ADCC champion Roberto Cyborg drinks Yerba Mate as ‘Tereré’ (of Guaraní origin), an infusion of yerba mate (botanical name Ilex paraguariensis), similar to mate but prepared with cold water and ice rather than with hot, and in a slightly larger vessel. It is originally from Paraguay and is found also in northeastern Argentina and southern and western Brazil. The Guaraní people call this infusion ka’ay where ka’a means herb and y means water.

First invented by the Guaraní natives who lived in Paraguay and western Brazil (Mato Grosso do Sul where Cyborg is from) territory that used to belong to Paraguay before the war of the Triple Alliance, Tereré was spread by the dwellers of that region, and for centuries was a social beverage. People usually prepare one jar of natural water and a “guampa” (Spanish) / “cuia” (Portuguese) with a “bombilla” (Spanish) / “bomba” (Portuguese) which is shared among the group of people. Since Paraguay and Mato Grosso do Sul have a very hot climate, this drink is excellent to refresh the body and can be considered a very low-calorie, non-alcoholic beverage. Additionally, it is an important ritual signifying trust and communion.

A lot of people drink tereré with cold water, ice and herbs, that can be medicinals or refreshing, but other people just drink with cold water and ice. It is common in northeastern Argentina and southern and western of Brazil prepard with citrus fruit juices like lime, orange and pineapple, although this practice varies depending on the region. While mixing fruit juices with Tereré is commonly called “tereré ruso” (Russian tereré) because this practice is more common with Slavic immigrants in the northeast of Argentina.

Guampas/Cuias are like a glass that can be made from animal horns, usually made from cattle horns, but some people made guampas from metal, wood and silver. The new guampa/cuia or the one not used for some time needs to be watered before use, because the lower part of the cuia is usually capped with a round piece of wood. By filling the guampa/cuia with water the wood expands, covering all leaks in the guampa/cuia. Guam’s and Cuias are also made from wood and covered in leather or steel.

Bombilla or Bomba is a metal straw with a filter at the end. The Yerba Mate is placed at the bottom of the guampa, and as water is added the bombilla drinks from the guampa the clear green liquid.

Where does Terere come from? Have you ever tried it? Cyborg talks about his favorite drink and all you need to know about it.