As summer temperatures begin to rise, finding a refreshing and healthy drink becomes a priority.
This summer 2023, a traditional South American drink is making headlines in France: tereré .
A refreshing cousin of the famous yerba mate, tereré is a cold-infused drink that has everything it takes to become the star of summer drinks.
So what makes tereré a great alternative to classic summer drinks? Let’s explore together.
Summary
Tereré, the Trending Drink of Summer 2023
Summer 2023 is knocking at the door with its refreshing new trend: tereré.
This infusion of yerba mate in cold or iced water, very popular in South America, is the essential drink for a summer season full of flavors and freshness.
Originating from Paraguay, tereré is a traditional drink prepared with yerba maté . Its consumption is part of a true social ritual, promoting exchange and conviviality . In Paraguay, sharing a tereré is a way of building bonds, strengthening friendship and solidarity.
What distinguishes it from its cousin mate is its preparation in cold or iced water.
Imagine yourself under the sun, a gourd of tereré in hand, savoring varied notes ranging from delicate lemon mate to exotic tropical mate , passing through the refreshing mint mate . More than just a drink, tereré is a multi-sensory experience that combines taste pleasure and nutritional benefits.
Ready for this taste adventure? Let’s discover tereré together, from its origins to its preparation.
The Benefits of Tereré
Beyond its refreshing taste, tereré offers a real cocktail of health benefits. Just like mate, tereré is rich in antioxidants, which fight against free radicals responsible for premature aging of cells.
It also contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential for the body.
On the energy side, tereré is a natural source of caffeine. It offers a stimulating effect similar to that of coffee, but without the sudden energy spikes and crashes. Thanks to its slow-release caffeine, tereré provides constant and long-lasting energy, avoiding the afternoon slump.
A tereré at the end of a summer day
The Preparation of Tereré
If you're new to making tereré, don't worry. It's actually quite simple, and only requires a few key ingredients and a little practice. Here's a basic recipe for making tereré:
- Choosing the right mate and the right gourd : Start by choosing a quality yerba mate. For a refreshing and aromatic tereré, opt for varieties such as lemon mate , mint mate , or tropical mate . Also choose a suitable gourd model, the stainless steel mate gourd keeps the cold for more than 3 hours: ideal for a tereré!
- Prepare the yerba mate : Fill your gourd or mate glass half to two-thirds full with yerba mate.
- Add herbs and/or fruit : This is where you can customize your tereré. Add herbs like mint or lemon, or fruit like lemon, orange or grapefruit slices directly to the water.
- Pouring the cold water : Tilt your gourd slightly and pour the cold water slowly on its side using a mate thermos , trying not to wet all the yerba mate at once. The goal is to keep some of the yerba mate dry so that you can gradually infuse it with each new addition of water.
- Insert the bombilla : Place the bombilla in the wet part of the yerba mate. It serves as a straw and filter to drink the tereré.
- Taste : You can now enjoy your tereré! Don't hesitate to add cold water as soon as the taste starts to fade.
And there you have it, you are now ready to enjoy your homemade tereré!
Whether you prefer a traditional version or a fruitier variation, tereré is a simple pleasure to share with friends or enjoy alone, while refreshing yourself on hot summer days.
Don't hesitate to add ice cubes on top of the mate leaves to keep your drink cold!
A good tereré prepared with experience
The Tereré Experience with YVY Maté
To help you create an authentic and enriching tereré experience, find a range of yerba mate specially adapted to the preparation of this refreshing drink.
Among these choices, lemon mate , mint mate and tropical mate are particularly suitable for making tereré, offering a flavor intensified by the addition of real dehydrated fruits and flowers. All this while respecting organic, ethical and sustainable production standards, working closely with local producers.
