How to make Mate de Coca

Why cooks start here

Mate de Coca is cooked the way Andes cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a peruvian family cook actually puts it on the table.

Mate de Coca finds its roots high in the Andes, where the altitude demands a unique kind of sustenance. Traditionally consumed as a soothing beverage, it plays a role in both daily life and special occasions, offering comfort and warmth to those who partake. This home version is a reflection of how Peruvian families have adapted their own kitchens to match the highland's embrace. The drink is a delicate balance of earthy coca leaves, softened by the gentle sweetness of sugar and brightened by a hint of lemon. A pinch of salt adds depth, grounding the experience in its Andean origins. Enjoyed hot, it provides a comforting pause, a moment of stillness amidst the vibrancy of life.