Chimarrão or cimarron is a South American traditional ethnic beverage.
Chimarrão is a strong infusion prepared from yerba mate and very popular in Rio Grande do Sul (a state in southern Brazil) and neighboring countries. Its preparation requires some practice and a special gourd recipient called a "cuia". It is usually drunk in groups, but in the same "cuia". People habitually drink chimarrão early in the morning or in the evening. There are some customary rules to drink it, such as:
- The person who prepares the chimarrão is the first one to drink.
- When one member of the group finishes his drink, he has to fill it up with hot water and offer it to the next person.
- You can't drink a half "cuia": it is necessary to drink everything before passing the "cuia" to the next person.
Chimarrão is prepared as a tea with Ilex Paraguariensis herb; its origins come from the Guarani people.
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