Refreshing and Traditional Tereré Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of yerba mate
  • 1 liter of cold water
  • Ice cubes as required
  • 1 lime (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves to taste (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Fill a cup or a hollowed-out gourd halfway with yerba mate.
  2. Tilt the cup slightly and shake it to one side, so that the yerba mate is on one side of the cup and there's a space on the other side.
  3. Insert the bombilla (a metal straw with a filter at the bottom) into the empty space.
  4. Pour cold water into the space, taking care not to get the yerba mate wet yet.
  5. Add ice cubes to the cup.
  6. If desired, add lime juice and fresh mint leaves for extra flavor.
  7. Sip the tereré through the bombilla, enjoy and refill with more cold water and ice as needed.

Tools for making

  • Cup or Hollowed-out Gourd - Used to hold the yerba mate and water mixture.
  • Bombilla - A metal straw with a filter at the bottom that is used to drink the tereré.
  • Ice Cubes - Used to keep the tereré cold and refreshing.
  • Knife - Optional, used to cut the lime into slices or wedges.
  • Muddler or Spoon - Optional, used to gently crush the mint leaves to release their flavor.

Recipe variations

  • Use flavored yerba mate, such as mint, lemon, or berry, for a twist on the traditional tereré.
  • Add fruit slices like oranges, strawberries, or pineapple to infuse additional flavors into the drink.
  • Replace the lime with lemon, grapefruit, or even passion fruit juice for a different citrus taste.
  • Experiment with different herbs or spices like ginger, basil, or lemongrass to add a unique flavor profile to your tereré.
  • Try sweetening the tereré with a natural sweetener like honey, agave syrup, or stevia if you prefer a sweeter taste.
  • For a creamy twist, add a splash of coconut milk, almond milk, or condensed milk.
  • Instead of using a traditional cup or gourd, serve your tereré in a mason jar or a tall glass for a modern presentation.

Recipe overview

Tereré is a traditional Paraguayan drink that is also popular in parts of Brazil and Argentina. Made with yerba mate, cold water, and often flavored with lime and fresh mint, it's a refreshing drink perfect for warm weather. The recipe is straightforward and simple, with the key being the preparation of the yerba mate and the use of a bombilla, a metal straw with a filter at the end. By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy your own homemade Tereré.

Common questions

  1. Can I use hot water instead of cold water? No, tereré is traditionally made with cold water to provide a refreshing and cooling effect.
  2. Can I use any type of yerba mate? Yes, you can use any type of yerba mate that you prefer or have on hand.
  3. Do I need a special cup or gourd for tereré? While traditionally tereré is enjoyed in a hollowed-out gourd called a mate, you can also use a regular cup or glass if you don't have a mate gourd.
  4. Can I add sweeteners like sugar or honey? Tereré is typically enjoyed without any sweeteners, but you can add them if you prefer a sweeter taste.
  5. How long can I continue refilling the cup with water? You can continue refilling the cup with water and enjoying the tereré until the flavor of the yerba mate becomes weak. This can vary depending on personal preference.
  6. Is it necessary to use a bombilla? Using a bombilla is traditional and allows you to sip the tereré without getting a mouthful of yerba mate. However, if you don't have a bombilla, you can use a regular straw or simply pour the tereré into your mouth.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cup or hollowed-out gourd - Used to hold the yerba mate and water mixture.
  • Bombilla - A metal straw with a filter at the bottom, used for drinking the tereré.
  • Ice cubes - Used to chill the tereré.
  • Knife - Optional. Used to cut the lime and mint leaves, if desired.
  • Spoon - Optional. Used to stir the tereré, if desired.

Origin stories

Tereré is a traditional Paraguayan beverage, steeped in cultural history. It's a drink that has been passed down through generations, originating from the indigenous Guaraní people. The Guaraní were known to consume yerba mate, the key ingredient in tereré, due to its stimulating properties and the endurance it gave them. But it wasn't just about physical endurance, they also believed in the symbolic power of the drink, considering it a "drink of friendship". Today, this sentiment still holds true in Paraguay, where the act of sharing a tereré is seen as an invitation of friendship and bonding. The ingredients added to the drink, like the yerba mate, the water, the ice, they all have a part to play, but what's more important is the company you share it with. This drink is more than just a refreshing beverage, it's a symbol of Paraguayan hospitality, community, and enduring friendship.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.