Pixie Mate is the gentle hum of an awakened mind and a vibrant body. It is energy that's balanced, not frantic. The people of the South American rain forest discovered the magic before we did. From these green leaves emerged the tea that sings the body electric. With a llama-load of antioxidants, mate trickles grinning into your system. It won't leave you drooping or demand addiction. Drink deep. You're safe here.

Mate comes from the leaves of a tree called Ilex Paraguayensis, which is pronounced . . . rarely. Once a year the leaves are harvested, dried and then aged for a whole year like a fine wine or a cheap scotch. And then it's brewed like a tea and, when the mood strikes ­ apparently about every 15 minutes or so ­ guzzled with complete and utter abandon.

In the beginning, mate was just a thing that the locals did. The mate grew wild and life was good. But then the Jesuits showed up, and in an inspired move, they started cultivating mate, and life was even better. Now, mate is being exported all over the world, and even us gringos are going nuts over the stuff. And why not? It's got antioxidants out the wazoo, it's buzz is laid-back and fun, it blends with milk for an amazing latte, and sheep everywhere are starting to relax. What¹s not to love?