Tereré is the cold, refreshing cousin of the traditional mate. Born in Paraguay and adopted across northern Argentina, it’s a drink that perfectly embodies summer: ice-cold water, fragrant herbs, and that unmistakable taste of yerba mate.
When I was 9 years old and arrived in Argentina, late October 2002, the summer had already started (early), and I remember seeing the kids in the street sitting under an eucalyptus tree drinking this green leafy tea through a straw with ice. I was shocked!!
More than 20 years later, I drink Terere every day of the summer, and it’s part of my summer afternoon ritual. A refreshing, citric, flexible, earthy, and very shareable beverage. A must-know (and must-try) of the Argentine and Paraguayan culture.
Unlike the hot mate that comforts you in winter, tereré cools you down when the heat hits. It’s simple, social, and deeply cultural, a ritual that brings people together under the sun. Not to mention how well it goes with our Asado Culture!
Tereré dates back to the indigenous Guaraní people, long before Paraguay became a nation. They discovered that yerba mate not only energized but also refreshed when infused with cold water from natural springs and rivers.
Over time, this practice evolved into a cornerstone of Paraguayan identity. Today, Paraguay celebrates National Tereré Day every last Saturday of February, highlighting its cultural importance.
From the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, and Formosa, tereré made its way into Argentine daily life, especially in the north, where summer temperatures soar above 35°C, and there is a strong tribal influence.
In those regions, it’s common to see thermoses filled with icy water, mates made of steel or guampa (horn), and families sitting in the shade sharing tereré for hours. The ritual has slowly expanded to other parts of Argentina, where it’s now seen as the drink of summer.
| Feature | Tereré | Mate |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Cold or iced water | Hot water (70–80°C) |
| Yerba Cut | Coarse with mint, citrus or herbs | Finer traditional yerba |
| Vessel | Metal, glass or guampa | Wood or gourd |
| Season | Summer | Winter or all year |
| Experience | Refreshing, energizing | Comforting, stimulating |
Tereré offers a lighter, fresher profile. The flavors open up more subtly and the aroma of herbs like mint or lemon peel blends beautifully with the cold water. Many people also add fruits or juices, creating endless variations.
Fill your mate or guampa halfway with yerba. Tilt it to one side and shake lightly to remove excess dust and form a slope.
Add a splash of room-temperature water into the lower side of the yerba to moisten it slightly. This prevents clogging the bombilla later.
Place the bombilla in the damp section and press gently to secure it. Avoid moving it afterward.
Drop in a few ice cubes and some mint or lemon balm leaves. Some people even add a slice of orange or cucumber for extra freshness.
Pour the cold water or juice slowly where the bombilla sits. Sip and repeat as often as you like. Each round remains flavorful and cool thanks to the insulated thermos.
Uses plain cold water and yerba with mint or boldo. It’s all about the natural herbal essence and the social ritual.
In northern Argentina, many people prepare tereré using fruit juice — especially citrus like orange or lemon. The sweet-sour flavor enhances the freshness.
Some combine herbs such as cedrón, peperina, or burrito for a medicinal touch. Each herb adds unique notes and benefits, from digestive relief to natural energy.
When temperatures rise, asados fire up, and football fills every weekend, tereré becomes the constant companion.
It’s practical, hydrating, and perfect for long afternoons outdoors. Families bring their thermal bottles to picnics, riversides, or barbecues. The first pour marks the start of a shared moment — and the rhythm continues until the sun sets.
Drinking tereré is not just about cooling off; it’s about connecting. The conversation flows as smoothly as the cold water through the bombilla. It represents summer, friendship, and simplicity.
Few things go together like an Argentine asado and a cold tereré on a hot day. While the meat grills slowly, tereré keeps everyone fresh.
It helps digestion, cuts the heaviness of red meat, and maintains hydration during long grill sessions. Many parrilleros in Misiones or Corrientes swear by it as their secret companion while tending the fire.
Not every yerba performs well when used cold or mixed with juice. The cut, dryness, and herb mix make a difference. Below is a list of popular, well-rated brands for authentic tereré flavor.
| Brand | Origin | Flavor Notes | Best With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rey Verde Tereré | Paraguay | Mint and lemon blend, slightly sweet | Water or citrus juice |
| Pajarito Tereré | Paraguay | Classic herbal, balanced bitterness | Water and mint |
| Kurupí Menta y Boldo | Paraguay | Herbal with digestive properties | Water or lemonade |
| CBSe Regiones Litoral | Argentina | Soft citrus, refreshing | Orange juice |
| La Merced Hierbas del Litoral | Argentina | Fine blend with mint and lemon verbena | Cold water |
| Campesino Katuava y Ginseng | Paraguay | Energizing herbal mix | Water or tropical juice |
Tip: Always choose a yerba with a coarse grind and low powder content. It prevents clogging and enhances freshness.
Store your thermos in the fridge before use. Add large ice cubes instead of crushed ones so they melt more slowly.
Mint, lemon slices, or even cucumber peels give a natural aromatic boost without overpowering the yerba.
Leave enough space in the mate for air circulation and easy pouring. Overpacked yerba leads to uneven flavor.
If you notice the taste fading, replace half of the yerba and keep the bombilla in place. This keeps the cycle going.
Beyond the drink itself, tereré has become a symbol of friendship and slow living. Whether you’re on a patio in Corrientes or at a riverside in Asunción, sharing tereré means sharing stories.
It unites generations, refreshes conversations, and celebrates simplicity, just like a good asado.
Tereré captures the essence of the South American summer. Every time I see someone drinking Terere, I can’t stop remembering that first encounter all the way back in 2002. It is unique, refreshing, and great summer drink!
From its Paraguayan roots to its Argentine adaptation, it remains a refreshing and communal ritual. It’s more than yerba and ice, it’s tradition, conversation, and that unmistakable feeling of connection on a hot day.
Next time the grill is on and the sun is blazing, skip the soda. Prepare a cold tereré, pour it over ice, and taste a true piece of our shared culture.
