At my local Tully’s, the baristas were promoting it to customers by explaining that Yerba Mate gives you a more natural high than coffee. Yerba Mate is a South American drink made from leaves of the Mate tree. Full of nutrients, it also gives you an energy boost and induces mental clarity. I have tried Guayaki’s Yerba Mate tea (which is the brand that Tully’s uses) but was never fond of the taste. Would I like Tully’s Yerba Mate latte or mocha? For the sake of YummySF readers, I took the plunge! I set out to try the Yerba Mate mocha. Instead, I unknowingly asked for a Yerba Mate latte. That’s how tired I was! Nonetheless, on my first sip, I was pleasantly surprised. The Yerba Mate latte was incredibly yummy! It’s smooth, creamy, and lightly sweetened, just the way I like their mochas. So I had the Yerba Mate latte at 10am and I felt a slight energy boost and mental clarity all the way until 3pm. The drink lives up to its name. For those who prefer cold drinks, they also have Yerba Mate shakes as well.

I could see myself going back to Tully’s for the Yerba Mate latte and even developing an addiction to it. You can make your own Yerba Mate latte or mochas! Check out Guayaki Yerba Mate Concentrate. Just add milk and heat! Easy!
There seems to be a new health trend in coffee companies, with Starbuck’s getting rid of transfats and now BHT milk, and Tully’s with their new Yerba Mate drinks. I’m sure Starbuck’s will come up with their own Yerba Mate drinks.