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Yerba Mate Tea Ritual
A new sensation from South America to Santa Barbara

Yerba mate is considered the national drink across much of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. Not only does it have refreshing taste, but also it comes with its own drinking ritual that can liven up any gathering.

Rachel Ballard, founder of Santa Barbara, Calif.-based Onda Tea, developed a passion for yerba mate while traveling extensively in South America. According to her research, "Yerba mate is valued as more than just a tasty, refreshing drink that alleviates fatigue and stress. It is considered a defining ritual of daily life that gives groups of friends, family and co-workers the opportunity to nurture relationships, share stories, and savor the day."

Here's how to capture the spirit of yerba mate at your next gathering:

1. Fill a mate glass one-third with yerba mate tea and insert a bombilla, a traditional metal "straw".

2. Add water and wait for the yerba mate to become moist.

3. When the water has been absorbed begin filling with hot - but not boiling -- or iced cold water.

4. Promptly drink the mate glass dry. No steeping required.

5. The glass can be refilled 10-15 times.

Designate a server responsible for orchestrating the ritual. The server takes the first sip then offers the glass to each person present. Each guest drinks the glass dry and passes it back to the server.

Server with South American-inspired snacks such as empenadas and dulce de leche.