How to Brew Yerba Mate – 5 Easy Ways

Our Yerba Mate comes in loose leaf form, which makes it flexible to brew in many ways — both traditional and modern. In this guide, we’ll show you 5 popular methods to prepare Yerba Mate, from the classic gourd and bombilla to French press and cold brew. Feel free to adapt them and find your own favorite style.

Use a Tea Strainer

Scoop 3–5 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of tea leaves into a tea strainer.
Put the strainer into the cup, then pour in about 250 ml of hot water (70–80°C). Let the tea steep for around 5 minutes.
If the taste is just right, go ahead and remove the tea leaves.
You can reuse the same leaves for a second brew.

Yerba Mate with a French Press

Add 1 tablespoon of tea leaves into the French Press.
Pour in about 250 ml of hot water at 70–80°C.
Let the tea steep for about 5 minutes.
Slowly press down the plunger to separate the leaves.
Pour the tea into a cup and enjoy.
You can reuse the same leaves for a second brew.

The Traditional Way

This is the standard brewing method used by Latin people. We recommend watching the video to get a clearer idea.

Heat water to 70–80°C.
Store the hot water in a thermos.
Add 25–30 grams of yerba mate into a gourd or cup. (For beginners, start with 2–3 tablespoons.)
Cover the mouth of the gourd with your hand, tilt it at a 45° angle, and shake gently. This helps the powder rise to the top and makes the yerba lean to one side, creating an empty space.
Pour a little lukewarm water into the empty space.
Wait 2–3 minutes for the yerba to absorb the water.
Insert the bombilla (metal straw) into the moist area, pushing it gently under the yerba toward the bottom.
Pour hot water into the same spot, keeping the dry yerba on the side untouched.
Sip through the bombilla. Avoid stirring or moving the straw, as that can let small particles in clogging the bombilla.
Once you finish the first round, you can refill the hot water in the same spot and continue drinking—typically up to 10 times or more, all day long!

Traditional Cold Brew Method (Tereré)

Tereré is the name for cold-brewed yerba mate, which is very popular in Paraguay.

The method is the same as the classic hot brew— the only difference is that you use cold water or add ice instead of hot water.

Fermented Cold Brew Yerba Mate

Add ¼ cup of yerba mate into a bottle.
Thinly slice 1 lime and add it to the bottle.
Add 1 tablespoon of rosemary into the bottle.
Pour in 750 ml of water.
Seal the lid tightly, shake well, and let it sit at room temperature for 8 hours.
Strain the tea to remove the solids, then pour the liquid into clean bottles. Store in the fridge—can be kept for up to 1 month.