Yerba mate and citrus – discover the taste of summer in your mate gourd!
As the sun starts to blaze stronger and you begin to sense that holiday feeling in the air, reaching for a hot infusion may not always seem like the best idea... But did you know that yerba mate can be the perfect summer drink? Yes – we're talking about refreshing and energising citrus yerba mate! A blend of Ilex paraguariensis with notes of lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit or pomelo is a real hit for those seeking a natural refreshment during the summer season. In today’s article, we’ll show you how citrus fruits can enhance the flavour of mate tea, how they affect the properties of the infusion and why it’s worth trying them right now – as the days grow longer and the temperatures climb.
Summary:
- Why yerba mate and citrus make the perfect summer pair
- Yerba mate with lemon – the classic summer refreshment
- Yerba mate with orange – exotic sweetness and natural energy
- Yerba mate with grapefruit and pomelo – a fruity twist with unique character
- Recipe for the perfect summer tereré with citrus fruits
Why yerba mate and citrus make the perfect summer pair
The bitterness of classic yerba mate isn’t everyone’s cup of tea at first. That’s why more and more people are reaching for flavoured yerba mate – milder on the palate and often enriched with natural additives. Among these, blends with citrus fruits like lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit enjoy particular popularity.
Citrus fruits pair wonderfully with the aromatic, herbal profile of yerba mate – not only making the infusion more refreshing, but also helping to soften its bitter edge. Thanks to additions like lemon peel, dried orange, pieces of dried grapefruit or pomelo essential oil – the flavour becomes fuller, more accessible, and pleasantly fresh.
Citrus yerba mate is perfect not only for beginners. It’s also a great option for seasoned mate drinkers looking to enjoy their yerba mate chilled in summer. That’s where tereré – a cold-brewed infusion – comes in. When combined with citrus, it becomes a light, tasty yet energising alternative to lemonade, coffee or artificial energy drinks.
Why should you try yerba mate with citrus additions?
- ✔️ Fresh and lightly tangy taste that balances bitterness and brings a lightness to the infusion.
- ✔️ Natural essential oils and aromas that uplift your mood and refresh your senses.
- ✔️ Greater enjoyment when consumed cold – yerba mate as tereré tastes even better with lemon or orange!
- ✔️ Hydration and refreshment on hot days – an ideal alternative to sugary drinks.
- ✔️ Extra dose of vitamins and antioxidants from naturally citrusy sources.
Thanks to fruity additions like orange, lemon, grapefruit or pomelo, yerba mate takes on a whole new character. Aside from enhancing the flavour and offering refreshment, these infusions also support our well-being. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and antioxidants, making citrusy mate an excellent choice not only for hot summer days, but as part of your year-round healthy routine!
💡 Did you know…? Citrus yerba mate is one of the most popular categories on our site during the summer season! Lemon, orange and grapefruit blends are perfect as tereré. Their citrus aroma combined with cold water gives a unique effect – natural refreshment and stimulation without overwhelming the body with caffeine in the heat. If you’ve never tried it – this coming summer is the perfect time to discover the taste of citrus yerba mate!
As you can see, the combination of yerba mate and citrus isn’t just about taste – it’s a practical and healthy way to beat the heat in style. But which citrus fruits work best alongside mate tea? In the following parts of the article, we’ll take a closer look at the most popular choices – lemon and orange – and explore how they influence the taste, aroma and properties of the infusion. Read on!
Yerba mate with lemon – the classic summer refreshment
If we had to pick a single fruit that pairs best with yerba mate, lemon would surely be among the top contenders. Lemon yerba mate (most commonly labelled yerba mate limón) enjoys unfailing popularity among both beginners and seasoned mate drinkers. Why? Because it’s a uniquely refreshing combo that works just as well in summer as in winter!
The tangy, fresh notes of lemon offset the bitterness of traditional mate and bring a whole new vibe to the infusion. Importantly – it doesn’t mask the yerba mate’s natural character, but instead blends with it harmoniously. Lemon adds not only flavour – vitamin C, lemon essential oils and natural antioxidants boost your immunity and lift your general well-being.
When and why should you reach for lemon yerba mate?
- ✔️ On hot days – when you need natural refreshment and your body calls for hydration.
- ✔️ For starters – lemony notes mellow the taste and make it more approachable.
- ✔️ For active individuals – caffeine and vitamins energise and aid post-exercise recovery.
- ✔️ In tereré form – served cold, it tastes amazing, especially with fresh lemon slices!
Our lemony picks for summer:
In our online shop you’ll find a wide variety of lemon-flavoured yerba mate. Each has its own unique character – from mild, Brazilian mate green blends to robust, smoke-dried Paraguayan mate varieties.
A light, green yerba mate from Brazil with a hint of lemon aroma. Fresh and mild – perfect for beginners!
Classic yerba mate from Argentina with a natural lemon note. Excellent both as a hot infusion and as tereré.
A blend for lovers of more intense flavours. A strong base, citrusy touch and a solid dose of energy!
Or how about mint and lemon for added refreshment?
Can a classic lemon yerba mate be made even better? Absolutely! By adding mint, you create an infusion that soothes and invigorates at the same time. The combination of mint and lemon is a true summer hit – even better as a chilled tereré!
Organic, unsmoked yerba mate with a cooling hint of mint and a zesty lemon twist.
A Paraguayan classic. Strongly stimulating and intense – the perfect option for a morning wake-up!
Another organic option – fresh and full of delicate citrus-herbal aromas, with a unique twist of hibiscus flowers.
Lemon yerba mate is more than just a popular flavour trend. It’s a boost of energy, a source of vitamins and your daily dose of cool refreshment – especially when you need a breather on a summer’s day. Choose a blend featuring just lemon, or go for the minty version – the result will be equally invigorating!
🍋 Like to experiment? Create your own lemony mate blend! To your classic dried mate tea, add a fresh lemon slice or some all-natural lemon peel. It’s 100% natural, with no artificial aromas – rich in essential oils and intensely fragrant. Just a pinch is enough to give your yerba mate a fresh citrus twist. A great option if you prefer full control over your mate’s flavour!
And in the next section, we’ll take a closer look at orange yerba mate and see how it stimulates the senses and… what hidden benefits it has in store.
Yerba mate with orange – exotic sweetness and natural energy
When you think of summer fruits, orange is probably one of the first that comes to mind. Juicy, sweet, slightly tangy… But what if we told you that yerba mate with orange is one of the most aromatic and mild combinations you can treat yourself to in the summer? Entirely natural, completely sugar-free, yet full of flavour and energy!
Orange yerba mate is a perfect choice for those who aren’t fond of the strong bitterness of traditional mate tea. The delicate, sweet-citrus hint of orange effectively balances the flavour of the dried leaves and makes the infusion more accessible and “fruity”. It’s also a great suggestion for anyone in search of new flavour experiences – especially on hot, sunny days.
Why opt for yerba mate with orange?
- ✔️ Subtle sweetness and delicate tanginess that mellow mate’s intensity.
- ✔️ Aroma and taste reminiscent of freshly squeezed juice.
- ✔️ Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immunity and vitality.
- ✔️ Ideal served cold, especially with ice and fresh fruit slices.
Orange classics you should try:
In our range you’ll find both naturally profiled yerba mate and more exotic blends combining orange with additional aromatic ingredients like Earl Grey tea flavour or tropical herbs.
Paraguayan smoke-dried yerba mate with an intense, bold flavour – featuring a distinct orange note and marigold petals for decorative appeal. For fans of classic mate with a fruity twist!
An exotic flavour explosion – Brazilian green yerba mate with tropical orange. Light, fresh and bursting with aroma!
A unique combination of orange and bergamot – just like a classic Earl Grey tea. Unusual, invigorating and perfect for connoisseurs of distinctive flavour blends.
All of these varieties are perfect as your daily source of energy – served hot or cold. If you haven’t yet tried yerba mate with orange, this could be your new flavour discovery for the summer!
🍊 Fancy yerba mate your way? Add orange peel! Your favourite mate blend can take on a whole new personality if you enrich it with a fruity touch. Orange peel is a natural, fragrant spice that intensifies the sweet and tangy notes of yerba mate. Ideal for a summer tereré – just a pinch is enough to enhance the flavour without reaching for pre-made blends.
Yerba mate with grapefruit and pomelo – a fruity twist with unique character
Lemon and orange are yerba mate classics, but if you’re looking for something a bit more unexpected, with a bolder, slightly bitter and refreshingly intense character, then you should definitely try citrusy yerba mate with grapefruit or pomelo. These are more complex flavour blends that delight with their freshness, vibrancy and exotic aroma.
Yerba mate with pomelo or grapefruit combines the natural bitterness of Ilex paraguariensis with the delicate tang and sweet-bitter notes so characteristic of these citrus fruits. The result is a unique infusion – full of energy yet supremely refreshing! These fruits are a little underrated, but truly exceptional. While not as common in mate tea as lemon or orange, their natural bitterness and fresh scent pair perfectly with mate. A great choice for those who enjoy a bit of a flavour challenge and want a less sweet but more invigorating taste profile.
Why reach for yerba mate with pomelo or grapefruit?
- ✔️ Original flavour – the balanced bitterness of grapefruit or slightly sweet pomelo offers a clear contrast to mate's profile.
- ✔️ Invigorating aroma – intense, fresh, slightly resinous and wonderfully cooling.
- ✔️ A natural source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, flavonoids and antioxidants.
- ✔️ Perfect for cold infusions – delicious as tereré with ice cubes.
Top yerba mate blends with pomelo and grapefruit:
Our shop offers truly intriguing and diverse options – from delicate green blends to classic, intense yerba mate with natural flavourings.
Brazilian yerba mate with grapefruit notes and orange peel. For fans of bold bitterness, natural aroma and serious stimulation!
Green Brazilian yerba mate with pieces of candied pomelo, orange peel and hibiscus. Extremely aromatic and fruity!
A tropical explosion of flavours! Light mate green with added pineapple, goji berries, candied pomelo and coconut chips. Sweet and exotic – perfect for summer days.
Yerba mate with grapefruit and pomelo additions is definitely different from classic lemon or orange mate. It’s a more complex flavour composition that can really surprise you. If you're in the mood for refreshment in a slightly bold, unconventional style – these options are for you!
🍈 Try adding candied pomelo and create your own yerba mate blend! Add candied pomelo cubes to your usual dried mate leaves – a natural sweet-bitter treat that enriches your yerba mate with a tropical, citrusy edge. A small amount can give your infusion a brand-new character. Perfect both hot and as a fruity tereré!
And to wrap up our summer article... it’s time for a ready-made recipe! In the next section, we’ll show you how to prepare citrus tereré step by step. It’ll be simple, quick – and, of course – delicious!
Recipe for the perfect summer tereré with citrus fruits
After spending the whole day under the scorching sun, nothing quenches thirst quite like a cold portion of tereré – cold-brewed yerba mate, prepared in true South American style. It’s not only a great alternative to hot infusions but also a natural isotonic drink that refreshes, hydrates, and energises. When paired with your favourite citrus fruits – the result is a delicious drink that rivals lemonade and outperforms most coffees when it comes to a caffeine kick.
💡 What exactly is tereré? It’s the cold version of yerba mate, prepared with ice-cold water (or juice) instead of hot water and traditionally served in a special cup – known as a guampa. In Paraguay and southern Brazil, it’s a summer must-have that accompanies locals practically all day long!
Now that you know the theory, it’s time for practice! If you’ve got citrus fruits, ice and your favourite blend of yerba mate to hand – making tereré will take just a moment. Try our trusted recipe for a summery, natural drink that not only refreshes but also gets you going!
🧉 Summer citrus tereré
Ingredients:
- approx. 30-50g of yerba mate – preferably citrus-flavoured
- cold water – well chilled or with ice cubes (optional: cooled juice)
- fresh slices of citrus fruits: lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit
- a few mint leaves – for even more refreshment
- bombilla and mate cup – traditional guampa, classic gourd or a tall glass
Method:
- Fill your vessel with yerba mate – approx. 1/3 to 1/2 of its volume. Citrus blends are perfect for cold infusions!
- Add fruits – throw in a few slices of lemon, orange or other citrus fruits, along with some mint leaves.
- Insert the bombilla – ideally after rinsing it with cold water.
- Slowly pour in cold water – ideally ice-cold. Wait 3-5 minutes before taking the first sip.
- Top up with water as long as the mate keeps its flavour. After a few rounds, you can also add more ice or extra fruit slices.
Tips for beginners:
- Choose yerba mate with coarsely cut leaves – the best options are mate green or classic despalada with low dust content. This type of yerb mate is much easier to brew cold and won’t clog your bombilla.
- If you want a touch of sweetness, skip the sugar and reach for... candied additions! Try adding candied pineapple, papaya or ginger from Vivarini.
- For a real visual WOW factor – serve your tereré in a clear glass with lots of ice and a fruit slice decorating the rim.
No matter whether you choose yerba mate with lemon, orange, grapefruit or pomelo – citrus tereré is the ultimate way to cool down during summer. Easy to prepare, visually stunning and 100% natural! Time to put our recipe to the test – your mate gourd awaits! 😎
Thanks for reading! We hope citrus yerba mate enchants you just as much as it has us. Check out our fruit yerba mate options and pick your summer favourite!
Sources of information:
- Wikipedia: Mate (drink), Tereré.
- Encyclopædia Britannica: Mate (beverage).
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