Tereré: Paraguay’s Refreshing Cold Herbal Tea Tradition
Paraguayans commonly drink “tereré,” a cold herbal tea made from yerba mate, often infused with herbs and served with cold water or juice.
In the heart of South America, Paraguayans cherish a unique cold herbal tea called tereré that’s more than just a drink – it’s a cultural institution. This yerba mate-based beverage, often infused with medicinal herbs, offers a refreshing escape from tropical heat while fostering social connections. Recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, tereré holds a special place in Paraguayan daily life.
What Exactly Is Tereré?
Tereré is Paraguay’s national drink, a cold version of the traditional yerba mate tea consumed throughout South America. Unlike its hot counterpart, tereré is prepared with:
- Cold water (sometimes ice-cold or mixed with fruit juice)
- Yerba mate leaves (Ilex paraguariensis)
- Various medicinal herbs known as “remedios yuyos”
The drink is traditionally served in a hollowed gourd called a “guampa” and sipped through a metal straw called a “bombilla” that filters the leaves. For those interested in traditional preparation methods, you might enjoy learning about cold press techniques used for other herbal beverages.
The Cultural Significance of Tereré
Tereré transcends being merely a beverage in Paraguay. It represents:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Social Bonding | Shared among friends, family, and coworkers in a circle |
| Daily Ritual | Consumed throughout the day, especially in hot weather |
| National Identity | Recognized as Paraguay’s national drink since 2019 |
| UNESCO Heritage | Listed as intangible cultural heritage in 2020 |
How to Prepare Authentic Paraguayan Tereré
Making tereré properly requires specific ingredients and technique:
Essential Ingredients
The base always includes yerba mate, but Paraguayans enhance it with various herbs believed to offer health benefits. Common additions include:
- Mint (menta) – aids digestion
- Boldos – supports liver function
- Cedrón – helps with relaxation
- Burrito – digestive properties
- Coconut water or citrus juice – for flavor variation
For those interested in exploring other herbal preparations, our guide to the best juicers for vegetables and leafy greens might be helpful.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Fill the guampa 2/3 full with yerba mate leaves
- Insert the bombilla at an angle without stirring
- Add cold water (about 50°F/10°C) or juice slowly
- Pass to the first person who drinks all the liquid
- Refill and pass clockwise to the next person
Health Benefits of Tereré
Beyond its cultural importance, tereré offers several health advantages:
Nutritional Properties
Yerba mate contains:
- 24 vitamins and minerals
- 15 amino acids
- Antioxidants comparable to green tea
- Natural caffeine (about 30-50mg per serving)
Medicinal Benefits
When combined with traditional herbs, tereré may help:
- Boost energy without coffee-like jitters
- Aid digestion and relieve stomach issues
- Provide hydration with electrolytes
- Offer anti-inflammatory effects
According to Wikipedia’s mate article, yerba mate has been studied for its potential cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.
Tereré vs. Other Yerba Mate Preparations
While all come from the same plant, preparation methods create distinct beverages:
| Drink | Temperature | Preparation | Cultural Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tereré | Cold | Cold water + herbs | Paraguay |
| Mate | Hot | Hot water (160-180°F) | Argentina/Uruguay |
| Mate cocido | Hot | Brewed like tea | Brazil |
Where to Experience Tereré in Paraguay
As noted by Sabadon, tereré is ubiquitous in Paraguay. Key places to enjoy it include:
- Plaza de los Héroes in Asunción – watch locals share tereré circles
- Mercado 4 – buy traditional guampas and bombillas
- Yerba mate plantations in the countryside
- Any workplace – commonly consumed during breaks
Modern Tereré Variations
While traditional tereré remains popular, new variations have emerged:
- Tereré ruso – with citrus juice instead of water
- Tereré de leche – with cold milk (controversial!)
- Flavored tereré – with added fruits like pineapple or peach
- Sparkling tereré – with carbonated water
