Paraguayan Yerba Mate Sour
A vibrant cocktail blending the earthy bitterness of yerba mate tea with the tartness of fresh lemon and the sweetness of honey syrup. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes pairs yerba mate tea (strong brewed, cooled), pisco, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz yerba mate tea (strong brewed, cooled)
- 1.5 oz pisco
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
- 1 large egg white
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 for garnish lemon wheel
- pinch for garnish dried yerba mate leaves
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker without ice, pour 2 oz cooled strong yerba mate tea, 1.5 oz pisco, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz honey syrup, and 1 large egg white.
- Step 2: Dry shake (no ice) vigorously for 20 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Step 3: Add ice cubes to fill the shaker halfway and shake again for 15 seconds until frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards and pulp.
- Step 5: Garnish with a lemon wheel floated on the surface and a light pinch of dried yerba mate leaves sprinkled on top for aroma.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Paraguayan Yerba Mate Sour take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Paraguayan Yerba Mate Sour?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pisco from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Paraguayan Yerba Mate Sour?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Paraguayan Yerba Mate Sour for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Paraguayan Yerba Mate Sour?
Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
