Cold Brew Yerba Mate: A Refreshing Switch for Fall

Just because fall is almost here doesn't mean it's time to abandon the refreshing beverages of the summer. It's just time for a transformation.

As temperatures drop and routines shift, your choices can also adjust without sacrificing the clean energy and vibrant flavors that enliven your best days. Enter cold brew yerba mate: an energizing, grounded transition from summer smoothies and iced lattes.

Cold brew yerba mate is not just another cold beverage. This is a functional drink that provides sustained energy, an assertive herbal flavor, and the balance most people are seeking between refreshing and grounding. While everyone else is reaching for heavy, sugary fall beverages, you can sustain clarity and liveliness with a brew that is good for both your body and mind. The smooth chill of cold-brewed mate captures all that you love about traditional preparation, but delivers something fresh and crisp.

This is why your fridge deserves a new brew for fall. In this blog, let’s explore the autumnal drink of choice- cold brew yerba mate. 

Why Cold Brew? The Science Behind the Smooth

Cold brew yerba mate revolutionizes the traditional experience of drinking yerba mate through slow, gentle steeping that alters the flavor and function. Cold brewing is significantly different from hot brewing; hot brewing allows for quick extraction, while cold brewing takes much longer 12-24 hours). 

Although differences are observed across several variables, including time, temperature, concentration, and agitation, the key takeaway is that cold brew preserves mate's beneficial compounds while removing the harsh tannins that can cause upset stomachs or jittery energy in some people. 

Cold brewing does not alter the chemical composition of the leaves, meaning that the final beverage retains the high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals typically found in mate, while creating a more digestible end product. Polyphenols, saponins, and chlorophyll have been preserved, but the harsh edges have been smoothed away. 

Cold brew is an excellent alternative for individuals with sensitive stomachs or those seeking to create calm, focused energy without the intensity of preparing and drinking hot mate. 

Better flavor, better function.

Functional Perks: Clean Energy, Fall Calm

Cold brew yerba mate offers an ideal combination of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, providing smooth and sustained focus, unlike coffee's cycle of racing hearts and energy crashes. This fluid dynamism is a perfect energy profile to accompany fall's transitional season, when your body wants a balance of stability and sustained vitality.

Due to its slower extraction, yerba mate offers a more prolonged delivery to your nervous system, enhancing its natural properties related to mood regulation and allowing for consistent focus and awareness that aligns with the cool and dark months ahead. Cold brew yerba mate is an approachable stimulant, offering a far less aggressive experience and a stimulant source that doesn't interfere with digestion, unlike many coffees.

The naturally occurring polyphenols help preserve each sip of your cold brew under antioxidant conditions, supporting your seasonal immune system. The naturally occurring chlorophyll helps with light detoxification, offering an enhanced drink experience and health benefits. All these reasons make cold brew yerba mate a fan favorite to stay healthy during the changing seasons.

How to Make Cold Brew Yerba Mate at Home

Making a perfect cold brew yerba mate at home is easy!

Simply start with two tablespoons of loose-leaf yerba mate per 8 ounces of filtered water. Place it in a jar, stir, and refrigerate for 6–12 hours, depending on your preferred strength.

Once it has steeped and is ready to drink, you can strain it through a fine-mesh strainer. This cold brew yerba mate concentrate can be served hot or on ice! You can also add lemon juice, grated ginger, or lavender in the final hour of steeping to achieve a fun, seasonal flavor twist.

This method works exceptionally well with Erva Brew’s pre-blended or single-origin yerba mate. A pro tip is to cold brew a large amount on a weekend evening so that you have an easy, grab-and-go energy source throughout the weekdays. The cold brew concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for 5 days. 

Cold brew yerba mate also shines when combined with seasonal additions! You could also add hibiscus and cinnamon for a tart warmth, or lemon balm with some orange peel for an uplifting citrus scent. If you're patient, consider steeping fresh mint with raw cacao nibs (without added sugar) for a rich chocolate flavor that shines through.

Fall-Friendly Pairings and Flavors

Cold brew yerba mate earns special points for flexibility. Standard iced yerba mate is perfect on a sunny, warm afternoon with lightweight fall layers. Later in the year, it is delicious with a heavy sweater on a cooler evening. Its versatility makes it the ideal transitional beverage to support your body, whether you are soaking in the summer sun or welcoming in the rhythm of autumn. 

Cold Brew vs. Traditional Mate: What’s the Difference?

Cold brew yerba mate has distinct purposes from traditional hot preparation. Hot mate is excellent for ritualistic, grounding experiences; slow mornings with focus or ceremonial mindfulness. Cold brew is ideal for grab-and-go occasions, offering hydrating energy that can travel with you. 

Hot mate has earthy, robust notes that continue to evolve with each refill, while cold brew offers even smoothness with highlighted herbal notes. In contrast with its ease of preparation, consider cold brew for your active lifestyle or to get your day started with power. 

Sip Into Fall with Intention

Cold brew yerba mate honors ancient cultural traditions while adding ease of use to the modern world. A smooth, flavorful drink, steady energy, and seasonal versatility: it is the beverage of our future. As we adapt to the rhythm of fall, this refreshing preparation method can help you surpass wellness goals while tapping into traditional plant-based drinks. 

It is adaptability and versatility. Cold brew yerba mate can meet you right where you are; clean energy to support conscious living and seasonal refreshment without sacrificing substance. 

Discover the season's cleanest sip. Explore Erva Brew’s ready cold brew blends.