Tereré
Paraguay
Yerba mate's refreshing cousin—served ice cold with herbs and citrus. Paraguay's answer to summer heat.
The Story
While Argentines drink their mate hot, Paraguayans invented tereré for their sweltering summers. It's yerba mate brewed cold (or with ice water), often infused with medicinal herbs, citrus, or mint. It's Paraguay's national drink and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Workers share tereré through the hot afternoon, passing the guampa (cup) and thermos of cold water. It's social, refreshing, and essential to Paraguayan identity.
Flavor Notes
Perfect For
- Hot summer days
- Social gatherings
- Paraguay/Argentine summer
- When hot mate is too much
- Outdoor activities
Pairs Well With
Make It at Home
Continuous refills for a group · 5 minutes setup, hours of drinking
Ingredients
- Yerba mate
- Ice cold water (or mix with citrus juice)
- Fresh mint, lemongrass, or other 'yuyos'
- Lime or lemon slices
- Ice cubes (in the thermos, not the guampa)
Steps
- 1Fill guampa 2/3 with yerba mate
- 2Add fresh herbs (mint, lemongrass) to taste
- 3Tilt guampa so yerba creates a slope
- 4Insert bombilla into the lower side
- 5Pour ice cold water slowly onto the lower side
- 6Drink through bombilla until it gurgles (empty)
- 7Refill with cold water and pass to next person
- 8Continue for hours—this is a social ritual
Variations to Try
- ✦Use grapefruit juice instead of water
- ✦Add coconut water for tropical version
- ✦Include medicinal herbs for health benefits
- ✦Some add a splash of citrus soda
Related Variants
How to Brew
Our recommended approach for the best cup
Water Temperature
Ice cold
(4°C)
Amount
Fill guampa 2/3 with yerba
Steep Time
Immediate—pour cold water, drink, repeat
Resteeps
Many refills throughout the day
Recommended Vessel
Guampa (horn or wood cup) and bombilla
Brewing Tips
Use cold water or juice—never hot water for tereré. Add medicinal herbs (yuyos) like mint, lemongrass, or cedron. Keep a thermos of ice water nearby. Drink through the bombilla, refill, pass to the next person.