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  • 7 ways to drink yerba mate: from traditional to modern twists

    7 ways to drink yerba mate: from traditional to modern twists

    So you’ve got your yerba mate and maybe even a bombilla or gourd. But here’s the question many new drinkers ask: is there only one way to drink mate?

    Not at all. While the traditional method is the most authentic, there are plenty of modern, creative, and budget-friendly ways to prepare it. Whether you prefer a mindful morning ritual or a refreshing iced version for summer study sessions, there’s a mate style for everyone.

    Let’s explore seven ways to enjoy yerba mate – from its South American roots to inventive modern spins.

    1. The traditional mate ritual

    This is the classic way to prepare mate, still the most loved across Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

    You’ll need: yerba mate, a gourd (cup), a bombilla (metal straw), and hot water between 70–80°C.

    Fill your gourd about three-quarters full, tilt it slightly to create a hollow, pour a little warm water to moisten the leaves, then insert your bombilla. Add hot (not boiling) water and sip slowly.

    The same leaves can be refilled several times, each pour drawing out new layers of flavour. It’s earthy, herbal, and deeply grounding – perfect for study breaks or quiet mornings.

    👉 For a step-by-step guide, stay tuned for our post on how to prepare the perfect mate.

    2. Mate cocido (brewed like tea)

    A mug with a tea infuser with dried yerba mate tea leaves and a plate with lemon slice beside it, and an electric kettle plugged into a wall in the background.

    If you don’t have a gourd or bombilla yet, start with this simple method. “Mate cocido” literally means brewed mate, and it’s often prepared just like black tea.

    You can use yerba mate tea bags, or steep loose yerba in a French press or tea infuser. Add hot water (around 80°C) and brew for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.

    This version has a smoother, lighter taste – great for beginners.

    💡 Tip: Try it with a slice of lemon or a drizzle of honey for a refreshing, easy-to-drink twist.

    3. Iced mate (tereré style)

    A glass of iced tea yerba mate terere style with slices of lemon and mint leaves on a table during a sunny day, a way to drink mate iced.

    When the weather warms up, switch things up with tereré, the cold-brewed version popular in Paraguay and southern Brazil.

    Simply fill a large glass or jug with yerba, add cold water, ice cubes, and flavourings like mint, lemon, or berries. Let it infuse for a few minutes before sipping.

    It’s crisp, hydrating, and perfect for study sessions when you want to stay alert but not overheat.

    👉 Pro tip: You can also prepare a concentrate by steeping yerba in cold water overnight, then straining and keeping it chilled in the fridge for up to two days.

    4. Mate in capsules

    For those who live life on the go or love convenience, there are mate capsules.

    They brew a short, concentrated yerba mate infusion – slightly stronger in taste, but easy and consistent.

    It’s a great option for busy mornings, giving you that gentle caffeine lift without needing a full setup.

    5. Flavoured yerbas and natural additives

    A cup of yerba mate dried leaves with herbs like mint, lemon slices, ginger, berries and cinnamon sticks and a jar of honey placed around it.

    Not a fan of mate’s strong taste? Don’t worry – students and mate drinkers have been experimenting for centuries. From lemon slices to honey, or even a splash of fruit juice, there are plenty of ways to make mate smoother and more your style.

    Here are some of our favourite additives and flavour boosts for yerba mate:

    🌿 Citrus slices (lemon, orange, lime): brighten the flavour and add vitamin C.
    🌱 Fresh herbs (mint, basil, lemon balm): cooling and refreshing – especially in iced mate (tereré).
    🫚 Ginger: adds spice and a gentle immunity boost.
    🍯 Honey or agave: bring a natural sweetness that cuts through the bitterness.
    🌰 Cinnamon stick or clove: warm and cosy – ideal for autumn or winter study vibes.
    🍹 Fruit juices (grapefruit, apple, passion fruit): commonly added to tereré (cold mate) for a fruity twist.
    💐 Flavoured yerba blends: many brands already mix mate with peppermint, citrus peel, or tropical fruits – perfect if you want an easy flavour upgrade.

    You can also experiment with sugar-free vanilla or cinnamon syrups in your hot mate for a café-style experience, add berries and mint to iced versions for an energising summer drink, or pick some flavoured blends.

    👉 We’ll soon post a full guide on flavouring your yerba mate naturally – stay tuned!

    6. French press or teapot method

    French press with yerba mate tea leaves on a plate with a plant in the background.

    If you’ve got a French press or teapot at home, you already have what you need for a smooth, sediment-free mate experience.

    Add 2–3 teaspoons of yerba mate per cup of hot water (around 80°C). Let it steep for 4–5 minutes, press down the filter, and pour.

    It’s one of the cleanest ways to brew mate, and ideal for sharing – plus, it won’t require any special cleaning tools.

    7. Mate latte or creative infusions

    If you’re feeling experimental, yerba mate can easily cross into your café-style drinks. Mix brewed mate with warm milk or a plant-based alternative for a mate latte – earthy, mellow, and comforting.

    You can also chill brewed mate and blend it with fruits or herbs for smoothies or iced mate mocktails. Try combinations like:

    • mate + mint + strawberries
    • mate + lemon + cucumber
    • mate + orange + cinnamon

    These variations make mate not just a drink, but a versatile base for healthy, energising blends.

    Quick comparison

    STYLETEMPERATURETASTE PROFILEEQUIPMENT NEEDED
    Traditional70–80°CStrong, earthyGourd, bombilla
    Mate cocido80°CMild, smoothTea bag / infuser
    Iced (tereré)coldRefreshing, herbalGlass, ice
    CapsuleshotConcentratedCapsule machine
    FlavouredvariableSweet, aromaticGourd / teapot / glass
    French press80°CClean, mellowFrench press
    Mate lattehot or coldCreamy, smoothMilk frother / blender

    Why explore and try different way to drink mate

    One of the joys of yerba mate is its flexibility. You can honour the traditional ritual one day and sip it like tea the next.

    Each method brings out new notes and experiences – whether you crave focus, calm, or creativity.

    And the best part? You don’t need expensive equipment to start. Just curiosity, a bit of yerba, and the willingness to explore.

    👉 Check out our basic tools guide!

    Coming soon on Teamatehub:

    • Mate etiquette: how it’s shared and enjoyed in Argentina
    • Best yerba mate blends for focus and study energy

    Until then – sip your way, stay curious. 💚

  • Yerba mate gear 101: what you really need (and what you don’t)

    Yerba mate gear 101: what you really need (and what you don’t)

    So you’ve decided to give yerba mate a try – maybe you’ve seen it on TikTok, or your friend swears by it as the “smooth caffeine” that gets them through all-nighters. Either way, you’re curious.

    But when you start Googling, you quickly realise: there’s a lot of gear involved. Don’t worry – you don’t need to go full gaucho mode to start sipping. Let’s break down what you actually need, what’s nice to have, and what’s just fun extras for when you’re ready to level up your mate game.

    What you actually need

    Yerba mate tools hree gourd cups with bombillas placed on a colourful rag with dried yerba tea leaves in the middle.

    1. The yerba leaves

    The leaves (and a bit of stem) of Ilex paraguariensis – that’s the herb with its natural caffeine kick.
    If you’re just starting out, go for a mild, smooth blend. Something labelled “suave” or “con bajo contenido de polvo” (low dust) is easier to prepare and less bitter.
    Try brands like Rosamonte, Taragüi, or Kraus Organic – they’re beginner-friendly and widely available in Europe.

    “Think of this as your ‘study fuel upgrade’ — smoother than coffee, but with just enough caffeine to keep your brain switched on.”

    If you’re new to the world of yerba mate, you can read our beginner-friendly guide on what Is Yerba mate, where we explore its origins, flavour, and why so many people around the world are switching from coffee to this natural caffeine alternative.

    2. The gourd (mate cup)

    Traditionally, mate is served in a hollowed-out gourd. But don’t panic – you don’t have to start with one right away.
    There are three main types:

    🧉 Traditional Gourd (Calabash): authentic, aesthetic, but needs curing and maintenance
    🪵 Wood or Ceramic: easy to clean, keeps heat nicely, no curing needed
    🥤 Stainless Steel or Silicone: modern, durable, perfect for students (aka: less washing stress)

    Start with ceramic or stainless steel – they’re easier to manage and won’t mold if you forget it in your bag for a day (we’ve all been there).

    The mate gourd is more than just a cup – it’s part of a centuries-old ritual. In traditional settings, it’s often passed around a group, symbolising connection and respect. Even if you’re drinking solo, it’s a moment to pause and reset.

    3. The bombilla (metal straw)

    This is your filtering straw – it lets you sip the infusion without swallowing leaves.
    Beginners should pick a simple straight bombilla with a screw-on or spring filter.
    Curved ones look cool, but can clog more easily depending on your yerba grind.
    Tip: Stainless steel bombillas last forever, and you can wash them like regular cutlery.

     “We’ve all had that moment of trying to sip mate for the first time and getting a mouthful of leaves – consider this your rite of passage.”

    We’ll soon publish a step-by-step guide on how to clean a yerba mate bombilla properly – it’s the small maintenance step that keeps your mate tasting fresh every time.

    4. Hot water (and a kettle with temperature control)

    The golden rule: never pour boiling water over mate.
    Ideal range? 70–80°C (160–175°F) – hot enough to extract flavour, but gentle enough to preserve the nutrients and avoid bitterness.

    Many modern mate drinkers (and even baristas) now use kettles with temp control – it’s one of the most common “modern mate hacks.”

    If you don’t have a fancy temperature kettle, wait about 2 minutes after boiling before pouring.

    What’s nice to have

    A bombilla and cleaning brushes placed on top of a napkin.

    1. Thermos or flask

    Mate is meant to be sipped slowly – one pour at a time.
    A thermos keeps your water warm for hours, so you can refill without running back to the kitchen.
    Perfect for study sessions, library days, or road trips.

    2. Mate spoon or cleaning brush

    Keeps your bombilla filter from clogging and your gourd hygienic. Think of it as self-care for your gear.

    3. Coaster or platter

    Protects your desk from heat and looks aesthetically satisfying – especially if you’re planning mate-and-laptop study shots.

    Optional tools (fun but not essential)

    Dried yerba mate tea leaves in a pile on a platter with half lemon and orange wedge, berries, and cinnamon sticks next to it with a yerba mate gourd cup with bombilla and an electric kettle in the background.

    1. Mate set or kit

    If you’re into coordination, you can find mate sets that include a matching gourd, bombilla, and thermos. Great for gifting (or just flexing your aesthetic on Instagram).

    2. Electric mate makers

    Yes, they exist. These are like hybrid kettles + gourds, heating your water to the perfect temp and refilling automatically.
    Cool? Absolutely. Necessary? Not really – especially on a student budget.

    3. Flavoured yerbas & additives

    You can find blends with mint, citrus, or even coconut.
    Or go DIY – add honey, lemon peel, or a cinnamon stick.
    (We’ll explore the best combos in another post soon – stay tuned!)

    4. Bombilla filters or replacements

    Some bombillas allow you to swap out filters or change designs. A small detail, but useful once you’ve found your favourite grind and setup.

    Cleaning & care (don’t skip this part)

    If you’re using a traditional gourd, it needs curing before use – basically, soaking to prevent cracks and bitterness.
    Ceramic, silicone, and steel gourds? Just rinse after use and air dry.

    Always empty used yerba as soon as possible – it can mould quickly.
    You’ll thank yourself when your next mate doesn’t taste like compost.

    If you’re not sure how to keep your gear in top shape, check out our upcoming post How to clean a yerba mate bombilla and gourd. Proper care not only extends your tools’ lifespan but also keeps your mate tasting pure.

    Traditional yerba mate tea calabash gourd cup with bombilla and student tips in writing.

    Quick recap

    Must-haves

    Optional

    Nice extras

    Yerba leavesFlavoured blendsAdditives like honey or herbs
    Gourd + bombilla + hot waterThermosElectric mug
    CoasterMatching mate set, filters
    Storage tin Decorative coaster/platter

    Why it’s worth it

    A man in a red T-shirt and jeans sitting outdoor and pouring water from a thermos into a yerba mate gourd cup with bombilla.

    Mate isn’t just another “energy drink.” It’s a ritual that slows you down while still waking you up.
    Whether you’re sipping alone or sharing with friends, it connects you to something deeper – community, tradition, and mindful energy.

    “There’s something about holding a warm cup and taking those small sips between study breaks – it just feels like part of the student survival kit.”

    So – do you really need all the fancy gear? Not at all. At minimum, grab some yerba and a bombilla – and you’re good to go. A gourd is great for the tradition, but a regular mug will do until you’re ready. And if you’re unsure about the bombilla too? You’ll do just fine using French press to brew the leaves. Stay tuned for our next post about ways to brew and drink mate!

    👉 Or, if you’re ready to dive in, grab a starter kit (we’ll list our favourite student-friendly picks soon!) – or check out our next post:
    👉 The ultimate guide to mate tools – From gourd to bombilla

    👉 Curious about the traditions behind the gourd and bombilla? Check out our upcoming post on Mate culture: from South America to your study desk.

    Until then – sip smart, stay sharp. 💚