Can you make cold yerba mate?
Making cold yerba mate is simple. Its rich, earthy flavor comes from the leaves of a South American plant. By cold brewing, flavors stay mellow. First, in a container combine the leaves and cold water at a 1:4 ratio. Then let it steep 12+ hours in the fridge to extract flavors. Finally, strain into a glass filled with ice. Natural sweeteners like honey enhance the taste. Lime, mint or fruits also add nice flavors. Compared to hot yerba mate, tereré offers a refreshing chilled drink. It has a delicate flavor with health benefits. Cold brewing brings out refined qualities from the leaves.
How to Brew Yerba Mate
What is the best way to drink yerba mate?
Yerba mate is a drink made from the yerba mate plant. This guide explains how to brew it. Below are instructions for brewing traditionally:
- Fill a mate cup halfway with leaves. Add a small amount of cold water. Insert a bombilla straw over the leaves. Pour in hot (not boiling) water. Drink it through the bombilla until you hear slurping noises.
There are also other good ways to make this energizing South American drink like using a French press or tea bags.
- Traditional mate cup and bombilla straw – hot or cold water
- French press – any temperature
- Tea bags – hot water
The traditional way highlights the earthy flavor. Cold brewing brings out more delicate notes. The ideal temperature is 170°F – boiling water makes it bitter. Customize brew time, additions like milk, lemon or lime, temperature and method until you find your perfect drink.
Mix-Ins for Yerba Mate
What do you mix with yerba mate?
Yerba mate is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant. It has an earthy, slightly bitter flavor. To make iced yerba mate, steep the leaves in a mixture of cool and hot water, strain out the leaves, then chill before serving over ice with desired sweeteners or fruit juices. The ideal steeping temperature is 170°F – boiling water makes it too bitter.