5. Mate
Starbucks has got nothing on Uruguay in the coffee or tea department. Try a funky little tea called Mate. This is a traditional South American caffeine-rich infused drink, particularly popular in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina (where it is defined by law as the “national infusion”). It’s prepared by steeping dried yerba mater leaves in hot water and served in a special gord with metal straw called a bombilla. It’s usually drank amongst a group with the motto of “drink-pass-refill.” It’s got an extra kick, which….let’s just say its often been referred to a Latin American absinthe for certain hallucinogenic properties. Click below for a quick overview of how to prepare.