Izze Recipe
An earthy and caffeinated tea derived from the leaves and stems of the yerba mate trees of Argentina.
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Ingredients
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Yerba Mate Infusion
Optional Flavoring / Sweetener
Serve & Finish
Method
Yerba Mate Infusion
Heat water
Bring filtered water to between 150°F and 170°F (just below boiling). If you don't have a thermometer, bring to a simmer then remove from heat and wait ~30 seconds.
Prepare mate
If using a traditional mate gourd: fill the gourd about half to three-quarters full with the 3 tbs dried yerba mate, tilt the gourd so the yerba piles on one side creating a slope and a hollow space on the lower side. If using a teapot or infuser: place the 3 tbs yerba in the infuser or teapot.
Add first water (bloom)
Pour 1–2 ounces of the warm (not boiling) water into the hollow space at the bottom of the gourd or directly onto the yerba in the infuser. Let it absorb for 30–60 seconds to hydrate the leaves and stems (this reduces bitterness).
Steep
Slowly add the remaining warm water (to reach ~12 oz total) over the yerba. Let steep 3–5 minutes for a medium-strength infusion. For a stronger, more traditional mate, steep 1–2 minutes and then refill repeatedly during consumption.
Optional Flavoring / Sweetener
Sweeten or flavor to taste. Stir in the 1 tsp honey or sugar while the infusion is warm so it dissolves easily. Add the fresh mint leaves and a slice of lemon or orange if desired for citrus or herbal notes; gently press the citrus slice against the gourd/infuser to release oils before dropping it in.
Serve & Finish
Hot service: If serving hot in a mate gourd, insert a bombilla (metal straw with filter) into the hollow space and sip directly. Refill with small amounts of hot water (about 2–4 oz) as you drink to extract additional infusions from the same yerba.
Iced service: To serve iced (Izze-style chilled mate), let the brewed mate cool to room temperature (10–15 minutes), then strain into a tall glass filled with 1 cup ice. Top with additional cold water if desired for a milder flavor. Garnish with mint and citrus slice.
Adjust strength and flavor: Taste and adjust sweetness, citrus, or mint. Leftover brewed mate can be refrigerated up to 24 hours.