Yerba Mate Latte is my favorite drink for a refreshing start. The drink provides a smooth, natural caffeine boost with a creamy texture.
Contents
Yerba mate latte
Yerba Mate Latte is a delicious and nutritious alternative to coffee lattes. It combines yerba mate tea with milk and sweeteners. This drink offers energizing benefits. It is a good choice for those looking to reduce their coffee intake.
Yerba mate comes from the Ilex paraguariensis plant in South America. It has many benefits:
- It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- It contains caffeine and theobromine. These provide a gentle energy boost without the crash that comes from coffee.
- It is suitable for various diets like vegan and paleo.
The yerba mate latte has an earthy, creamy flavor. It tastes like milk tea, rather than a coffee latte. Here is how to make the yerba mate latte:
Yerba Mate Latte
This creamy latte combines the earthy flavor of yerba mate with the richness of steamed milk. It is perfect for a morning pick-me-up or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons loose yerba mate or 1 yerba mate tea bag
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup milk dairy or non-dairy, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk
- 1 –2 teaspoons sweetener honey, sugar, or sugarcane syrup – optional
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – optional
Instructions
- Heat the water to just below boiling (about 170–185°F or 75–85°C). Add the yerba mate to a teapot, French press, or infuser. Pour the hot water over it and steep for 5 minutes. Strain if using loose leaves.
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking gently until hot but not boiling. For a frothy latte, whisk vigorously or use a milk frother.
- Pour the brewed yerba mate into a mug, then add the warmed milk. Stir gently to combine.
- Add sweetener and vanilla extract, if desired, and stir well.
- Enjoy your Yerba Mate Latte warm and comforting, perfect for a quick energy boost!
Notes
- For a creamier latte, use whole milk or barista-style non-dairy milk.
- Adjust the sweetness and milk ratio to your taste.
- Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or sugar alternatives
- Add flavors such as vanilla, cocoa powder, or spices like nutmeg and cardamom for extra flavor.
How to pair
Yerba mate lattes can be enjoyed alongside various dishes from breakfast to dessert.
- Desserts
- Gingerbread cookies’ spices resonate with the gingerbread yerba mate latte flavors.
- Dark chocolate desserts enhance yerba mate’s earthy flavor.
- Breakfast Dishes
- Mate latte complements oatmeal, especially with nuts, coconut, and honey.
- Mate latte pairs well with pancakes or waffles, especially with fruit or syrup.
- Snacks and Light Meals
- Savory scones balance the sweetness of yerba mate latte.
- Nut butter toast offers a satisfying crunch that complements the latte.
- Savory Dishes
- Yerba mate’s slight bitterness balances spicy foods like curries.
- Cheese platters pair beautifully with the latte.
Variations
Mate lattes offer several variations to explore:
Coconut mate latte
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 teaspoons loose-leaf yerba mate
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- Sweetener (stevia or monk fruit recommended)
- Optional: collagen peptides, cinnamon, vanilla bean powder
- Instructions:
- Steep yerba mate in hot water.
- Warm coconut milk separately.
- Combine steeped tea with coconut milk and spices.
- Adjust sweetness to taste and serve warm or iced.
Cinnamon yerba mate latte
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond or coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons loose-leaf yerba mate
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- Sweetener (optional)
- Cinnamon to taste
- Instructions:
- Heat the milk and steep yerba mate for about 10 minutes.
- Strain into a blender
- Add remaining ingredients and blend until frothy.
Gingerbread mate latte
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups brewed yerba mate tea
- 1/2 cup unsweetened milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- Spices: ginger, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract
- Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until creamy and frothy.
- Serve warm for a cozy treat.
