In Paraguay, people commonly drink tereré, which is a traditional cold herbal tea made from yerba mate. They also consume cocido, a type of hot black tea, and various fruit juices.
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In Paraguay, people indulge in a variety of beverages that reflect the cultural diversity of the country. One of the most popular and iconic drinks is tereré, a traditional cold herbal tea made from yerba mate. Paraguayans have a deep-rooted passion for tereré, which is not only a refreshing beverage but also a social ritual. It is often shared among friends and family, as they gather around, pass around the tereré mate (cup), and take turns sipping through a metal straw called a bombilla.
Alongside tereré, Paraguayans also enjoy cocido, a hot black tea that is another widely consumed beverage. It is often served with sugar, milk, or lemon, depending on personal preferences. Cocido is a comforting and invigorating drink, particularly popular during breakfast or in the afternoon to rejuvenate one’s energy.
In addition to herbal teas, Paraguay boasts a vibrant array of fruit juices, which are squeezed from a multitude of tropical fruits abundantly found in the country. Some popular fruit juices include jugo de naranja (orange juice), jugo de limón (lemonade), jugo de pomelo (grapefruit juice), and jugo de maracuyá (passionfruit juice). These refreshing juices are commonly enjoyed throughout the day and often accompany meals.
“Paraguay is a country that truly embraces the joy of sharing a good tereré with loved ones. It is not merely a beverage but a cultural experience that fosters connection and togetherness,” says Pablo Araujo, a Paraguayan diplomat.
Interesting facts about Paraguay’s drinks:
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The traditional yerba mate used for tereré in Paraguay is distinct from other yerba mate varieties, as it is specially processed to withstand cold water infusion.
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Paraguayans often add herbs like mint, lemongrass, or boldo to their tereré for additional flavor and health benefits.
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Tereré is typically consumed with ice-cold water, allowing Paraguayans to beat the heat and stay refreshed in the country’s warm climate.
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The art of preparing and sharing tereré is recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, highlighting its cultural significance.
Table showcasing some popular beverages in Paraguay:
| Beverage | Description |
|---|---|
| Tereré | Traditional cold herbal tea made from yerba mate |
| Cocido | Hot black tea typically served with milk or sugar |
| Jugo de naranja | Orange juice made from freshly squeezed oranges |
| Jugo de limón | Lemonade prepared with freshly squeezed lemons |
| Jugo de pomelo | Grapefruit juice made from ripe pomelos |
| Jugo de maracuyá | Refreshing passionfruit juice with a tropical twist |
Paraguay’s rich beverage culture offers a delightful blend of traditional flavors, encouraging social connections and embracing the country’s natural abundance of ingredients.
In this video, you may find the answer to “What do people in Paraguay drink?”
This video explores the practices and knowledge surrounding Terere, a Guaraní ancestral drink in Paraguay. The process of creating Terere involves the participation of various individuals, such as farmers, collectors, jewelers, and traditional medicine sellers, who preserve and share their knowledge. The drink is prepared by mixing cold water with medicinal herbs in a thermos jar, and it is served by a cebador, who pours the water into cups filled with yerba mate. Sharing Terere is a deeply-rooted ancestral tradition that promotes communal sharing, trust, social equality, and cultural diversity. It is an important part of Paraguayan identity and should be protected and preserved.
Many additional responses to your query
Yerba MateYerba Mate is the national drink of Paraguay, where it is also consumed with either hot or ice cold water (see tereré); Argentina; and Uruguay. Drinking mate is a common social practice in all of the territory of Paraguay and parts of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, southern Chile, and eastern Bolivia.
Tereré, the national drink of Paraguay, is similar to an iced herbal tea, except it’s made with cold water right off the bat, rather than brewed with hot water, which is then cooled. It can be drunk plain, or amped up with the addition of citrus fruits and herbs.
Tereré is a refreshing, nutritious beverage, and it’s the national drink of Paraguay. The dish is so popular, it even has a day named after it. Since 2011, the last Saturday of February has been known as ‘National Day of Tereré.’
More intriguing questions on the topic
- Tereré How to drink it?
- Maté
- Mosto.
- Caña.
- Traditional Beer.
Tereré is the national drink of Paraguay (and also enjoyed in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil). Made using the same yerba as in other parts of South America, but prepared with cold water or juice, Tereré is usually sweetened.