Sparkling Hibiscus Yerba Mate

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A fizzy, caffeinated drink made with Argentinian yerba mate that’s perfect to serve as a mocktail at your next holiday party. It’s tasty and super easy to make.

Sparkling hibiscus yerba mate

Argentinian Yerba Mate

  • The yerba mate tree (native to a province of Argentina) produces leaves that can be made into a drink when steeped in water.
  • Unlike most herbal teas, yerba mate contains caffeine.
  • Argentinian yerba mate is a traditional drink that is sipped out of a gourd through a metal straw with a filter.
  • Argentina is the leading producer of yerba mate.

Yerba Mate Health Benefits

  • Provides energy boost
    Yerba mate contains caffeine (less than coffee, more than tea) so you’ll feel alert and an increase in energy.
  • Rich source of antioxidants
    Antioxidants protect your cells from damage.
  • Contains lots of vitamins
    There’s B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, potassium, and manganese.
  • Good for the liver
    Yerba mate may protect liver cells.

What You’ll Need

How to Make it

STEP 1: Combine yerba mate, thyme, and water in a cocktail shaker.

Yerba mate, torn up thyme, and water goes into a cocktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds.

STEP 2: Add rose hibiscus concentrate followed by ice into a cup.

Tea Sommelier’s Tip: The hibiscus part of the drink comes from a rose hibiscus concentrate that I’ve used to make rose lattes. It’s a great shortcut to flavoring and coloring a drink.

STEP 3: Strain solids and pour yerba mate into cup.

Yerba mate has some tiny bits that may pass through the strainer so it’s normal to get some small flecks floating around in the drink.

STEP 4: Top drink with lemon flavored soda.

STEP 5: Garnish with a sprig of thyme.

SPARKLING HIBISCUS YERBA MATE TIPS

  • Instead of a concentrate, you can use cold hibiscus tea to color and flavor the drink.
  • To make the drink more intense, add another teaspoon of yerba mate into the cocktail shaker.
  • Instead of clear soda, you can use ginger ale or ginger beer, but the color of the drink will be a darker red.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE

How do you pronounce yerba mate?

It’s pronounced YER-BAH MAH-TEH.

What does yerba mate taste like?

It tastes vegetal, earthy, and has some bitterness to it. Sweetening or adding lime can completely change the flavor though.

Is there caffeine in yerba mate?

Yes! Yerba mate contains caffeine and makes a great alternative to tea or coffee. Like matcha green tea, yerba mate releases a sustained, even level of alertness without the jittery feeling I get from coffee.

Sparkling Hibiscus Yerba Mate

Author: Jee Choe
A mocktail made with yerba mate and hibiscus concentrate.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Drinks
Yield1 serving

INGREDIENTS
 

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Combine yerba mate, thyme, and water in a cocktail shaker.
    Shake for 15 seconds.
  • Add rose hibiscus concentrate followed by ice into a cup.
  • Strain solids and pour yerba mate into cup.
  • Top drink with lemon flavored soda.
  • Garnish with a sprig of thyme.

In collaboration with The National Institute of Yerba Mate. All words, photos, and opinions are mine, as always.

4 thoughts on “Sparkling Hibiscus Yerba Mate”

  1. Ohh how exciting is this!!!
    I found your blog by Googling about Pinterest strategies for food bloggers, and I end up reading about mate and hibiscus in a sparkling drink!!! I’m Argentinean and drink mate every single day, either morning or afternoon. Loving your ideas, design and everything! You just got another loyal follower 🙂
    Cheers from Melbourne, Australia, my current home.

    Reply
  2. It is a really easy to prepare and very refreshing drink. I tried hot hibiscus tea before, it has an interesting smell and of fruity-floral taste, I liked it, but I did not know that there are other options for drinks from hibiscus. It is very interesting. I adore your blog for interesting solutions and original recipes! Thanks you.

    Reply

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