Ever stumbled upon a cup of tea that promises caffeine yet embodies the spirit of South American traditions? Say hello to cold brew yerba mate, a tea with a twist. The world is swiftly catching on to the magic of cold brew. From the dark and strong cold brew coffee to the aromatic cold brew tea, there’s something distinct about the art of cold brewing.
But one stands out amongst these teas: the cold brew yerba mate tea. Think of it as an iced tea but with a unique caffeine kick. One that’s grounded in Argentine and Paraguayan traditions, sprinkled with hints of citrus and mellow herbal tones. If you want a change in your usual caffeine routine, making cold brew yerba mate might be your next favorite thing. Grab your gourd, ice cubes, and some fresh mint – let’s brew.
What is Cold Brew Yerba Mate (Terere)?
Originating from the heartlands of South America, yerba mate tea is a traditional drink often compared to green tea. When cold brewed, the yerba mate leaves produce a mellow, less bitter infusion that many find appealing. Terere, as it’s known in Argentina and Paraguay, is simply cold brew yerba mate.
To make cold brew yerba mate, or Terere, you’ll need to infuse yerba mate leaves in cold water, often with added flavors like lemon, lime, or fresh mint. Unlike the hot brew method, which extracts the compounds quickly and can sometimes lead to a bitter taste, cold brewing offers a milder, less astringent cup of tea.
While some enjoy their cold brew yerba mate straight up, others love to sweeten it, add slices of citrus, or even transform it into a zesty cocktail. You can also try experimenting by adding other herbs, such as lemongrass, chamomile, or lemon verbena, for a flavorful twist.
Health Benefits of Yerba Mate
- Caffeine Boost without the Jitters: Cold brew yerba mate offers a caffeine kick similar to your regular tea or coffee. However, the caffeine content can vary, typically ranging from 30-50 mg of caffeine per cup of water. It’s a great alternative for those looking for an energy boost without the intense jolt of coffee.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Just like green tea, yerba mate is packed with antioxidants that are known to fight free radicals in the body. Antioxidants also provide many health benefits, including increased energy and overall well-being.
- Mellow and Gentle Brewing Process: Cold brewing yerba mate results in’s flavorful, earthy, yet less bitter drink. This brewing process also tends to extract fewer astringent compounds, ensuring a milder taste.
- Traditional Goodness: Beyond the tangible health benefits, the act of sipping on Terere connects you to a rich South American tradition, giving you a glimpse into the Argentine and Brazilian cultures.
In the coming sections, we’ll take a step-by-step look at the yerba mate recipe, the optimal amount of yerba mate to use, the best ways to infuse the leaves, and more. Whether you want to try plain, sweetened, or flavored, we’ve got you covered.
3-Step Easy Instructions to Make an Ice Cold Brew Yerba Mate
If you’re looking for an authentic experience combined with the simplicity of home preparation, then our method of making cold brew yerba mate is tailor-made for you. Harnessing the essence of Argentine yerba mate and perfectly balancing it with the zesty punch of lime, we’ve got a process that’s not only flavorful but also quite fun!
What You’ll Need
- Your Yerba Mate Tea
- Lime
- Sugar
- Cold water
- Ice cubes
- Muddler
- Thick-bottomed cups
- Strainer
- Shaker
Steps to Craft the Perfect Cold Brew Yerba Mate:
- Citrus Crush: Muddle lime slices and sugar.
- Mate Shake: Combine cold water and yerba mate in a cocktail shaker and give it a good shake.
- Cool Strain: Strain your brewed yerba mate over ice and serve.
Without further ado, let’s dive deep into these steps, making sure you make the most delightful and authentic yerba mate cold brew.
1. Citrus Crush: Muddle lime slices and sugar.
To initiate our yerba mate recipe, we’ll focus on blending the crispness of lime with the sweetness of sugar. You’ll want to grab 2-3 slices of fresh lime and some sugar. Place them into a thick-bottomed cup. Using a muddler, mash the lime slices and sugar together.
This muddling process helps in releasing the aromatic juices from the lime and melding them seamlessly with the sugar, preparing a robust foundation for our cold brew yerba mate.
2. Mate Shake: Combine cold water and yerba mate in a cocktail shaker and shake.
Next, capture the essence of the Argentine yerba mate by taking a tablespoon of it and combining it with cold water inside a cocktail shaker. Now, seal the shaker and get shaking! Spend about 20-30 seconds ensuring a good mix, blending the essence of the yerba mate with the water.
This step is crucial for extracting the mellow flavors from the yerba mate leaves, making the brew less astringent and more flavorful.
3. Cool Strain: Strain yerba mate.
Finally, you’ll want to present your cold brew yerba mate in the most tempting way. To do this, fill your cup with ice cubes. Using a tea strainer, filter the contents of the cocktail shaker into the cup. Give it a gentle stir before serving, making sure the lime-infused sugar and yerba mate blend perfectly.
Further Tips For Making Cold Brew Yerba Mate
When aiming to perfect your cold brew yerba mate, a few finer points might go unnoticed in a simple step-by-step guide. First, the quality of yerba mate leaves you choose plays a huge role. Opt for authentic, South American-sourced yerba mate to ensure the fullest flavor profile and health benefits. Remember, while our method incorporates sugar, the sweetness level is very personal.
Feel free to adjust the sugar quantity or even explore sweeteners like honey or agave. Lastly, the duration you shake your cocktail shaker might influence the caffeine content extracted. If you prefer a milder brew, you might want to shake for a shorter duration, while enthusiasts craving a potent caffeine kick might go beyond the 30-second mark.
How to Better Your Yerba Mate Experience Even More
Once you’ve mastered the basics of making cold brew yerba mate, it’s time to elevate the experience. Experiment with different herbs and citrus varieties; for instance, lemongrass or lemon verbena can add a fragrant aroma, while orange or grapefruit can bring a different citrusy twist.
Those looking for an even more pronounced caffeine buzz can increase the amount of yerba mate per cup of water. For an added flourish, consider serving your cold brew yerba mate in a traditional gourd, making the drink not just a caffeine boost but also a cultural experience.
Alternatives to Cold Brew Yerba Mate
While cold brew yerba mate is a wonderful method, there are other ways to enjoy this South American herb. One popular method is the hot brew, where yerba mate is infused with hot water, creating a more intense, earthy flavor. If you’re looking to deviate from the traditional, consider making yerba mate iced tea, using the likes of chamomile or rooibos to blend with the yerba mate leaves for a unique flavor combination.
For those who prefer their beverages on the sweeter side, yerba mate cocktails, infused with berries and other flavored syrups, offer a delightful way to enjoy this herb while adding a dash of extravagance to your glass. And if you want to have a fermented yerba mate tea, you can also look into our yerba mate kombucha recipe!
Final Words
Crafting a perfect cold brew yerba mate is more than just following steps; it’s about embracing a tradition, indulging in flavor, and personalizing an experience. With our comprehensive guide, not only have we showcased the foundational method but also the potential avenues to further refine and redefine your yerba mate journey.
Leveraging insights from authentic sources and intertwining them with modern twists, our approach marries the best of both worlds. So, the next time you’re sipping on your custom-made yerba mate brew, remember you’ve got a touch of Argentine tradition in your hands, made impeccable with insights from experts like us. Cheers to elevating everyday moments into exquisite experiences!
