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, especially in provinces like Corrientes and Misiones. 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. Many families in these regions keep a dedicated tereré gourd, often larger with a bombilla (metal straw) designed for ice.