Tereré vs. Mate: Hot vs Cold Yerba Mate Explained

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is one plant, but it powers two completely different experiences — mate and tereré.

One is warm, intense, and grounding.
The other is cool, light, and hydrating.

Both are steeped in culture, loaded with benefits, and central to everyday life across South America. But they’re used in different settings — and choosing between them depends on what kind of energy you're after.

Mate is the traditional hot version of yerba mate. It’s especially popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.

You prepare it by steeping loose yerba mate in a small cup (called mate) and drinking it through a filtered metal straw (bombilla). It’s bold, bitter, and earthy — and often shared as a social ritual.

Mate is:

• Brewed with hot water (around 70–80°C / 160–175°F)

• Rich in flavor and tannins

• Often sipped slowly, like coffee or tea

• Great for cold mornings or focused moments

• A symbol of connection, especially in Argentina and Uruguay

Tereré is the cold version of yerba mate — and it’s a way of life in Paraguay, where it’s the national drink. But it’s also widely consumed in northern Argentina and southern Brazil, especially in warmer weather.

Instead of hot water, tereré is made with ice-cold water (sometimes infused with citrus or native herbs known as pohã ñana), poured over dry yerba mate in a guampa (a cup usually made from wood or metal).

Tereré is:

• Light, herbal, and cooling

• Perfect for hot climates or outdoor hangs

• A hydrating energy boost without the crash

• Popular among athletes, workers, and anyone needing focus on the go

• Incredibly refreshing when paired with fruits like lemon, passion fruit, or mint
  

Read more: What is tereré?

• Love rich, bold flavors and warm drinks? Start with mate.

• Want something light, hydrating, and refreshing? Go with tereré.

• Looking for clean energy without jitters or sugar crashes? Both deliver — just in different ways.

In Paraguay, it’s common to enjoy mate in the morning and tereré throughout the day. No need to choose one forever — just pick what fits your mood.

At Teko, we’re rooted in the Paraguayan tradition of tereré — and we built our drinks to reflect that experience.

We took the soul of tereré — refreshing, plant-based energy without the sugar — and put it in a convenient stick you can take anywhere. Just mix with water and sip. No boiling. No steeping. No fuss.

Our flavors like Lemon Yerba Mate, Pineapple Yerba Mate, Passion Fruit Yerba Mate, and Peach Orange Yerba Mate are designed to match tereré’s natural vibe — cool, clean, and energizing.

Yerba mate is more than a trend — it’s a tradition. And whether you drink it hot as mate or cold as tereré, you’re joining a ritual that’s been passed down for centuries.

Same leaf. Two rituals. One powerful plant.
Find the version that fits your life — or, like most people in Paraguay, enjoy both.

Both are made from yerba mate, but tereré is brewed cold — lighter and more refreshing than hot mate.

They contain similar amounts of caffeine, but mate feels stronger because it’s hot and steeped longer.

Absolutely! It’s a clean, hydrating source of natural energy — perfect for daily use, especially in warmer weather.