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Most people picture yerba mate as a hot drink sipped from a gourd. Paraguay tells a different story. There, the national drink is served cold, and it goes by a different name entirely.

So, what is terere, exactly? It is the cold version of yerba mate, built for heat instead of cold mornings, and it carries a history that stretches back centuries.

What Is Tereré?

Tereré is an infusion of yerba mate prepared with cold water or ice instead of hot water. The leaves stay the same as traditional mate, but the preparation flips the experience entirely. Instead of warming the hands on a chilly morning, tereré cools the body down on a hot afternoon.

Traditionally, it is served in a cup called a guampa, sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla, the same tool used for hot mate. Fresh herbs, citrus, or fruit juice are often added to the cold water, giving each glass its own character.

Tereré Ingredients at a Glance

• Yerba mate leaves
• Cold water or ice
• A guampa or similar cup
• A bombilla for sipping
• Optional herbs, citrus, or fruit juice

Where Did Tereré Originate?

Tereré traces back to the Guaraní people of Paraguay, who drank yerba mate infusions in both hot and cold forms long before European colonization reached the region. The cold version gained wider popularity later, during the Chaco War in the 1930s, when Paraguayan soldiers needed a way to drink yerba mate without lighting fires that could reveal their position to the enemy.

That wartime necessity turned into a lasting habit. Today, tereré holds the status of a cultural icon in Paraguay, and the country recognized it as part of its cultural heritage in 2011. Paraguay also celebrates National Tereré Day every last Saturday in February.

A Drink Shared with Immigrant Influence

In parts of Paraguay and northern Argentina, mixing tereré with fruit juice became known as tereré ruso, a nod to the Slavic immigrant communities who helped popularize that style in the early 20th century.

Tereré vs Traditional Yerba Mate

The leaves are identical. The method is what sets them apart.

Hot mate tends to taste stronger and more concentrated, since heat extracts more compounds from the leaf. Cold yerba mate in the form of tereré comes out lighter, with a smoother and more refreshing character.

How to Prepare Tereré

Making tereré at home does not require a guampa or bombilla, though both add to the tradition if you have them.

1. Fill a cup about a third full with yerba mate leaves.
2. Add cold water or ice, filling the rest of the cup.
3. Let it sit for a minute so the leaves settle.
4. Sip slowly, refilling with cold water as needed.

If you prefer a modern shortcut, instant yerba mate powder dissolves directly into cold water, skipping the steeping step altogether. Stir a scoop into a splash of water first, then top off with cold water and ice.

Tips for a Smoother Glass

• Use filtered water for a cleaner taste
• Keep the water genuinely cold, not just room temperature
• Add citrus toward the end so the flavor stays bright

Popular Herbs and Fruits Used in Tereré

Part of what makes tereré distinct is the variety of additions used across different regions. Traditional versions often include pohã ñana, a mix of medicinal herbs crushed and added to the cold water. Common choices include:

• Mint, for a cooling, clean finish
• Lemongrass, for a citrusy herbal note
• Lime or lemon, for brightness
• Orange juice, for natural sweetness and a fuller flavor

This last combination, a splash of orange juice stirred into mate, is a favorite across the region and the same spirit behind North Star's Orange Yerba Mate, which blends citrus flavor into every pouch for an easy cold-brew experience.

Why Tereré Is Perfect for Warm Weather

Tereré was built for heat from the very start. Its cold preparation delivers the same natural caffeine and antioxidants found in hot mate, without adding warmth to an already hot day. That makes it a natural fit for porch afternoons, long walks, or anywhere a cold drink beats a hot one.

North Star's Orange Yerba Mate (100g) fits naturally into this tradition. Inspired by the way locals in Argentina add a splash of orange juice to their mate, it brings naturally caffeinated energy and antioxidants to a bright citrus blend, perfect for brewing cold over ice. Each pouch holds 33 servings, giving you plenty of glasses for the whole season.

FAQ

What is tereré made of?

Tereré is made from yerba mate leaves steeped in cold water or ice, often with added herbs, citrus, or fruit juice for flavor.

How do you drink tereré?

Traditionally, tereré is sipped through a bombilla from a cup called a guampa, with cold water added gradually as the leaves settle at the bottom.

What is the difference between yerba mate and tereré?

Yerba mate refers to the plant and the broader tradition of drinking it, while tereré specifically means the cold-brewed version, as opposed to the hot version typically served in a gourd.

Ready to try the cold side of yerba mate? Pick up North Star's Orange Yerba Mate (100g) and brew your own tereré-inspired glass at home.