Yerba mate

A South American invigorating drink of the dried leaves of the Paraguayan holly, with a grassy-woody taste and caffeine, brewed in a calabash and drunk through a bombilla.

Yerba mate is a South American invigorating drink of the dried and ground leaves of the Paraguayan holly, greenish-brown, with a grassy-woody, slightly bitterish taste and smoky notes (in the roasted kind), containing caffeine (mateine). It is brewed with hot water in a calabash and drunk through a metal straw, the bombilla, and also made into cold tereré and added to smoothies and cocktails.

Recipes with this ingredient

Mint-ginger mate teaAuthor's cuisine | Drinks

Mint-ginger mate tea is a fragrant and warming drink that combines the invigorating taste of mate, the spicy sharpness of ginger, and the fresh coolness of mint. This tea has powerful tonic and strengthening properties due to its rich composition. Ivan-tea adds softness and soothes, chamomile complements it with tenderness, while rosehip fills the drink with a sour note and vitamins. The traditions of mate are rooted in South American culture, symbolizing communication and unity. In this author's version, mate gets a new sound with hints of herbs and spices. The drink is perfect for morning awakening, improving concentration, and simply enjoying tea in a cozy atmosphere.

Mate tea with ginger and herbsAuthor's cuisine | Drinks

Ginger and herb mate tea is a fragrant drink that combines the healing properties of herbs with the invigorating effect of mate. Popular in South America, mate is known for its deep herbal flavor and mild stimulating effect. In this recipe, it is combined with warming ginger, refreshing mint, citrus notes of lemon, and subtle woody hints of birch and currant leaves. Lemongrass adds a light spiciness, complementing the rich palette of flavors. This tea not only warms but also helps strengthen immunity, improve digestion, and provide a boost of energy. It can be enjoyed as a standalone drink or used as a base for more complex tea mixes.

Inca Coffee on MateEuropean cuisine | Drinks

From Pub Lo Picasso Latinos

Inca CoffeeAmerican cuisine | Drinks

Inca coffee is an exotic drink that combines the depth of espresso, the spice of cardamom syrup, and the herbal notes of mate tea. Its name refers to an ancient civilization known for its wise knowledge of plants and their healing properties. Served on an icy base and garnished with a sprig of rosemary and a lime leaf, it adds freshness and visual elegance. The taste is complex and layered: first, the strength of coffee is felt, followed by the herbal bitterness of mate and the sweet spice of cardamom.