Skip to content
Forkin
Beverage

Traditional Yerba Mate

This recipe guides you through preparing a traditional yerba mate, a stimulating herbal infusion popular in South America. It's a simple, comforting beverage that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
5 min
Serves
1
Difficulty
Easy
Download the app
Traditional Yerba Mate

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 30 gyerba mate
  • 500 mlwater
  • 1 tspsugar(optional)

Equipment

bombilla · kettle · mate gourd

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Heat the water in a kettle until it is hot but not boiling, around 70-80°C (160-175°F).

    About 3 min

    Cook’s note: Boiling water will burn the yerba mate and make it bitter.

  2. 2

    Fill the mate gourd about two-thirds full with yerba mate.

    Cook’s note: Adjust the amount of yerba mate to your preference for strength.

  3. 3

    Cover the top of the gourd with your hand, invert it, and shake vigorously for a few seconds. This helps to settle the finer particles and prevent the bombilla from clogging.

  4. 4

    Return the gourd to an upright position, creating a 'mountain' of yerba mate on one side and an empty space on the other.

  5. 5

    Pour a small amount of the hot water into the empty space to moisten the yerba mate. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to absorb the water.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: This step helps to awaken the flavor of the yerba mate.

  6. 6

    Insert the bombilla (filtered straw) into the moistened area, pushing it gently to the bottom of the gourd against the wall.

    Cook’s note: Once inserted, avoid moving the bombilla to prevent clogging.

  7. 7

    Slowly pour the remaining hot water into the empty space until the yerba mate is just covered. Sip through the bombilla.

    Cook’s note: You can add optional sugar to the water if you prefer a sweeter taste.

  8. 8

    Refill the gourd with hot water as you continue to drink, until the flavor of the yerba mate diminishes.

    Cook’s note: The first few sips might be strong; the flavor mellows with subsequent refills.

Keep it good

Storage

Yerba mate is best consumed fresh.

More recipes

All recipes
  • Pescadito Fritoappetizer

    Pescadito Frito

    This classic Spanish appetizer features small fish, often anchovies or sardines, lightly battered and fried until crispy. It's a simple yet delicious dish, perfect for sharing with friends.

    25 min
  • Delizia al Limonedessert

    Delizia al Limone

    These delightful individual lemon cakes are soaked in a limoncello syrup, filled with a creamy lemon custard, and draped in a light lemon glaze. They offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them an elegant dessert.

    4 hr 30 min 562 kcal
  • Pakistani Lamb Keemamain course

    Pakistani Lamb Keema

    Savor the rich, aromatic flavors of this traditional Pakistani Lamb Keema, a comforting minced lamb curry slow-cooked to perfection. Infused with ginger, garlic, fresh tomatoes, and a vibrant blend of cumin, coriander, and garam masala, this dish offers a deeply satisfying and fragrant experience.

    1 hr 15 min 429 kcal
  • Gaeng Lieng (Thai Spicy Vegetable Soup)main course

    Gaeng Lieng (Thai Spicy Vegetable Soup)

    Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with Gaeng Lieng, a light and invigorating vegetable soup. This traditional Thai dish features a fragrant, peppery broth infused with aromatic herbs and a medley of tender-crisp vegetables, offering a healthy and uniquely satisfying culinary journey.

    50 min
  • Takoyakisnack

    Takoyaki

    These savory Japanese octopus balls are a popular street food and snack. A flavorful batter encases a tender piece of octopus, cooked in a special pan until golden and crispy on the outside. They are typically served with a variety of toppings like takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.

    50 min
  • Black Forest Cakedessert

    Black Forest Cake

    Indulge in a classic German Black Forest Cake, featuring layers of intensely chocolatey sponge, luscious vanilla whipped cream, and a vibrant kirsch-infused sour cherry filling. This showstopping dessert offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart, perfect for celebrating special moments or simply treating yourself.

    5 hr 15 min 673 kcal
  • Testi Kebab (Pottery Kebab)main course

    Testi Kebab (Pottery Kebab)

    This traditional Turkish testi kebab features tender pieces of lamb or beef slow-cooked with vegetables in a sealed clay pot. The pot is dramatically cracked open at the table, releasing aromatic steam and a rich, flavorful stew. It's a truly unique and delicious culinary experience.

    2 hr 50 min 531 kcal