How to Prepare Yerba Mate: A Beginner's Guide

Yerba mate is the daily ritual of Argentina and Uruguay, a caffeinated infusion shared from a gourd with a metal straw. If you have just bought your first bag of yerba mate, here is how to prepare it properly.

What you need

• A mate gourd (or any sturdy cup)
• A bombilla, the metal filter straw
• Yerba mate, such as Playadito or Taragüi
• Hot water, around 70 to 80 degrees, never boiling

Step by step

1. Fill the gourd about two thirds with yerba mate.
2. Cover the top, tip it upside down and shake gently, then tilt it back so the yerba sits at an angle.
3. Pour a little cool water against the low side and let it soak in.
4. Insert the bombilla into the damp side and pour hot, not boiling, water.
5. Sip, refill the same side with water and keep going. One fill lasts many rounds.

Strong blends like Rosamonte give a bolder mate; Playadito and Taragüi are smoother to start with. Browse all four at our yerba mate page, or pick some up at the Cookiebar in Amsterdam.