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Mistakes to avoid when preparing your mate

November 18, 2025

Time to read 2 min

Pouring water that's too hot, stirring the bombilla, missing the well…

Mate is a very simple drink: yerba mate, hot water, a gourd.

But poor preparation can spoil the experience a little, so we understand that there are a few simple steps to follow.

The good news is that it doesn't require expertise. With a few adjustments, such as slightly cooler water, meticulous preparation, and quality yerba mate, the difference is immediate.

In this article, we will look together at the most common mistakes and, above all, how to avoid them , in order to enjoy a long-lasting and tasty mate from morning until evening.

Summary

Water that's too hot, preparation that's too abrupt, the quality of the yerba mate ... Mate is best enjoyed, step by step.

Water that's too hot

The first major mistake in preparation is to infuse the mate with water that is too hot; this is the best way to burn the leaves.

Above 80°C , the heat destroys some of the antioxidants and adds extra bitterness to the preparation.

Water between 70 and 80°C is recommended. This temperature brings out the aromas without harming the plant.

TIP: If you don't have a kettle with built-in temperature control, simply pour 3/4 boiling water into a thermos , and fill it with 1/4 cold water!

If you don't have a thermos, as soon as you notice the appearance of small bubbles, the water is already at 80°C!

A traditional maté

Too abrupt a preparation

It is tempting to pour the water quickly, but mate prefers patience and measured movements.
A few simple steps are all it takes to reveal its full subtlety:

Tilt the gourd slightly and shake gently to distribute the yerba.
Pour a little lukewarm water to help form the well and prevent burning the leaves if your water is too hot. Wait until the water is completely absorbed by the leaves before creating the well with the bombilla .
By forming a slope with the yerba, called montañita , then place the bombilla in the empty part and do not move it: this prevents the entire mate from infusing too quickly.
Add hot water (70–80 °C) to the empty space provided. Enjoy!

By following these simple steps, the mate will maintain a stable flavor throughout the entire infusion.

How to prepare your mate?

The quality of the yerba

A good mate is first and foremost about good terroir.

Yerba grown with respect for its environment and the plant's natural rhythm develops its full aromatic and nutritional richness.

This is what makes organic yerba mate different: cultivation without pesticides . But there are methods that improve the final quality of the leaves: hand-harvesting at maturity , and smokeless drying .

The result is noticeable in every sip, with a taste that is not masked by smoke drying , and complex and diverse aromatic notes.

At YVY Maté , we select only unsmoked mate from organic farming, grown in agroforestry with respect for the plant and biodiversity with producers certified by Trade For Life and Demeter .

Yerba mate leaves

Mate is best enjoyed at one's own pace.

Mate is something to be savored, lingered over, and shared.

A gourd containing 20g of mate allows you to infuse about 1L of water before the mate loses its taste; it is then said to be "washed".

Each sip reveals a different nuance: initially quite intense, then softer, as the infusions progress.
But above all, mate is not just a hot drink. It's a moment to savor, whether it's in the morning to wake up gently or to share with friends.

Thanks to a gradual preparation, each infusion is unique, energizing and comforting, to accompany you throughout the day.