Soothing, Clean Energy 🍵
Today was cold, and I needed something warm and soothing to drink. I thought about coffee, but I decided that I didn't want the jitters that came with it! I decided on a cup of Yerba Mate tea.
Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp Yerba Mate
• 8oz hot water
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• optional: honey or sugar
Directions:
1. Heat water until steaming, not boiling.
2. Place tea leaves in a pour over carafe (or tea baller for a single serving), and gently pour hot water over them.
3. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove leaves.
4. Serve with a splash of lemon juice, and honey!
Notes:
Yerba Mate is generally grown in South America. It comes from the leaves of a tree in the Holly family! It gives you the energy you need from coffee, without the jitters.
I've recently incorporated Yerba Mate into my daily routine, especially on cold mornings when I want something warm but prefer to avoid the overstimulation I get from coffee. What I love about Yerba Mate is that it offers a smooth, clean energy lift thanks to its natural caffeine content, but without the jittery side effects that coffee often brings. To make the perfect cup, I use the traditional cut loose Yerba Mate leaves, which I brew using a pour-over carafe. Heating the water until it's steaming but not boiling is crucial—it helps maintain the delicate flavors and beneficial compounds. After steeping for about 5 minutes, I add a splash of fresh lemon juice and a touch of honey for a lightly sweet, refreshing taste. This combination enhances the antioxidant properties and adds a cozy, citrusy aroma that really comforts me on chilly days. What’s fascinating is that Yerba Mate comes from a holly family tree, native to South America, which means it also carries unique nutrients like vitamins B and C, alongside minerals like potassium and magnesium. This nutrient profile helps support my focus and hydration during the day. If you're looking to reduce coffee intake but still want an energizing drink, I highly recommend giving Yerba Mate a try. It's perfect for teatime or any moment when you need a calm yet effective energy boost. Plus, using a tea baller or pour-over method makes preparation simple and enjoyable—really worth experimenting with different steeping times to find your personal flavor balance. Overall, Yerba Mate has become my go-to beverage for cozy, clean energy without the unwanted jitters, helping me stay productive and relaxed throughout the day.
Fun fact! Yerba Mate actually has more antioxidant power than green tea (gram for gram)!