Tereré

The best thing about Paraguay is the people. They are kind, welcoming, and laidback. They are hardworking and proud. They love to laugh and they love to talk, especially over a nice cool drink of terere.
Terere is the official drink of Paraguay and a very important part of the culture.
What do you need for terere?
Yerba, these are the herbs that are the basis of terere. They give the tea its taste, and depending on the brand, it can be very light or very bitter.


A guampa, this is the cup where you put the yerba. You pour it in when it is dry.
A bombilla, this is the straw. You tuck it in the yerba in the guampa.
A jar or a termo with water. You can add ice or yuyos, special herbs with different tastes and can be used to treat different sicknesses.

How do you drink terere?
After you have put the yerba in the guampa and the bombilla in the yerba, you then add the water and suck the terere through the bombilla. It's usually just a couple sips. The most common way to share terere is in a circle of people. In this setting, after you drink the terere, you then pour the water in and pass it to the person to your right. They drink the terere and then pass it back to you. You then pour in more water and pass it to the person to the right of them and so on and so on. You drink in this way until the water runs out. And if the conversation is good, you go for more water!
When do you drink terere?
Paraguayans usually drink terere mid-morning and mid-afternoon when the weather is hot. It is also common to drink it around 11:00 right before lunch.
Where do you drink terere?
Paraguayans mainly drink terere at their houses on the porch or sitting in the shade in the yard. Honestly it is acceptable to drink terere anywhere and everywhere. It is common for people to drink terere at work, at the soccer field watching the game, or traveling by car or bus.
Who drinks terere?
Everyone! It is a common way for Paraguayans to pass time, welcome visitors, and share good conversations.
Why drink terere?
Terere is an extremely refreshing drink, especially on those really hot days, and it's the best way to spend time with friends.

Ojo! Paraguay is the only country that drinks terere. Lots of other countries drink a similar drink called mate. This is the same as terere except the water is hot.
If the terere spills when someone passes you the guampa, don't worry - it means good luck! But if you drink all of the terere and then pass the guampa and yerba to the wrong person, you just passed them your luck.
Paraguayans have lots of theories, myths really about the dangers of mixing certain food and drinks with terere. For example, they say it is dangerous to drink mate and terere one after the next. If you mix terere with any other drink really, they say it can make you sick. The ultimate no-no? Mixing watermelon with terere. AB-SO-LUTE-LY NOT!
I haven't suffered any terere tragedies yet, unless you call passing an entire summer day in good company with a refreshing drink a loss... :)