What do I need to prepare traditional Yerba Maté?

Have you heard about Yerba Maté? In Latin America, drinking maté is a ritual that brings people together, slows down time, and provides energy. Maybe you were captivated by its aroma, taste, or curiosity about why there's so much culture around it. Whatever brought you to maté, here you’ll find an overview of what you really need to prepare it at home.

What is Yerba Maté?

Yerba Maté is a traditional South American drink made from the leaves of the yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis). It has stimulating effects similar to coffee but acts more gently and without the sharp "energy crash."

It contains:

• Caffeine
• Antioxidants
• Vitamins
• Minerals

In Latin America, maté is not just a drink but a social ritual. It’s often drunk in groups, passed from hand to hand, and symbolizes friendship, relaxation, and sharing.

What You’ll Need to Prepare Yerba Maté

Do you want to prepare Yerba Maté traditionally and enjoy the full experience as they do in Argentina or Uruguay? Then you’ll need a few basic tools and a bit of patience. But don’t worry, once you get the hang of it, it becomes a pleasant daily ritual.

1. Yerba Maté

Surprisingly, to prepare this drink you’ll need yerba – a dried and crushed mix of leaves and twigs from the yerba mate plant. If you’re new to maté, we recommend trying milder blends, such as Argentinian Yerba Maté.

2. Calabash

Calabash is the traditional and typical vessel used to drink maté. Traditionally made from dried gourd, but ceramic, wooden, or stainless steel versions are also available. Each material has its own advantages. If you're curious about which material to choose, we recommend reading: Ceramic calabash vs. stainless steel calabash

3. Bombilla

Bombilla is used to drink maté. It has a filter at the end that catches the leaves and dust. Bombillas can be straight, curved, simple, or decorated. We recommend starting with a bombilla that has a fine strainer, which filters even small particles well.

4. Correct Water Temperature

Water should be heated to 70–80 °C. Boiling water would cause the yerba to become bitter and destroy its beneficial substances. If you don’t have a thermometer, simply let the water sit for about 10 minutes after boiling.

How to Prepare It?

If you have everything mentioned, it’s time to prepare your own Yerba Maté.

1. Prepare the calabash: Fill the calabash about two-thirds full with yerba.

2. Create a “mountain”: Tilt the calabash so the yerba shifts to one side and forms a slope.

3. First pour: Pour a little lukewarm water into the empty space – this will "wake up" the yerba. Let it soak for a moment.

4. Insert the bombilla: Insert the bombilla into this spot – try not to move it afterward.

5. Main pouring and refilling: Pour hot water and slowly enjoy. You can refill the yerba multiple times – up to 10 times, depending on the taste and strength of the blend.

Tips You’ll Appreciate

• Thermos with dispenser – ideal for maintaining the right temperature throughout the day.

• Bombilla brush – makes cleaning easier.

• Citrus peel, mint, or honey – for flavoring if you find the natural bitterness too much.

• Flavored yerbas – a great option for beginners (e.g. yerba with lemon, mint, or orange).

Conclusion

Preparing Yerba Maté is not complicated, but it has its own rules. If you follow them, you’ll be rewarded with a strong, natural drink with a unique taste and a culture that connects people all over the world. It’s a small ritual that will slow you down, refresh you, and maybe even enchant you. So what do you say, will you try making your first calabash?