Terere in Summer

When summer temperatures exceed 35°C in northeastern Argentina, locals swap hot mate for tereré, a refreshing cold brew made with ice water and occasionally fruit juice. This variation is 40% more popular in provinces like Corrientes and Misiones than the national average for other mate styles. Unlike Amargo vs. Dulce, which involves a heated cultural debate, tereré is a pragmatic adaptation to harsh heat, often drunk with herbs for extra cooling. The yerba is the same, but the cold water reduces bitterness, making it sweeter naturally. Over 70% of families in these regions have a dedicated tereré gourd, often larger with a bombilla (metal straw) designed for ice.