Yerba Mate Latte Recipe [+Tips]

Ingredients For Yerba Mate Latte Recipe

Before we start whisking, steeping, and frothing, let’s gather what you’ll need. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity-just a handful of quality ingredients come together to make something truly special.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Core Ingredients

• 1-2 Teaspoons Loose-leaf Yerba Mate

  (Or 1 yerba mate tea bag if you’re short on time. Loose-leaf gives a richer flavor though!)

• 1 Cup Hot Water (not Boiling – About 160-175°F / 70-80°C)

  (Overheating can make yerba mate bitter!)

• 1 Cup Milk Of Choice

  (Oat milk gives a barista-like creaminess; almond or whole milk are fab too)

• 1-2 Teaspoons Natural Sweetener

  (Think: honey, maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar. Customize to your taste!)

• Optional: Dash Of Vanilla Extract Or Cinnamon

  (Adds warmth and depth)

Equipment (nothing Fancy)

• Small saucepan or electric kettle
• Milk frother (or whisk for DIY froth)
• Tea strainer, French press, or tea infuser
• Mug or heatproof glass
• Spoon or mini whisk

How To Make Yerba Mate Latte?

Now let’s get to the fun part-crafting your mate latte masterpiece! You don’t need barista skills or a fancy espresso machine. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown that anyone can follow.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Steep The Yerba Mate

   • Add your yerba mate (loose leaf or tea bag) to a heatproof cup or infuser.
   • Pour in your hot water (again-not boiling!) and let it steep for about 5-7 minutes.
   • If using loose leaf, strain it out once brewed.

2. Heat And Froth The Milk

   • Warm your milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
   • Don’t let it boil-just get it steamy.
   • Froth it using a frother, French press pump method, or vigorously whisk it by hand until it’s nice and foamy.

3. Sweeten The Deal

   • Add your desired sweetener and optional flavors (like vanilla or cinnamon) to the brewed yerba mate.
   • Stir gently to blend the flavors.

4. Assemble Your Latte

   • Pour the sweetened yerba mate into your favorite mug.
   • Slowly add the warm, frothed milk over the top.
   • Spoon on extra foam if you’re feeling fancy.
   • Optional: Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a few yerba mate leaves for that final flourish.

Sip And Savor

Now give it a swirl, take a sip, and let that creamy, herbal magic wash over you. It’s like a hug from South America with a café twist.

Expert Tips

Want to take your Yerba Mate Latte from great to life-changingly perfect? Here are some expert-level nuggets of wisdom.

• Avoid boiling water: Yerba mate gets bitter and harsh if steeped in boiling water. Think of it like green tea-gentle heat is key.
• Experiment with steep time: More time = stronger brew. Less time = smoother taste. Customize to your preference!
• Use barista-style plant milks: If you’re going dairy-free, barista blends of oat or almond milk froth better and give a richer mouthfeel.
• Double strain loose leaf: If you’re not into leafy floaties, run the tea through a fine mesh sieve twice.
• Infuse your milk: Want a flavor twist? Infuse the milk with cardamom, star anise, or even a chai spice blend as you heat it.

Recipe Variations

Just like any great latte, there are endless ways to spin your yerba mate into new territory. Here are some fun and flavorful ideas to keep your cup exciting:

Iced Yerba Mate Latte

• Brew the yerba mate strong.
• Let it chill.
• Pour over ice with cold frothed milk and sweetener.

Honey-Vanilla Yerba Mate Latte

• Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tbsp honey to your brew.
• Whisk well and froth the milk for a cozy, golden treat.

Yerba Mate Boba Latte

• Add tapioca pearls to the bottom of your cup.
• Use sweetened condensed milk instead of regular sweetener.
• Serve with a fat straw and enjoy that chewy goodness!

Yerba Mate Mocha Latte

• Mix 1 tsp cocoa powder into your milk while heating.
• Add a touch of brown sugar.
• Hello, earthy-chocolatey heaven!

Autumn-Spiced Yerba Mate Latte

• Add a pinch of pumpkin spice, nutmeg, and cinnamon to your milk.
• Top with foam and a sprinkle of spice for that fall-vibe flair.

Final Words

If you’ve never thought of yerba mate as a latte-worthy beverage, now you know-it’s not only possible, it’s phenomenal. It’s cozy meets culture, caffeine meets calm. It’s a little offbeat, a little adventurous, and totally customizable.

This is the drink for:

• Tea lovers who want a creamier experience.
• Coffee drinkers looking for a gentle, herbal alternative.
• Anyone who loves a warm, frothy mug in hand on a chill day.

So next time you’re standing in your kitchen, mug in hand, unsure whether you want tea or coffee-remember: there’s a whole world of yerba mate waiting for you. And it’s absolutely latte-ready.

FAQs

What Is A Yerba Mate Latte?

A yerba mate latte is a warm beverage made by combining brewed yerba mate tea with steamed milk, often sweetened and flavored with spices or syrups, creating a creamy, energizing drink similar to a traditional latte but using yerba mate as the base instead of coffee.

How Do I Prepare Yerba Mate For A Latte?

To prepare yerba mate for a latte, steep about 1 to 2 teaspoons of loose yerba mate leaves in hot water (around 150-170°F or 65-75°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid boiling water as it can make the tea bitter. Strain the leaves before combining with milk.

What Type Of Milk Works Best For A Yerba Mate Latte?

You can use any milk you prefer for a yerba mate latte, including dairy options like whole, skim, or cream, as well as plant-based alternatives such as almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. The choice depends on your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Can I Make A Yerba Mate Latte Without A Milk Frother?

Yes, you can make a yerba mate latte without a frother by heating the milk on the stove or in the microwave and then whisking vigorously by hand or shaking it in a tightly sealed jar to create froth.

Is It Necessary To Sweeten A Yerba Mate Latte?

Sweetening a yerba mate latte is optional and based on personal preference. Common sweeteners include honey, agave syrup, sugar, or flavored syrups. Some people enjoy the natural, slightly earthy flavor of yerba mate without added sweetness.

Can I Add Spices Or Flavorings To My Yerba Mate Latte?

Absolutely. Popular additions include cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, or cardamom. These enhance the latte’s flavor profile and provide a warming, aromatic experience.

How Much Caffeine Is In A Yerba Mate Latte Compared To Coffee?

Yerba mate contains about 85 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving, which is generally less than a standard coffee serving (about 95 mg). The caffeine content in a yerba mate latte will depend on the amount of yerba mate used and the serving size.

Can I Prepare A Cold Yerba Mate Latte?

Yes, a cold yerba mate latte can be made by brewing the yerba mate, allowing it to cool, then combining it with cold milk and ice. You can also blend the ingredients for a frothy iced latte.

Is Yerba Mate Latte Suitable For People Sensitive To Caffeine?

Yerba mate does contain caffeine, so individuals sensitive to caffeine should consume it cautiously or opt for decaffeinated yerba mate. The caffeine level can vary, so adjusting the amount of yerba mate used can help control intake.

Where Can I Buy Yerba Mate For Making Lattes?

Yerba mate can be purchased at health food stores, specialty tea shops, many supermarkets, or online retailers. It is available in loose-leaf form or in tea bags, both suitable for making lattes.