Last Updated on December 10, 2025 by Krista Linares, MPH, RD
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Yerba Madre. As always, all opinions are my own. I only work with brands I trust and believe will bring value to this community. You can learn more about our editorial process and policies here.
This Hot Orange Mate Latte tastes like winter in California to me.
Orange is an underrated winter and holiday flavor, with the orange season typically starting in November and hitting its peak in January and February.
That’s why this hot orange yerba mate latte recipe tastes like the perfect treat for winter.
Lately, I’ve been loving my afternoon yerba mate break because it gives me a nice afternoon boost without being as intense as coffee. (Read More: health benefits of yerba mate)
But sometimes, I still want the vibes of a fun little coffee drink (meaning a cappuccino or a fun flavored latte) in the afternoon.
So this mate latte that combines creamy oat milk, earthy yerba mate, and zesty orange helps me feel refreshed and comforted at the same time. You’ll love it too! Keep reading for the recipe and a few pro tips.
This article is featured in the “Yerba Mate” issue of our zine! Read the whole issue here.
What you’ll need
- Brown Sugar Syrup: I’ll show you how to make an easy brown sugar syrup just using brown sugar and hot water. It’s simple, and it makes the sugar easier to dissolve in the drink.
- Strong brewed yerba mate: See note below
- Orange zest: gives you the flavor of orange without the acidity of the juice. I like to use a microplane grater on the outside of an orange to get finely grated zest.
- Steamed oat milk: of course you can use your milk of choice here, but we love oat milk for a creamy plant-based option! We love using Califia Farms Extra Creamy Oat Milk.
I lightly steamed my oat milk with the steamer attachment of my espresso machine. As an alternative, you can microwave the oat milk until hot and then lightly froth it with a whisk or frother.
Brewing the yerba mate
This yerba mate latte recipe calls for 4 oz of strong-brewed yerba mate. I like to take a ready made yerba mate bag and pour 4 oz of boiling water over it, then let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
You can also use loose-leaf mate here, get full brewing instructions here.
Make it Iced
To make it iced, complete recipe up until the last step (the garnish step), then pour the drink quickly over a cup full of ice. Shake it to evenly distribute the ice and cool your drink. Add your favorite reusable straw and serve!
Hot Orange Mate Latte Recipe
Hot Orange Yerba Mate Latte
Equipment
- 1 milk frother can use a steamer attachment on an espresso maker, or a whisk
Ingredients
- 4 oz brewed yerba mate learn how to brew yerba mate here
- 3 oz steamed oat milk we recommend Califia Extra Creamy Oat Milk. See recipe note for tips to steam oat milk.
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 10 drops vanilla extract
For the brown sugar syrup
- 2 1/4 tsp brown sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp warm water
Instructions
Make the brown sugar syrup
- Combine the brown sugar with the warm water in a small bowl or glass. Gently whisk with a whisk or fork until the honey is full incorporated into the water. Set aside.
Make the mate latte
- Add brewed yerba mate, orange zest, vanilla, and brown sugar syrup to a mug. Stir to combine.
- Pour the steamed oat milk into the mug (see note)
- Garnish with orange zest and serve.
Notes
- Steaming the oat milk: I used the steamer attachment on my espresso maker to steam the oat milk. You can also gently heat the oat milk in your microwave or on the stove top, and then froth with a whisk or frother (or even an immersion blender).Â
This article is featured in an issue of our digital zine, titled “The Yerba Mate Issue”! Read the whole issue for more nutrition facts and original yerba mate recipes.