Ice-cold water infused with yerba mate and fresh herbs, sipped through a metal straw from a shared cup — Paraguay's national beverage and daily social ritual.
Instructions
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1
Fill the guampa about two-thirds with yerba mate.
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2
Tilt the guampa so the yerba sits on one side. Insert the bombilla into the empty side.
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3
Prepare ice-cold water in a pitcher or thermos. Add fresh herbs or citrus if desired.
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4
Pour cold water slowly into the empty side of the guampa, letting the yerba absorb gradually.
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5
Sip through the bombilla until the water is gone. Refill and pass to the next person.
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6
Continue refilling and sharing throughout the gathering.
Did You Know?
Tereré was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020 — it is to Paraguay what tea ceremony is to Japan.
The Story Behind Tereré
Tereré is Paraguay's most important cultural practice, far more than just a beverage. The Guarani people consumed yerba mate long before European contact, and the cold version emerged as a response to Paraguay's intense tropical heat. Sharing tereré is a daily social ritual that binds friends, family, and coworkers. Refusing tereré is considered deeply rude. The guampa and bombilla are personal items carried everywhere.
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