For Nikolas Vagenas, co-owner of Brooklyn’s Mr. Melo, yerba mate, chai and tamarind are a perfect match. Here, they come together in a hot cocktail that can be served without alcohol or spiked with Amaro Braulio and rum.
Yerba Mate Hottie
Nikolas Vagenas | Brooklyn, New York
Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 6 ounces yerba mate tea, room temperature or chilled
- 1 1/2 ounces chai-tamarind syrup (see Editor’s Note)
- 1 ounce rum, preferably Ten to One Dark Rum, optional
- splash of Amaro Braulio, optional
Garnish: star anise
Directions
- If using, add rum and Amaro Braulio to a mug.
- In a saucepot, heat the tea to 125°F.
- Slowly pour the syrup into the pot while whisking to combine thoroughly.
- Pour the hot mixture into the mug and stir to combine.
- Garnish with star anise.
Editor's Note
Chai-Tamarind Syrup
2 cups water
1 cup Demerara sugar
2 to 3 ounces tamarind extract, such as Tamicon, to taste
1 ounce room-temperature chai, store-bought or homemade
Add all ingredients to a saucepot. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir to combine, then turn off the heat. Let cool to room temperature.
Keeps, refrigerated, for 2 weeks.