Brazil, the heartbeat of samba and boundless joie de vivre, is renowned for its invigorating mate and guarana teas. Packed with natural caffeine, these herbal staples fuel endless days of dancing and passionate football matches. As a tea expert familiar with Brazil's vibrant beverage traditions, I've crafted these four alcohol-free cocktails, blending mate and guarana with tropical fruits and herbs for a rhythmic burst of flavor and energy.
Mate com Limão Brasileiro
(Mate with Brazilian Lime)
Ingredients for 2 glasses:
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon green mate tea
2 tea bags or 2 teaspoons lime tea
1 teaspoon sugar
250 ml freshly boiled sparkling water
Ice cubes
2 lime wedges for garnish
Preparation:
Steep the teas in 250 ml boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Pour the hot tea over about 8 ice cubes to chill. Stir in the sugar, then divide between two ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lime wedges on the rim.
Mate com Alcaçuz
(Mate with Licorice)
Ingredients for 2 glasses:
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon mate tea
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon licorice tea
1/2 teaspoon sugar
250 ml freshly boiled sparkling water
Ice cubes
2-4 licorice sticks
Preparation:
Steep the teas in 250 ml boiling water for 5-7 minutes. Pour over about 8 ice cubes. Stir in sugar, divide into ice-filled glasses, and add 1-2 licorice sticks per glass for stirring or garnish.
Guarana no Gelo
(Guarana on Ice: Guarana with Cherry and Hibiscus)
Ingredients for 2 glasses:
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon guarana tea
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon cherry vanilla tea
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon hibiscus tea
2 teaspoons sugar
250 ml freshly boiled sparkling water
Ice cubes
Approx. 16 jarred cherries
2 wooden skewers
Preparation:
Skewer eight cherries on each wooden stick and freeze. Steep teas in 250 ml boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Pour over 10 ice cubes, stir in sugar, and divide into glasses with 1-2 extra ice cubes. Use cherry skewers as stirrers.
Alegria de Verão
(Summer Joy: Guarana with Elderflower and Ginger)
Ingredients for 2 glasses:
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon guarana tea
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon ginger tea
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon elderflower tea
1 tea bag or 1 teaspoon mint tea
2 teaspoons sugar
250 ml freshly boiled sparkling water
Ice cubes
2 mint stalks for garnish
Preparation:
Steep teas in 250 ml boiling water for 3-6 minutes. Pour over 10 ice cubes, stir in sugar, and divide into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with fresh mint stalks.
