Mastering the Art of Mate: How to Drink Mate Correctly?

According to the National Institutes of Health, yerba mate is one of the most consumed teas in South America, prized for its stimulating properties and rich nutrient profile. This guide explains how to drink mate correctly, covering the essential equipment, traditional brewing methods, and the social etiquette that makes this beverage a cherished ritual.

Quick Summary

A guide to preparing and consuming mate using traditional methods, covering essential equipment, proper water temperature, yerba mate types, and the cultural customs of this South American beverage.

Key Points

• Water Temperature is Key: Use hot, not boiling, water (70-80°C) to prevent scorching the yerba and to avoid a bitter taste.

• Use a Gourd and Bombilla: For a traditional experience, a gourd and filtered straw (bombilla) are essential. New gourds must be cured properly.

• Master the Slope: Tilting the gourd to create a slope of yerba is crucial for effective filtration and a consistent flavor.

• Respect the Etiquette: In a group, don't move the bombilla and return the gourd to the cebador without saying 'thank you' if you want more.

• Embrace the Health Benefits: Mate provides a steady energy boost and is rich in antioxidants, offering a nutritious alternative to coffee.

• Try Tereré for a Cold Brew: In warm weather, prepare tereré using cold water or juice for a refreshing version of mate.

Understanding the Mate Tradition

Yerba mate is more than just a drink; it's a social and cultural tradition deeply rooted in South American countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Traditionally, it is shared among a group from a single gourd, passed from person to person. The process, known as tomando mate or cebando, signifies hospitality and community. The person preparing and serving the mate, the cebador, plays a central role in this ritual. This section will walk you through the proper way to approach this traditional beverage.

Essential Equipment for the Traditional Brew

To prepare and enjoy mate in the traditional manner, you'll need a few key items:

• Gourd (Mate): The vessel from which the mate is drunk. It is typically made from calabash squash, but can also be ceramic, wood (like palo santo), or stainless steel. Traditional gourds require a curing process to prevent mold and enhance flavor.
• Bombilla: A metal straw with a filter at the bottom. It allows you to drink the liquid while filtering out the yerba mate leaves.
• Yerba Mate: The dried and chopped leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It comes in various types, including con palo (with stems, milder flavor) and sin palo (without stems, stronger flavor).
• Thermos: To keep the hot water at a consistent temperature. An electric kettle with a temperature setting for mate is also helpful.
• Water: Filtered water is recommended for the best flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Traditional Mate Preparation

1. Fill the Gourd: Fill your mate gourd about two-thirds full with yerba mate.
2. Shake the Yerba: Cover the opening of the gourd with your palm, turn it upside down, and shake it to move the finest dust particles to the top. This helps prevent the bombilla from clogging.
3. Create the Slope: Tilt the gourd to about a 45-degree angle, causing the yerba to form a slope on one side and leave an empty space on the other.
4. Moisten the Leaves: Pour a small amount of cool or lukewarm water into the empty space. Allow the yerba to absorb this water for a couple of minutes. This protects the leaves from being scorched by the hot water later on.
5. Insert the Bombilla: Place your thumb over the mouthpiece of the bombilla and insert the filter end into the moistened area, pushing it against the side of the gourd. Avoid moving the bombilla once it's in place.
6. Add Hot Water: Pour hot (not boiling) water, ideally between 70-80°C (158-176°F), into the space where the bombilla is. The water should be poured gently and slowly to avoid disturbing the yerba.
7. Sip and Enjoy: Drink the mate through the bombilla until you hear a sucking sound, indicating the gourd is empty. The cebador will drink the first, strongest brew, then refill and pass it to the next person.
8. Refill and Repeat: Refill the gourd with hot water for the next person. The same batch of yerba can be used and refilled multiple times until the flavor is “washed out” (lavado).

Mate Etiquette and Variations

The Social Rules of a Mate Circle

In a traditional mate circle, there is a specific etiquette to follow:

• Pass the Gourd to the Cebador: Always return the gourd to the cebador to be refilled, rather than passing it directly to the next person.
• Don't Touch the Bombilla: Moving the bombilla is considered rude as it disrupts the filter and can clog the straw.
• Saying "Gracias": In this context, saying "thank you" when returning the gourd signals that you do not want another round.
• Drink It All: Drink the entire contents of the gourd before returning it. Slurping is considered acceptable and signals you've finished.

Tereré: The Cold Brew Alternative

For warmer climates, or simply for a refreshing change, tereré is the cold-brewed version of mate, particularly popular in Paraguay.

1. Use Coarser Yerba: A coarser grind of yerba mate is often used to prevent clogging in cold water.
2. Fill and Slope: Follow the same initial steps for filling the gourd and creating a slope.
3. Use Cold Liquid: Instead of hot water, use iced water, juice (citrus works well), or a mix of both.
4. Add Herbs/Ice: Add herbs like mint or citrus slices to the liquid or directly to the gourd for extra flavor. Include ice cubes in the liquid container.
5. Serve and Drink: Pour the cold liquid and enjoy. The process is much the same as hot mate, just with a refreshing twist.

Health Benefits and Potential Risks of Mate

Mate contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, offering potential health benefits like boosting energy, improving mental focus, and supporting heart health. However, it also contains caffeine, and excessive, long-term consumption has been associated with some risks, including an increased risk of certain cancers due to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the drying process.

It is important to moderate intake, particularly for individuals sensitive to caffeine, those who are pregnant, or those with certain pre-existing health conditions.

Comparison: Mate vs. Coffee vs. Tea

Beverage	Caffeine (mg per 8 oz)	Energy Effect	Antioxidant Content	Traditional Preparation	Notes
Yerba Mate	~80mg	Smooth, sustained energy without jitters due to other compounds like theobromine.	High	Gourd and bombilla, social ritual. Can be re-infused multiple times.	Distinct earthy, grassy, or smoky flavor.
Coffee	95-200+mg	Quick jolt of energy, can lead to jitters and a crash.	Variable	Drip, espresso, French press, etc..	Acquired taste, wide variety of flavors.
Green Tea	30-50mg	Milder, more subtle energy lift.	High	Steeped in a cup or pot; often served with tea bags.	Lower caffeine, known for high antioxidant content.

Conclusion: The Richness of a Simple Brew

Drinking mate correctly involves more than just mixing leaves and water; it is a mindful process that respects the rich history and communal spirit of this South American tradition. By understanding the equipment, mastering the preparation steps, and observing the etiquette, you can unlock the full potential of this nourishing and stimulating beverage. Whether enjoyed hot in a traditional gourd or cold as a refreshing tereré, mate offers a unique and healthy alternative to standard coffee or tea. Embracing the mate ritual allows you to connect with a practice that has fostered community and connection for centuries, while benefiting from its nutritional richness. For those interested in learning more, the extensive resources on Yerba Mate provide further insight into this fascinating drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct water temperature for mate?

The ideal temperature for brewing mate is between 70°C and 80°C (158-176°F). Water that is too hot will scorch the leaves and make the brew bitter.

Do I need to cure my new mate gourd?

Yes, if your gourd is made from organic materials like calabash or wood, it should be cured before first use. This seals the pores and enhances the flavor over time. Non-organic gourds like glass or ceramic do not require curing.

How do you prevent the bombilla from clogging?

You can prevent clogging by shaking the gourd upside down before adding water to move the finest dust particles to the top. Also, avoid moving the bombilla once it is inserted into the yerba.

Can I add sugar or sweeteners to mate?

While traditional mate is consumed bitter, it is acceptable to add sweeteners like sugar, honey, or stevia, especially for beginners. The sweetener is typically added to the water, not directly into the gourd.

How many times can you refill the yerba?

The same batch of yerba mate can be refilled multiple times throughout the day until its flavor becomes 'washed out' or lavado.

What is the difference between *con palo* and *sin palo* yerba mate?

Con palo contains stems and is milder in flavor, making it good for beginners. Sin palo is stem-free and provides a stronger, more intense flavor.

What does it mean if I say 'thank you' when drinking mate in a circle?

In the social ritual, saying 'thank you' when returning the gourd indicates that you are finished and do not want to drink any more.