Making Tereré in a Cold Brew Coffee Maker

Quick answer

• Yes, you can make Tereré in a cold brew coffee maker, but it’s not the traditional method.
• The cold brew coffee maker’s filtering system can be adapted for Tereré.
• You’ll need to adjust the steeping time and potentially the coffee-to-water ratio for optimal flavor.
• Ensure all parts are thoroughly cleaned to avoid coffee residue affecting the Tereré taste.
• Experimentation is key to finding your preferred Tereré strength and flavor profile.
• For a truly authentic experience, consider traditional Tereré preparation methods.

Who this is for

• Coffee enthusiasts who also enjoy traditional beverages like Tereré.
• Individuals who own a cold brew coffee maker and want to experiment with it beyond coffee.
• Those looking for a convenient way to prepare cold, refreshing drinks at home.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Your cold brew coffee maker likely uses a mesh filter or a paper filter. For Tereré, a mesh filter is generally more forgiving and easier to clean than a paper one. If you have a paper filter system, you might need to experiment with different types or consider a reusable mesh filter if available for your model. Always check your brewer’s manual for specific filter recommendations.

Water quality and temperature

Tereré is traditionally made with cold water, often chilled or even ice-cold. Using filtered water is highly recommended, as impurities or strong mineral tastes in tap water can negatively impact the subtle flavors of yerba mate. For best results, aim for water that is between 35-45°F (1.5-7°C).

Grind size and coffee freshness

While this guide is about Tereré, the concept of “freshness” still applies to your yerba mate. Ensure your yerba mate is fresh, stored properly, and hasn’t lost its aroma or flavor. The “grind size” for yerba mate is more about the cut of the leaves. Some yerba mates are finely ground, while others have larger leaf pieces and stems. This will affect how it infuses.

Coffee-to-water ratio

The traditional ratio for Tereré is quite flexible and depends on personal preference. A good starting point is about 1-2 tablespoons of yerba mate per 8 oz of cold water. However, since you’re using a cold brew maker, you might find that a slightly higher ratio works well due to the longer steeping time.

Cleanliness/descale status

This is crucial. Any residual coffee oils or flavors in your cold brew maker can significantly alter the taste of your Tereré, making it taste bitter or of stale coffee. Ensure the carafe, lid, and filter basket are thoroughly washed with soap and hot water. If your machine requires descaling, follow the manufacturer’s instructions before brewing your Tereré.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Disassemble and clean: Take apart your cold brew coffee maker. Wash all components (carafe, lid, filter basket) thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Rinse well.

• What “good” looks like: All parts are free of visible residue and have no lingering coffee smell.
• Common mistake: Rinsing quickly without soap, leaving behind coffee oils. Avoid this by using a dedicated dish brush and mild detergent.

2. Assemble the brewer: Reassemble your cold brew coffee maker, ensuring the filter basket is securely in place within the carafe or designated area.

• What “good” looks like: The brewer is put back together correctly, ready to hold ingredients.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to place the filter correctly, which can lead to grounds in your final drink. Double-check that the filter is seated properly.

3. Add yerba mate: Measure your desired amount of yerba mate and place it into the filter basket. For an 8-cup (64 oz) maker, start with about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup of yerba mate.

• What “good” looks like: The yerba mate is evenly distributed in the filter basket, not packed too tightly.
• Common mistake: Overfilling the basket, which can restrict water flow and lead to uneven extraction. Leave some space for the water to circulate.

4. Pour cold water: Slowly pour very cold, filtered water over the yerba mate in the filter basket until the carafe is filled to your desired level.

• What “good” looks like: The water saturates the yerba mate evenly.
• Common mistake: Pouring too quickly, which can cause some yerba mate to float and not infuse properly. A gentle, circular pour is best.

5. Steep (initial): Place the lid on the cold brew maker and refrigerate. Let it steep for at least 4-6 hours.

• What “good” looks like: The water begins to take on a light amber or greenish hue, and the aroma of yerba mate starts to develop.
• Common mistake: Not steeping long enough, resulting in a weak and flavorless drink. Patience is key for cold infusion.

6. Steep (extended, optional): For a stronger flavor, you can steep for up to 12-18 hours. Taste periodically after the initial 4-6 hours.

• What “good” looks like: The liquid is a richer color and has a more pronounced yerba mate flavor.
• Common mistake: Over-steeping, which can lead to bitterness. Yerba mate can become bitter if left too long, similar to over-extracted coffee.

7. Remove filter and serve: Once steeping is complete, carefully remove the filter basket containing the used yerba mate. Discard the used mate.

• What “good” looks like: The filter basket is removed cleanly, leaving clear Tereré in the carafe.
• Common mistake: Not removing the filter promptly, allowing the steeped yerba mate to continue infusing and potentially become bitter.

8. Serve chilled: Pour the Tereré over ice into glasses. You can add a squeeze of lemon or lime if desired.

• What “good” looks like: A refreshing, cold beverage with a pleasant yerba mate aroma and taste.
• Common mistake: Serving it lukewarm. Tereré is best enjoyed ice-cold.

9. Clean immediately: Wash the cold brew maker components again immediately after use to prevent any staining or lingering flavors.

• What “good” looks like: All parts are clean and ready for the next use.
• Common mistake: Leaving the brewer unwashed, making future cleaning much more difficult and risking off-flavors.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Using unfiltered tap water	Off-flavors, metallic or chlorine notes in Tereré	Use filtered or spring water.
Not cleaning the brewer thoroughly	Coffee residue imparts bitterness and off-flavors	Wash all parts with soap and hot water after each use.
Packing yerba mate too tightly	Poor water circulation, weak or uneven infusion	Loosely fill the filter basket, allowing water to flow freely.
Under-steeping yerba mate	Weak, watery Tereré with little flavor	Steep for at least 4-6 hours; taste and extend if desired.
Over-steeping yerba mate	Bitter, harsh Tereré	Taste periodically and remove the yerba mate after achieving desired strength (usually 12-18 hrs max).
Using stale or old yerba mate	Dull, muted flavor, loss of characteristic aroma	Use fresh, properly stored yerba mate.
Serving Tereré warm or room temperature	Lacks the refreshing quality of true Tereré	Serve over plenty of ice.
Using paper filters	May absorb flavor, clog easily, or not fit well	Prefer mesh filters or check compatibility for paper filters.
Not adjusting ratio for cold brew	Tereré might be too weak or too strong	Start with a standard ratio and adjust based on taste and steeping time.
Adding sweeteners too early	Can interfere with infusion or create uneven sweetness	Add sweeteners (if any) after brewing and before serving.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your Tereré tastes bitter, then reduce the steeping time because over-extraction is a common cause of bitterness in yerba mate.
• If your Tereré is too weak, then increase the amount of yerba mate or steep for a longer period because insufficient grounds or time leads to a diluted flavor.
• If you detect a coffee flavor, then clean your cold brew maker more thoroughly because residual coffee oils are the likely culprit.
• If the water isn’t flowing well through the filter, then check that the yerba mate isn’t packed too tightly because dense grounds obstruct water flow.
• If you prefer a bolder flavor, then use slightly more yerba mate for the same amount of water because a higher coffee-to-water ratio leads to a stronger brew.
• If you want a smoother taste, then use colder water because colder temperatures extract flavors more slowly and gently.
• If you’re new to Tereré, then start with a moderate amount of yerba mate and a 6-hour steep because you can always adjust up from there.
• If your yerba mate is very finely ground, then you might need to steep for a shorter time or use less because fine grinds can infuse more quickly and potentially become bitter faster.
• If you notice sediment in your cup, then consider using a finer mesh filter or double-filtering because some yerba mate particles may pass through standard filters.
• If you want to experiment with flavor, then add a slice of lemon or mint leaves to the filter basket during steeping because these can impart subtle, refreshing notes.

FAQ

Can I use any kind of yerba mate?

Yes, you can use most types of yerba mate. However, some varieties like “despalada” (with stems) might yield a smoother flavor compared to very fine cuts which can sometimes over-extract more quickly.

How long can I store brewed Tereré?

Brewed Tereré can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. After this, the flavor may start to degrade or develop off-notes.

Will my Tereré taste like coffee?

It shouldn’t, if your cold brew maker is thoroughly cleaned. Any lingering coffee oils or flavors will impart a coffee taste. Always ensure a deep clean before brewing Tereré.

Can I reheat Tereré?

Tereré is meant to be served cold. Reheating it will significantly alter its flavor profile and is not recommended for the best experience.

Is there a specific type of cold brew maker that works best?

Any cold brew coffee maker with a removable filter basket should work. Those with fine mesh filters are often preferred as they can catch more of the yerba mate particles.

What if I don’t have a cold brew maker?

You can make Tereré by simply steeping yerba mate in a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator for several hours, then straining.

Can I add sugar or other sweeteners?

While traditional Tereré is often unsweetened, you can add sweeteners like honey, agave, or simple syrup after brewing to your taste.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Traditional Tereré preparation methods: This page focuses on using a cold brew coffee maker. For authentic methods, explore calabash gourds and bombillas.
• Specific yerba mate brands and types: Recommendations for sourcing and choosing different yerba mate varieties are not included here.
• Health benefits of yerba mate: This article is focused on the brewing process, not the nutritional or health aspects of the herb.
• Advanced flavor infusions: While simple additions like citrus are mentioned, complex flavor profiles and ingredient pairings are beyond the scope of this guide.