How to Make Yerba Mate Tea
Get step-by-step directions on how to make this caffeinated herbal tea.
Prep Time2 minutes mins
Steep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time7 minutes mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Argentinian
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Jee Choe
- 1 cup water + more to warm teapot
- 2 teaspoons yerba mate
How to Make Cold Brew Yerba Mate Iced Tea
- Put yerba mate tea and cold water in an airtight glass container. Cover container and shake for 15 seconds.
Use a cocktail shaker or a jar with a tight lid.
- Strain yerba mate tea leaves and pour tea into a cup with ice.
There are a lot of small bits so use a mesh strainer to filter out the tea leaves.
Brewing Guide
Hot Yerba Mate Tea
- TEA: 2 teaspoons yerba mate tea
- WATER: 1 cup (8 oz.)
- WATER TEMPERATURE: 165°F
- STEEP TIME: 5 minutes
Cold Brew Yerba Mate Iced Tea
- TEA: 2 teaspoons yerba mate tea
- WATER: 1 cup (8 oz.)
- WATER TEMPERATURE: Cold water
- STEEP TIME: 15 seconds, shaking water and tea in an airtight container
Tips
- There will still be little particles of yerba mate leaves in your cup after you strain, and that's perfectly fine to drink. You can also strain it a couple of times to get rid of the smaller bits.
- Yerba mate tea isn’t usually sweetened, but if you want to it’s best to use simple syrup (half water, half sugar). It incorporates into iced tea the easiest. Even better, use lemon simple syrup since yerba tastes great with a little lemon or lime.
- You don't need a traditional gourd to enjoy this tea properly. A teapot and cup does the job just as well.
- Buy yerba mate in small portions. It doesn’t go bad but the herbs do go stale over time, so buying smaller amounts will help maintain its flavor.