Tereré Paraguayo
Tereré is the national drink of Paraguay, a refreshing infusion made from yerba mate and cold water, often flavored with herbs, fruits, or juices. It's the perfect way to stay cool and energized in the Paraguayan heat.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3-4 tbsp Yerba mate(Paraguayan yerba is recommended)
- 1 liter Cold water(chilled)
- generous amount Ice cubes
- handful Fresh mint leaves(optional)
- to taste Lemon or orange slices(optional)
- to taste Fruit juice (e.g., pineapple, orange)(optional, for flavoring)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Fill a guampa (traditional gourd) or a sturdy cup about halfway with yerba mate.
- 2
Cover the top of the guampa/cup with your palm, invert it, and shake gently to settle the yerba. This helps prevent clogging the bombilla. Then, tilt the guampa/cup so the yerba forms a slope on one side, leaving an empty space.
- 3
Insert the bombilla (metal straw with a filter) into the empty space, pressing it down to the bottom.
- 4
Add ice cubes to the guampa/cup. If using, add fresh mint leaves or fruit slices.
- 5
In a separate pitcher or thermos, combine chilled cold water with optional fruit juice. Stir well.
- 6
Pour the cold water mixture into the guampa/cup, aiming it towards the bombilla, to avoid wetting all the yerba at once. Let it steep for a moment.
- 7
Sip through the bombilla and enjoy. Refill as needed until the yerba loses its flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use Paraguayan yerba mate for the most authentic flavor.
- ✓Experiment with different herbs and fruit juices to find your favorite combination.
- ✓If you don't have a guampa, any sturdy cup or mug will work.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of citrus juice like lime or lemon for extra zest.
- Sweeten with a touch of sugar or honey if desired.
- Some people add medicinal herbs ('yuyos') for their health benefits.