Yerba Mate Canarias Serena with Herbs

How to Prepare Yerba Mate

There’s no single “right” way to drink yerba mate — it depends on your mood, the weather, and what you enjoy. Here are the most popular methods, from the classic hot mate to refreshing iced tereré.

🔥 Hot Mate — The Classic

The traditional way to enjoy yerba mate, shared across Argentina, Uruguay, and beyond.

1. Fill the gourd — Add yerba mate to about ⅔ of the gourd.
2. Tilt and shake — Cover the opening, turn upside down and shake gently. This brings fine dust to the top and prevents clogging.
3. Create a slope — Tilt the gourd so the yerba rests at an angle, leaving a gap on one side.
4. Add cool water first — Pour a small amount of lukewarm water into the gap. Let it absorb for 1–2 minutes to protect the leaves.
5. Insert the bombilla — Place into the wet side, pressing gently to the bottom. Don’t move it after this.
6. Pour hot water (70–80°C) — Never boiling! Pour into the gap near the bombilla. Keep some yerba dry for later refills.
7. Sip and refill — Drink the full serving, then add more hot water. Good yerba can last 10–20 refills.

🧊 Tereré — Cold Mate

The go-to in Paraguay and northeastern Argentina — perfect for hot days. Any yerba mate works for tereré.

1. Fill the gourd or cup — Add yerba mate to about ½ of a gourd or tall cup (a guampa is traditional).
2. Add ice — Pack ice cubes on top of the yerba.
3. Pour ice-cold water — Fill to the top with cold water.
4. Insert the bombilla and drink — Refill with cold water as you go.

Popular in Paraguay, where tereré is the national drink and enjoyed throughout the day — especially in warm weather.

🍊 Tereré with Juice

A fruity twist on tereré — very popular in Paraguay and a great way to introduce mate to newcomers.

1. Prepare the gourd — Fill with yerba mate and ice as with regular tereré.
2. Use cold juice instead of water — Orange, grapefruit, lemon, and pineapple all work brilliantly. Mix with a little cold water if the juice is too strong.
3. Add fresh herbs — Mint, lemongrass, or boldo leaves are traditional additions.
4. Drink and refill — Alternate between juice and plain cold water for variety.

❄️ Cold Brew Mate

A smoother, less bitter option — great for making a jug to keep in the fridge.

1. Add yerba to a jug or bottle — Use about 2–3 tablespoons per 500ml of cold water.
2. Refrigerate for 4–8 hours — Overnight works perfectly.
3. Strain and serve — Use a sieve or cafetière. Add ice, lemon, or honey to taste.

Cold brewing extracts less bitterness and more subtle flavours. It’s a refreshing alternative on hot summer days.

☕ Quick Mug Method

No gourd? No problem.

1. Add 1–2 tablespoons of yerba mate to a cafetière (French press) or tea infuser.
2. Pour hot water at 70–80°C and steep for 3–5 minutes.
3. Strain and enjoy — add honey or lemon if you like.

General Tips

• Never use boiling water for hot mate — it burns the leaves and turns the flavour bitter.
• Don’t stir — moving the bombilla disturbs the filter and the yerba slope.
• First sips are strongest — the flavour mellows with each refill.
• Experiment freely — try different yerbas with different methods to find your favourite combination.