Tereré: How to Drink Yerba Mate Cold This Summer
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When the weather warms up, a hot mate isn't always what you feel like. That's where tereré comes in: the same yerba mate, but prepared with ice-cold water or juice. It's hugely popular in South America during summer – especially in Paraguay, where it's practically a way of life – and it's the perfect drink for a sunny Tasmanian afternoon.
What is tereré?
Tereré is yerba mate served cold. You use the same gourd (mate) and straw (bombilla) as for hot mate, but instead of hot water you pour in iced water, juice or a flavoured drink. It's fresh, a little bitter and very easy to share with friends at the beach, in the park or around the BBQ.
How to make tereré, step by step
- Fill your mate about two-thirds with yerba. Cover the top with your hand, turn it upside down and give it a gentle shake so the fine dust settles.
- Tilt the yerba to one side so it forms a little slope.
- Insert the bombilla into the lower side of the slope, all the way to the bottom.
- Pour in your cold drink – from a jug or thermos with plenty of ice – into the empty side.
- Sip, refill and share. Just like hot mate, tereré is refilled and passed around: one person serves, and everyone drinks from the same mate in turn.
Tip: don't have a gourd yet? A tall glass works fine to start – or find one in our mate cups collection.
What to put in your tereré
- Iced water – the classic, simple and refreshing.
- Lemonade – a sachet of Clight Lemonade in a jug of cold water is the favourite combo across South America. Sugar free, and also available in packs of 3.
- Fruit juice – orange, pineapple or grapefruit all work great.
- Fresh herbs – add mint, lemon slices or a few lemon verbena leaves to the jug for an extra fresh touch.
Which yerba is best for tereré?
You can use any yerba, but some shine when served cold:
- Canarias and Baldo – strong yerbas whose flavour holds up well with ice and juice.
- Verdeflor Hierbas Serranas – blended with mountain herbs, light and aromatic. Perfect for tereré.
- Playadito – smooth and balanced, a great choice if you're new to mate.
Not sure which one to pick? Read our guide: Where to Buy Yerba Mate in Tasmania.
Is tereré good for summer?
Absolutely. Yerba mate naturally contains caffeine, so tereré gives you a gentle energy boost while keeping you cool and hydrated – a great alternative to soft drinks or iced coffee on a hot day.
Get everything for your tereré
At Sabor Austral Market we bring the everyday flavours of South America to Tasmania and the rest of Australia. Pick up in Sandy Bay, Hobart, or get it delivered Australia-wide with Australia Post.