Yerba Mate Recipe

This yerba mate recipe guide shows you a few simple ways to prepare this traditional South American tea at home. Known for its bold, earthy flavor and unique brewing style, yerba mate can be made using a classic gourd and bombilla or with modern tools like a tea infuser or French press.

In this article, you’ll learn different yerba mate preparation methods — from traditional chimarrão to easy hot and iced versions — along with tips for water temperature, steeping, and flavor adjustments. Whether you prefer an authentic ritual or a quick, everyday approach, these recipes help you make smooth, well-balanced yerba mate that tastes great.

What Makes a Perfect Yerba Mate Recipe

A good yerba mate recipe comes down to a few simple preparation details. Small adjustments in water temperature, leaf quality, and steeping time can make a big difference in flavor.

• Water temperature: Avoid boiling water, which can make yerba mate taste harsh. Aim for about 160–180°F (70–80°C) for a smoother result.
• Quality leaves: Choose fresh yerba mate with a clean, herbal aroma. Older or stale leaves tend to taste flat or overly bitter.
• Leaf-to-water ratio: Use 1–2 teaspoons per 8 ounces of water, adjusting to taste depending on how strong you like it.
• Steeping time: Let the leaves steep for 3–5 minutes. Longer steeping can lead to bitterness.
• Water quality: Filtered or spring water helps keep the flavor clean and balanced.

Getting these basics right helps ensure your yerba mate tastes smooth and well-balanced, no matter which preparation method you choose.

Traditional Chimarrão Recipe (The Authentic Way)

Chimarrão is the traditional way of preparing yerba mate in parts of South America. More than a brewing method, it’s a shared ritual that emphasizes slow sipping and repeated refills rather than a single steep.

What You’ll Need for Traditional Yerba Mate

• A traditional gourd (calabash) or wooden cup
• A bombilla (metal straw with built-in filter)
• Loose yerba mate (2–3 tablespoons)
• Warm water (about 160–170°F)
• Optional: a thermos to keep water warm

Using a gourd isn’t required, but it’s traditionally preferred for this method and helps maintain the structure of the leaves during repeated pours.

Step-by-Step Chimarrão Preparation

1. Fill the gourd about two-thirds full with yerba mate.
2. Tilt the gourd at a 45-degree angle and gently shake to move finer particles to the top.
3. Create a small well on one side for the bombilla.
4. Cover the top of the bombilla with your thumb and insert it into the well.
5. Pour a small amount of cool water into the well and let it absorb for about 30 seconds.
6. Slowly add warm water (160–170°F) into the same spot.
7. Sip, then refill with warm water as needed. The flavor softens with each pour.

Modern Yerba Mate Tea Recipe (Simple Method)

If you don’t have the time or tools for traditional chimarrão, this modern method makes yerba mate easy to prepare with everyday kitchen equipment. It’s straightforward, flexible, and works well for daily use.

Ingredients

• 1–2 teaspoons loose yerba mate (or 1 tea bag)
• 8 oz hot water (160–180°F, not boiling)
• Honey, lemon, or milk (optional)
• Tea infuser or French press

This method is ideal for quick preparation while still preserving the character of the leaves.

How to Prepare Yerba Mate Like Regular Tea

1. Place the yerba mate in a tea infuser or French press.
2. Heat water to 160–180°F and pour it over the leaves.
3. Steep for 3–5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
4. Remove the infuser or press the plunger to separate the leaves.
5. Add honey, lemon, or milk if desired.

You can re-steep the same leaves several times throughout the day. Each infusion will be lighter and slightly different in flavor.

Refreshing Iced Yerba Mate Recipe

When the weather is warm, iced yerba mate is a simple way to enjoy this traditional tea in a lighter, cooler format. This version focuses on flavor and preparation rather than effects, making it easy to enjoy throughout the day.

Cold Brew Yerba Mate Method

Cold brewing creates a smoother, less bitter taste compared to hot brewing.

1. Combine ¼ cup loose yerba mate with 4 cups cold water in a large jar or pitcher.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 6–12 hours, stirring once or twice if you remember.
3. Strain thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer or coffee filter to remove all leaf particles.
4. Store the concentrate in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days in a sealed container.
5. To serve, pour over ice and dilute with still or sparkling water to taste.

Flavor Variations to Try

Once the base is ready, you can adjust the flavor without complicating the recipe:

• Fresh herbs: Add mint or basil for a crisp, cooling note.
• Citrus slices: Orange, lemon, or lime add brightness and balance the earthy flavor.
• Light sweetness: A small amount of honey or simple syrup softens the taste if needed.
• Fruit blends: Mix with cold-brewed yerba mate and blended fruit like mango or pineapple for a smooth, chilled drink.

These variations keep the recipe flexible while letting the natural flavor of yerba mate shine.

WThings to Keep in Mind When Drinking Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is widely enjoyed around the world, but like any caffeinated tea, a few simple habits can help you enjoy it comfortably.

• Iron-rich meals: Yerba mate may interfere with iron absorption, so it’s best enjoyed between meals rather than alongside iron supplements or iron-heavy foods.
• Temperature matters: Avoid drinking it extremely hot. Warm water (around 160–180°F) brings out the flavor without harshness.
• Timing: Because it contains caffeine, many people prefer it earlier in the day rather than late evening.
• Moderation: Start with one serving and see how your body responds before increasing the amount.

If you notice symptoms like restlessness, headaches, or stomach discomfort, it’s usually a sign to reduce strength or frequency.

The best yerba mate routine is one that fits naturally into your day — whether that’s a traditional chimarrão session or a simple cup brewed like tea.

More Such Recipes

• Hibiscus Tea Recipe
• Low-Calorie Iced Matcha Latte
• Japanese Mounjaro Recipe

Common Questions

Yerba Mate Recipe

Yerba mate isn’t just a drink – it’s a ritual, a refreshing daily habit, and a natural energy booster. Whether you want to dive into the rich cultural tradition of chimarrão, make a quick cup like regular tea, or sip it iced on a hot day, this guide gives you all the essential techniques to brew yerba mate your way. No jitters, no crash – just clean, sustained energy in every sip.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Beverage, Energy Drink, Tea

Cuisine South American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 5 kcal

Equipment

• Gourd (calabash)
• Bombilla (metal straw)
• French press or tea infuser
• Thermos (optional)
• Fine mesh strainer
• Jar or pitcher

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Traditional Chimarrão (Authentic Method)

• 2 –3 tablespoons loose yerba mate
• Warm water 160–170°F
• Cool water for initial pour

Modern Yerba Mate Tea

• 1 –2 teaspoons loose yerba mate or 1 tea bag
• 8 oz hot water 160–180°F
• Optional: honey lemon, or milk

Iced Yerba Mate (Cold Brew)

• ¼ cup loose yerba mate
• 4 cups cold water
• Optional: mint citrus slices, honey, sparkling water

Instructions

 

Traditional Chimarrão Method

• Fill a gourd ⅔ full with yerba mate.
• Tilt the gourd at a 45° angle and shake gently to separate fine powder.
• Create a small well on one side.
• Insert bombilla into the well, covering the top with your thumb.
• Pour in cool water to protect leaves from temperature shock; wait 30 seconds.
• Slowly pour in warm water (160–170°F) into the same area.
• Sip and refill with warm water as needed.

Modern Yerba Mate Tea

• Add yerba mate to a French press or infuser.
• Pour 160–180°F water over the leaves.
• Steep for 3–5 minutes.
• Strain or press, then serve.
• Add lemon, honey, or milk if desired.
• Re-steep leaves up to 3–4 times.

Iced Yerba Mate (Cold Brew)

• Combine ¼ cup yerba mate with 4 cups cold water in a jar or pitcher.
• Refrigerate 6–12 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Strain well using a fine mesh strainer.
• Store concentrate in the fridge (up to 1 week).
• Serve over ice, dilute with water or sparkling water.
• Flavor with mint, citrus, honey, or use in smoothies.

Notes

• Use hot water, not boiling. Water that’s too hot can scorch the leaves and make the flavor harsh.
• Filtered or spring water gives a noticeably cleaner, smoother taste.
• Yerba mate leaves can be steeped several times, with the flavor changing slightly each round.
• If you take iron supplements or eat iron-rich foods, enjoy yerba mate at a different time of day.
• Cold-brewed yerba mate has a softer taste and a gentler caffeine feel.

Nutrition

Calories: 5kcalCarbohydrates: 1g

Keyword yerba mate, chimarrão, iced yerba mate, cold brew tea, herbal energy drink, south american tea

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!