Iced mate: the energising freshness of summer

When the warm days return, mate swaps hot water for ice cubes. Iced mate is a refreshing, naturally energising cold drink, perfect for a sunny day without giving up the gentle lift of yerba mate. In South America it has always been enjoyed as tereré; here, it is reinvented in delicious versions with lemon, mint or fruit. Here is how to make it easily, at home.

Can you drink mate cold?

Absolutely. Contrary to a common belief, mate is not only enjoyed hot: in Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, tereré — mate prepared with cold water — is the go-to drink on hot days. Drinking mate cold even has an advantage: a cold infusion is softer, less bitter, and preserves all the aromatic freshness of the leaf. It is also a pleasant way to enjoy its stimulating effect when a hot drink no longer appeals.

How to make iced mate (2 methods)

There are two ways to succeed with iced mate, depending on how much time you have.

Method 1 — Hot infusion then cooled (quick)

1. Brew 1 to 2 tablespoons of yerba mate in 500 ml of hot water (70-80 °C, never boiling) for 5 minutes.
2. Filter, then let it cool to room temperature.
3. Place in the fridge, or pour directly over ice cubes.
4. Add a dash of lemon juice, a few mint leaves, and enjoy well chilled.

Method 2 — Cold brew (the softest)

1. Pour 2 tablespoons of yerba mate into 1 litre of cold water.
2. Let it brew in the fridge for 4 to 8 hours (ideally overnight).
3. Filter, add ice cubes and the flavours of your choice.

Cold brewing gives a delicate, low-bitterness iced mate, to prepare the day before so it is ready in the fridge.

Tereré: the traditional cold version

Tereré is the ancestral recipe for cold mate. Fill a gourd (or an insulated flask) with yerba mate, insert the bombilla (the filtering straw), then pour very cold water, often with lemon juice, fruit juice or fresh herbs such as mint. It is shared from hand to hand, like hot mate: a refreshing, convivial moment.

Our delicious iced mate recipes

Iced mate lends itself to countless variations. A few ideas to twist your cold drink:

• Lemon-mint: the classic, thirst-quenching version with lime and a few mint leaves.
• Ginger: a slice of fresh ginger infused for a spicy, tonic touch.
• Red fruits: crushed raspberries or strawberries for a tart note.
• Peach: a few pieces of peach for a late-afternoon sweetness.
• Citrus: orange and lemon for a bright, vitamin-rich profile.
• Mango-basil: an exotic, fresh duo for a slightly more sophisticated drink.
• Lemongrass: an infused lemongrass stalk for a herbaceous note.

Tip: to keep it light, avoid added sugar; fruit, spices and herbs are enough to flavour the drink. A touch of honey is still possible for those with a sweeter tooth.

Iced mate or cold coffee: the right alternative

In summer, many look for a refreshing alternative to iced coffee. Iced mate ticks every box: it gives the same boost thanks to its caffeine, but with a softer, more gradual effect and without coffee's marked bitterness. It is a traditional South American drink (tereré actually originates in Paraguay), natural, rich in antioxidants, that advantageously replaces sodas and sugary drinks. A delicious, healthy way to stay hydrated when it is hot.

Storing and carrying your iced mate

Prepared in a pitcher or carafe, iced mate keeps for 24 to 48 hours in the fridge — remember to filter it so it does not become too bitter. To take it with you (picnic, beach, office), an insulated flask keeps the drink cool for several hours. Make a large batch the day before: you will have a homemade, thirst-quenching and economical drink, ready at any time.

Ingredients and equipment

For a good iced mate, you need very little: a good yerba mate (preferably a traditional green or flavoured mate), water, ice cubes, and the flavours of your choice (lemon, mint, ginger, fruit). A carafe or flask is enough; for tereré, a gourd and bombilla complete the experience. The quality of the leaf makes all the difference: discover our selection of organic loose-leaf mate, ideal for both hot and cold infusions.

How to serve iced mate

Serve your iced mate in a tall glass filled with ice, garnished with a slice of lime or a sprig of mint. It pairs wonderfully with a relaxing moment, a summer brunch or an alcohol-free aperitif. Prepared in large quantity in a carafe, it is also the ideal drink to share with friends, in place of a soda: refreshing, natural and full of character.

Iced mate: frequently asked questions

How to make iced mate quickly?

Brew the yerba mate in hot water (70-80 °C) for 5 minutes, filter, let it cool, then pour over ice with a dash of lemon juice. In a few minutes, your iced mate is ready.

Can you cold-brew mate?

Yes, it is even the softest method: let the yerba mate brew in cold water in the fridge for 4 to 8 hours, then filter. The cold infusion is less bitter and very refreshing.

Is iced mate energising?

Yes, like hot mate, it contains caffeine and keeps its stimulating effect. To enjoy it serenely, see our consumption precautions and the benefits of mate.

What flavours can you add to iced mate?

Lemon, lime, mint, ginger, red fruits, peach or citrus: the possibilities are endless. It is best to avoid added sugar and let fruit and herbs flavour the drink naturally.