possibilities for mix-ins are endless. You can infuse the drink with a variety of flavors to enhance its taste. Common additions include fresh herbs like mint, lime or lemon slices, or even fruit juices such as orange or pineapple. A drink made with cold yerba mate can be customized with these ingredients to suit your taste and create a refreshing, flavorful experience.
Cold Brew Yerba Mate Benefits
Cold brew yerba mate is another popular way to enjoy a drink made with cold yerba mate. By steeping yerba mate in cold water for several hours or overnight, the flavors are extracted more slowly, resulting in a smooth, less bitter taste. Cold brew yerba mate offers all the health benefits of traditional yerba mate, such as boosting energy, enhancing focus, and providing antioxidants, while also being less harsh on the stomach compared to hot brewing.
How Long to Cold Brew Yerba Mate?
For a drink made with cold yerba mate through cold brewing, it’s recommended to steep the yerba mate leaves for 6 to 12 hours in cold water. This slow brewing process allows the flavors and nutrients to fully infuse. Cold brew yerba mate has a smoother taste than hot brewed mate and retains all the benefits of this powerful herbal drink.
Yerba Mate Recipe Hot vs. Cold
While hot yerba mate is steeped in hot water, a drink made with cold yerba mate involves cold water or juice, giving it a much lighter and more refreshing flavor. Both preparations offer the same health benefits, including improved digestion, enhanced alertness, and antioxidant support, but a drink made with cold yerba mate is a great option for warmer weather or when you need a cooling, hydrating drink.
Conclusion
A drink made with cold yerba mate is a refreshing, flavorful, and health-boosting alternative to traditional hot yerba mate. Whether you opt for the classic tereré method or try cold brewing, this invigorating beverage can offer the same energizing benefits while providing a refreshing experience. So next time you’re looking for a cool, energizing beverage, reach for a drink made with cold yerba mate – your new favorite summer drink!
