Why Yerba Maté Is One of the Best Non-Alcoholic Drinks to Order at a Bar

Walk into almost any bar in Australia today and you'll find at least one non-alcoholic option on the menu. But not all of them give you what you really want: flavour, function, and a bit of a lift. That’s where yerba maté stands out. Especially when it comes in the form of a well-made, bar-ready soda like Perla.

Non-Alcoholic Culture Is Booming

Across Australia and around the world, drinking habits are shifting. The global market for non-alcoholic drinks is growing fast, and Australians are leading the way. Nearly one in three Aussies now buys non-alc options, and bars are starting to adapt.

Younger generations, in particular, are drinking less. Some want to avoid hangovers. Others are thinking about mental health, fitness, or just wanting to stay sharp during a night out. Being sober-curious isn’t a niche trend anymore. It’s part of the mainstream.

What Drinkers Are Looking For

People choosing not to drink alcohol still want something that feels good to hold, tastes interesting, and offers a bit of a buzz. They want:

• Healthier alternatives (less sugar, no alcohol)
• Something that actually feels like a treat
• Functional benefits (like energy or mood lift)
• A drink they can enjoy in social settings

Sodas can be too sweet. Non-alcoholic beers can feel like they’re trying too hard to copy the real thing. And energy drinks can be full-on. That’s why more people are turning to functional, low-sugar options like yerba maté.

What Is Yerba Maté?

Yerba maté is a naturally caffeinated tea from South America. Traditionally brewed and shared from a gourd, it’s deeply rooted in cultures like Argentina and Uruguay. The leaves are dried, often smoked, and steeped to create a strong, earthy drink.

It contains caffeine (like coffee), theobromine (like chocolate), and theophylline (like green tea), which together give you a clean, balanced boost of energy. Not jittery. Not wired. Just alert and clear.

And it’s spreading fast. From Berlin clubs to Melbourne cafes, yerba maté is now a global favourite.

Why Yerba Maté Works at the Bar

Yerba maté brings something fresh to the non-alc space. It isn’t trying to copy alcohol. It’s offering its own thing entirely.

1. A Natural Buzz

With around 70mg of caffeine per serve, yerba maté gives a light lift without the crash. It’s ideal for when you want to stay sharp, stay out late, or just keep up with the energy of a night out, minus the alcohol.

2. Grown-Up Flavour

Yerba maté has an earthy, slightly bitter taste that feels more adult than your average soft drink. It’s refreshing, complex, and easy to dress up with garnishes or mixers.

3. Versatile

It works on its own, over ice, or as a base for non-alc cocktails. Whether it's a maté mojito, a spritz, or just with a slice of lime, bartenders have plenty to play with.

4. Social and Stylish

Yerba maté sodas like Perla come in good-looking cans, feel premium, and suit any setting. No need to feel like the odd one out when everyone else is sipping something fancy.

Functional Non-Alc Is the Future

The rise of functional drinks shows that people want more from what they drink. They want:

• Energy from natural sources
• Less sugar or no sugar
• Ingredients that do something good (like adaptogens, teas, herbs)

Yerba maté ticks all those boxes. It’s a plant-based, antioxidant-rich tea with real benefits. And it doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

Why Perla Fits Right In

Perla is a local example of how yerba maté is being used in bar-friendly formats. It’s brewed in Melbourne with ingredients like lemon myrtle and elderflower, and it's made to suit the bar environment – not just the health aisle.

• Zero sugar
• Slow-release caffeine
• Subtle botanical flavour profile
• Comes in a clean, minimal can design

It’s served cold, is easy to mix, and pairs well with food and conversation. Instead of mimicking alcohol, it offers its own distinct experience: refreshing, lightly stimulating, and suited to adult palates.

How to Serve Perla in a Bar

• Straight from the can
• Over ice with a simple garnish (lime, mint, or orange)
• As a base for non-alc cocktails (e.g. Perla + syrup + citrus)

The Bottom Line

Yerba maté offers a credible, functional alternative for those avoiding alcohol. With its unique mix of flavour and energy, it fills a clear gap in bar menus. Drinks like Perla show how maté can be both approachable and versatile for bartenders and drinkers alike.