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Yerba Mate Tea Recipe

Yerba Mate Tea Recipe

The Crispy Chef
This traditional South American yerba mate tea provides a balanced caffeine boost without jitters or crashes. Customizable with natural sweeteners and herbs, it’s perfect hot or iced and packed with antioxidants and vitamins for sustained energy and wellness.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Tea
Cuisine American
Servings 1
Calories 5 kcal

Equipment

  • Gourd (mate cup) or regular cup
  • Bombilla (metal straw with filter) or tea strainer
  • Kettle or pot to heat water
  • Thermometer (optional)
  • Thermos (optional for multiple servings)

Ingredients
  

Essential Ingredients:

  • 2-3 tablespoons loose leaf yerba mate or 2-3 yerba mate tea bags
  • 1 cup hot water 160-180°F / 70-82°C

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or stevia
  • 3-4 fresh mint leaves
  • 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 thin slice of ginger

Instructions
 

  • Fill your gourd or cup about 2/3 full with yerba mate leaves. Shake gently to settle and create a small well on one side. If using a regular cup and strainer, place yerba mate in the strainer.
  • Heat water to 160-180°F (70-82°C). Let boiling water cool for 2-3 minutes if you don’t have a thermometer.
  • (Traditional) Insert bombilla into the well so it reaches the bottom. Pour a small amount of cool water into the well and let sit 30 seconds.
  • Slowly pour hot water into the well, filling about 1/3 of the gourd. Don’t cover all leaves to allow multiple refills. For regular cup method, pour hot water over leaves in strainer and steep 3-5 minutes.
  • Sip through bombilla without stirring. Refill with hot water 3-4 times, pouring into the same well each time. Flavor will mellow with each refill.
  • Add honey, mint, lemon juice, or ginger during the 2nd or 3rd refill as desired.

Notes

Avoid boiling water to prevent bitterness and loss of beneficial compounds.
Use organic, high-quality yerba mate for best flavor and health benefits.
This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly when unsweetened.
Try iced yerba mate, yerba mate latte, or spiced versions for variety.
Store loose yerba mate in airtight container away from light and moisture for up to 2-3 years.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.5g
Keyword yerba mate
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