Making yerba mate tea at home changed my morning routine completely. This traditional South American beverage delivers sustained energy without the crash you get from coffee, and honestly its become my go-to drink for busy afternoons too. The earthy, slightly bitter flavor grows on you quickly and the ritual of preparing it feels almost meditative.
What makes this yerba mate tea recipe special is how customizable it is – you can adjust the strength, add natural sweeteners, or even blend it with other herbs. The preparation method I’ll share gives you that authentic taste without needing traditional equipment, though using a gourd and bombilla definitely adds to the experience.
Keep reading to discover how this simple recipe can transform your daily energy routine and why so many people are switching from coffee to yerba mate.
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons loose leaf yerba mate: Quality matters here – look for organic, sustainably sourced brands. Avoid overly dusty varieties as they can make your tea bitter. You can substitute with yerba mate tea bags if needed, using 2-3 bags per cup.
- 1 cup hot water (160-180°F): Never use boiling water as it destroys the beneficial compounds and creates excessive bitterness. If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiling water cool for 2-3 minutes.
Optional Flavor Enhancers
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or stevia: Natural sweeteners work best. Avoid refined sugar as it can interfere with yerba mate’s natural energy benefits.
- Fresh mint leaves: 3-4 leaves add refreshing flavor and digestive benefits.
- Lemon juice: 1-2 teaspoons brighten the flavor and add vitamin C.
- Ginger slice: One thin slice provides warmth and supports digestion.
Special Equipment (Traditional Method)
- Gourd (mate cup): Traditional hollowed gourd or ceramic mate cup
- Bombilla: Metal straw with filter – stainless steel works best
- Thermos: Keeps water at perfect temperature for multiple servings
For dietary restrictions, this recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly when unsweetened.
How to Make Yerba Mate Tea
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Fill your gourd or cup about 2/3 full with loose yerba mate leaves. Shake gently to settle the leaves and create a small well on one side. If using regular cup and strainer, place 2-3 tablespoons yerba mate in your strainer.
Step 2: Heat Water to Proper Temperature
Heat water to 160-180°F – this is crucial for proper extraction. You’ll know its ready when small bubbles form on the bottom of the pot but before it reaches a rolling boil. Water that’s too hot creates bitter, harsh flavors.
Step 3: Initial Steeping (Traditional Method)
Insert your bombilla into the well you created, making sure it reaches the bottom. Pour a small amount of cool water into the well to protect the leaves from heat shock. Let this sit for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Add Hot Water
Slowly pour hot water into the same well, filling only about 1/3 of the gourd. The water should not cover all the leaves – this allows for multiple refills. For regular cup method, pour hot water over leaves in strainer and steep 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: First Sip and Refills
Take your first sip through the bombilla without stirring. The initial taste might be strong – this is normal. Refill with hot water 3-4 times, each time pouring into the same well. Each refill will be slightly milder.
Step 6: Add Enhancements
If desired, add honey, mint, or lemon during the second or third refill when the flavor has mellowed slightly. This prevents overwhelming the delicate yerba mate taste.
Creative Variations
Iced Yerba Mate Refresher
Prepare strong yerba mate using double the leaves, let cool completely, then serve over ice with fresh mint and lime. Perfect for hot summer days and provides sustained energy without heating you up.
Yerba Mate Latte
Steep yerba mate extra strong, then add steamed milk of choice (oat milk works wonderfully). Sweeten with maple syrup and add a dash of cinnamon for a cozy morning drink.
Tropical Yerba Mate Blend
Combine yerba mate with dried pineapple pieces and coconut flakes during steeping. Add a splash of coconut water when serving for an exotic twist that’s naturally sweet.
Spiced Winter Mate
Add whole cloves, cinnamon stick, and orange peel to your yerba mate while steeping. This warming blend is perfect for cold months and pairs beautifully with our Kadha Recipe Spiced Tea.
Yerba Mate Smoothie Base
Use cold-brewed yerba mate as liquid base for green smoothies. Blend with banana, spinach, and protein powder for an energizing breakfast that keeps you full for hours.
Evening Herbal Mate
Mix yerba mate half-and-half with chamomile or lemon balm for a gentler evening drink. The reduced caffeine content won’t interfere with sleep while still providing mild energy.
FAQ
How do you make yerba mate tea?
Fill a gourd 2/3 with loose yerba mate leaves, insert bombilla, add small amount of cool water first, then gradually add hot water (160-180°F) to create a well. Sip through bombilla and refill 3-4 times. For regular preparation, steep 2-3 tablespoons in hot water for 3-5 minutes using a strainer.
Is it OK to drink yerba mate everyday?
Yes, drinking yerba mate daily is generally safe for most people. It contains less caffeine than coffee but provides sustained energy. However, limit intake to 2-3 cups daily and avoid drinking it extremely hot regularly. Pregnant women and those sensitive to caffeine should consult healthcare providers first.
What do you mix with yerba mate tea?
Popular additions include honey, stevia, fresh mint, lemon juice, ginger, and milk. You can also blend it with other herbs like chamomile or create refreshing combinations with fruit juices. For a cooling drink, try it with our Honeydew Mint Iced Tea blend.
How to drink yerba mate correctly?
Traditional method involves using a gourd and bombilla (metal straw). Fill gourd 2/3 with leaves, create a well, insert bombilla, add cool water first, then hot water gradually. Sip without stirring and refill multiple times. Modern method uses regular tea preparation with strainer.
What not to mix with yerba mate?
Avoid mixing yerba mate with alcohol, energy drinks, or excessive amounts of other caffeinated beverages. Don’t add artificial sweeteners or processed additives that can interfere with its natural benefits. Also avoid drinking it with heavy meals as it may affect digestion.
What are the side effects of yerba mate tea?
Common side effects include insomnia if consumed late in day, increased heart rate in sensitive individuals, and digestive upset when consumed on empty stomach. Some people experience headaches initially. Start with smaller amounts and gradually increase. Drinking it extremely hot regularly may increase certain health risks.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store loose yerba mate in airtight container away from light and moisture – it stays fresh for 2-3 years. You can cold-brew large batches by steeping yerba mate in cold water for 6-8 hours, then straining and refrigerating for up to 5 days.
For travel, pre-portion yerba mate in small containers or use tea bags. Prepared yerba mate tea keeps refrigerated for 2-3 days but tastes best fresh. You can reheat gently but don’t boil as this creates bitterness.
Final Thoughts
Learning to make proper yerba mate tea has been one of my best kitchen discoveries. The ritual of preparing it has become as important as the energy boost it provides, and I love how it brings people together when shared traditionally.
What started as curiosity about this South American beverage has turned into a daily practice that supports my energy levels naturally. The sustained focus it provides without crashes has made it irreplaceable in my routine, and the health benefits are just a bonus.
Make this recipe your own by experimenting with different flavor combinations and preparation methods. Whether you go traditional with a gourd or keep it simple with a regular cup, yerba mate tea will quickly become your new favorite way to energize your day.
Yerba Mate Tea Recipe
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.