What Is Tereré? Paraguay’s Cold-Brewed Yerba Mate Tradition

Hot day? Paraguay has the ultimate cool-down ritual.

When the sun is blazing down and your energy levels are fading, there’s nothing better than a nice, cold herbal pick-me-up. Served cold and steeped in culture, Tereré is Paraguay’s answer to scorching heat and the need for community. This lovable South American tradition is much more than a drink. It is about connection, rejuvenation, and slowing down.

Imagine having a cold-brewed yerba mate shared among companions, passed around in a circle with laughter and camaraderie. It is lighter than its hot mate sibling, but just as energizing.

In this blog, we will explore the various facets of Tereré and how you can enjoy it at home. 

Are you ready to cool down? Let's learn about the tradition.

What Is Tereré? A Tradition Born in the Heat

Originating in Paraguay, this beverage spread through northern Argentina and southern Brazil as a cultural response to heat and humidity. Tereré is the iced counterpart to hot yerba mate, but it serves a similar purpose of bringing people together to share sips and stories.

While hot mate warms the hands in winter, Tereré cools the body and lifts the spirit in summer. It’s consumed in parks, plazas, and on porches, often poured from a thermos and passed around friends.

A significant change in pace from hot mate, which can be strong and earthy, Tereré is clean and refreshing. It shares the same antioxidant and energizing properties of hot mate, but has a lighter mouthfeel and breezy ritual.

It’s more than a drink. It’s a summer state of mind.

Why Tereré Beats the Heat (and Why You’ll Love It)

Tired of boring iced teas or heavy energy drinks? Meet your new favorite chill beverage.

Tereré is hydrating, refreshing, naturally energizing, and full of plant goodness. The antioxidants in yerba mate help your cells recover. Yerba mate also contains a moderate amount of caffeine (and theobromine for energy) that provides focus and smooth energy without any jitters or a crash. 

Tereré doesn’t have artificial flavors like sodas or energy drinks. It’s naturally refreshing. You can drink Tereré however you want: with fresh herbs (mint or basil), citrus slices, even chunks of cucumber, or a little splash of sparkling fruit juice. It’s a healthier way of sipping plant-based iced herbal tea.

Sippable, shareable, and full of feel-good benefits, Tereré is not just a tradition; it’s a wellness ritual that excellently fits into today's lifestyles.

Cool energy has never tasted this good!

How to Make Tereré: The Authentic Way

Making Tereré at home is simple, enjoyable, and totally customizable.

Here’s a traditional way of preparing Tereré to get you started:

• Fill your guampa (or a tall glass) halfway up with yerba mate leaves.

• Add cold water or ice water gradually and soak the leaves. Let it sit for a few seconds.

• Put the bombilla (metal straw with filter) into the glass.

• Sip and refill. Keep adding cold water or herbal infusions according to your preferences.

Want to elevate your Tereré experience? Add:

• Sliced citrus fruits (orange, lime, grapefruit, etc.).

• Fresh herbs (mint, lemongrass, rosemary, etc.).

• A splash of juice, coconut water, or an electrolyte boost for a fitness-friendly drink.

Making Tereré with Erva Brew’s curated collection of loose-leaf blends is both easy and delicious. Regardless of whether you’re alone or with friends, making Tereré is a great way to add flavor to your gatherings. 

Modern Twists: Flavor Ideas for Tereré

Tereré is incredibly customizable. While traditionalists may feel it's necessary to follow a typical preparation, you can still embrace creativity with your fresh infusion. Put a fun, flavorful spin on your Tereré with these changes:

• Citrus zest and mint = next-level refreshing

• Berry splash = antioxidant goodness

• Electrolyte powder = ideal post-workout hydration

Erva Brew’s cold-brewed flavored drafts are designed for versatility. Whether you're sipping by the pool or recovering from a run, you can choose a custom infusion every time. Your cup, your rules.

Essentials for a Perfect Tereré Session

Want to brew like a local? Here's what you'll need:

• Guampa (or any tall glass if you're just getting started).

• Bombilla straw for ensuring a perfect filtered sipping.

• And of course, loose-leaf yerba mate from Erva Brew.

Whether you're experienced or a yerba mate lover looking to chill out differently, these tools will help you enjoy the experience every time.

Tradition Meets Refreshment, Try Tereré Today

Tereré is more than just a cold drink. It's a cool ritual. 

Combining culture, wellness, and refreshment, Tereré is a cold-brew yerba mate ritual that keeps you energized and connected. Whether you're lounging in the heat or powering through a busy day, Tereré provides hydration, clarity, and calm. 

Erva Brew helps modernize this tradition by providing premium blends, delicious infusions, and easy-to-follow instructions. 

Ready to sip the chill? Check out our page today!