How to Make Cha Mate Leao Gelado

Cha Mate Leao Gelado, also known as iced mate tea, is a refreshing and popular beverage in Brazil. It is made from the leaves of the mate plant and is traditionally consumed cold. If you want to enjoy this delicious drink at home, follow these simple steps:

1. Gather your ingredients:

- Mate tea leaves - Cold water - Ice cubes - Optional sweetener, such as sugar or honey

2. Prepare the mate tea:

- Boil a pot of water. - Place mate tea leaves (about 3-4 tablespoons) into a heat-resistant container, such as a glass or a teapot. - Pour the boiling water over the mate tea leaves. - Let it steep for about 5 minutes.

3. Strain the mate tea:

- Using a fine-mesh strainer or a tea infuser, strain the mate tea to remove the leaves.

4. Sweeten the tea (optional):

- If desired, add sweetener to the strained mate tea. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener.

5. Chill the mate tea:

- Transfer the sweetened mate tea to a pitcher or a jug. - Add ice cubes to cool down the tea quickly. - You can also refrigerate it for a few hours to allow it to chill further.

6. Serve and enjoy:

- Pour the chilled mate tea into glasses filled with ice cubes. - Garnish with fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, or your preferred toppings. - Serve it cold and enjoy the refreshing flavors of Cha Mate Leao Gelado!