Yerba Mate Hottie

Nikolas Vagenas | Brooklyn, New York

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.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 6 ounces yerba mate tea, room temperature or chilled
  • 6 ounces yerba mate tea, room temperature or chilled
  • 1 1/2 ounces chai-tamarind syrup (see Editor’s Note)
  • 1 1/2 ounces chai-tamarind syrup (see Editor’s Note)
  • 1 ounce rum, preferably Ten to One Dark Rum, optional
  • 1 ounce rum, preferably Ten to One Dark Rum, optional
  • splash of Amaro Braulio, optional
  • splash of Amaro Braulio, optional

Garnish: star anise

Directions
  1. If using, add rum and Amaro Braulio to a mug.
  2. In a saucepot, heat the tea to 125°F.
  3. Slowly pour the syrup into the pot while whisking to combine thoroughly.
  4. Pour the hot mixture into the mug and stir to combine.
  5. 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.

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