If you've never prepared one before or are still perfecting your technique, this guide will help you enjoy mate like a true mate drinker!
What you will need:
-
Yerba mate
-
A mate cup (calabash, wood or steel)
-
Bombilla (metal straw)
-
Hot water (ideally 70–80°C)
-
Thermos flask (optional but recommended)
Step by step guide to preparing a good mate:
1. Fill the mate 2/3 full with yerba mate
This leaves enough space to work the ‘“montañita”' and prepare it well.
2. Cover the mate and shake it
Cover it with your hand, turn it upside down and shake it gently.
This helps distribute the powder
It improves the flavour and prevents the bombilla from becoming clogged
3. Form a small mound
Turn the mate cup at a 45° angle so that the yerba is slanted.
You will now have a higher side and a lower side.
4. Pour a little warm water into the lower side
Warm water, not boiling water.
This ‘activates’ the yerba and hydrates it before you begin.
Let it sit for a few seconds.
5. Place the bombilla
Put it on the damp side, without moving it afterwards.
The bombilla will not move anymore!
6. Start pouring hot water
Water between 70 and 80°C inside the mate cup.
Always pour on the same side at first.
The other side will gradually become moist.
Do not fill to the top; pour in small amounts.
This way, the mate will last much longer and will not wash out quickly.
Useful tips
-
Do not use boiling water — it makes the yerba bitter.
-
If you change yerba, clean your bombilla regularly.
-
Give the yerba time to “activate”.
-
Try different brands until you find your style.
At Sol del Este, we have mild, intense, herbal, organic, Uruguayan, Argentinean yerbas...
There is a mate for every taste!
Discover them at: soldeleste.com
Enjoy the moment
Preparing mate is a ritual.
Sometimes it turns out perfectly, other times we learn as we go.
The important thing is to enjoy it: alone, with family, among friends, or while you work or explore the world.
And if you're just starting out, don't worry: we were all beginners once!
How to prepare a good mate: a simple guide for an authentic experience
If you've never prepared one before or are still perfecting your technique, this guide will help you enjoy mate like a true mate drinker!
What you will need:
Yerba mate
A mate cup (calabash, wood or steel)
Bombilla (metal straw)
Hot water (ideally 70–80°C)
Thermos flask (optional but recommended)
Step by step guide to preparing a good mate:
1. Fill the mate 2/3 full with yerba mate
This leaves enough space to work the ‘“montañita”' and prepare it well.
2. Cover the mate and shake it
Cover it with your hand, turn it upside down and shake it gently.
This helps distribute the powder
It improves the flavour and prevents the bombilla from becoming clogged
3. Form a small mound
Turn the mate cup at a 45° angle so that the yerba is slanted.
You will now have a higher side and a lower side.
4. Pour a little warm water into the lower side
Warm water, not boiling water.
This ‘activates’ the yerba and hydrates it before you begin.
Let it sit for a few seconds.
5. Place the bombilla
Put it on the damp side, without moving it afterwards.
The bombilla will not move anymore!
6. Start pouring hot water
Water between 70 and 80°C inside the mate cup.
Always pour on the same side at first.
The other side will gradually become moist.
Do not fill to the top; pour in small amounts.
This way, the mate will last much longer and will not wash out quickly.
Useful tips
Do not use boiling water — it makes the yerba bitter.
If you change yerba, clean your bombilla regularly.
Give the yerba time to “activate”.
Try different brands until you find your style.
At Sol del Este, we have mild, intense, herbal, organic, Uruguayan, Argentinean yerbas...
There is a mate for every taste!
Discover them at: soldeleste.com
Enjoy the moment
Preparing mate is a ritual.
Sometimes it turns out perfectly, other times we learn as we go.
The important thing is to enjoy it: alone, with family, among friends, or while you work or explore the world.
And if you're just starting out, don't worry: we were all beginners once!