Yerba Mate Sour
A South American inspired sour cocktail combining the earthy flavors of yerba mate tea with bright lemon and smooth whiskey. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 10 minutes pairs Whiskey, Fresh lemon juice, Yerba mate syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 Whiskey
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Yerba mate syrup
- 1 Egg white
- 1 Lemon twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare yerba mate syrup by steeping 1 tablespoon of yerba mate tea leaves in 1/2 cup hot water for 5 minutes, then strain and mix with 1/2 cup sugar until dissolved. Cool before use.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz whiskey, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz yerba mate syrup, and 1 egg white to a shaker without ice.
- Step 3: Perform a dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Step 4: Add ice cubes filling the shaker halfway and shake again for 15 seconds until the outside is frosty.
- Step 5: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to ensure a silky texture.
- Step 6: Garnish with a thin lemon twist expressed over the surface and placed on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Yerba Mate Sour take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 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 whiskey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 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 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 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.
