Quick answer

To brew and serve yerba mate correctly with the Stanley Mate System, fill the gourd two-thirds with yerba, tilt to create a slope, insert the bombilla, and pour hot water at 160–175°F (70–80°C). Sip through the bombilla and refill as needed. The system's insulated design keeps water at the ideal temperature for consistent enjoyment.

Why the Stanley Mate System Works for Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is traditionally enjoyed from a gourd with a bombilla, and the Stanley Mate System brings modern insulation to this ritual. The system typically includes a mate gourd and a thermos or bottle to hold hot water. The Double Wall Insulation in Stanley products keeps water hot for hours, so you can refill your gourd without reheating. This is especially useful for sharing mate at gatherings or during outdoor activities.

Setting Up Your Mate System: Gourd and Bombilla

Before your first brew, cure your gourd if it's made from natural materials like wood or calabash. This involves filling it with used yerba and hot water, letting it sit overnight, then scraping and rinsing. For the bombilla, ensure it's clean and free of debris. When inserting the bombilla, place your thumb over the top to prevent loose yerba from entering, and position it at a slight angle opposite the slope of the yerba.

Heating Water to the Right Temperature

The ideal temperature for yerba mate is between 160°F and 175°F (70°C to 80°C). Water that's too hot can scald the leaves, making the mate bitter, while water that's too cool won't extract the flavor fully. If you're using a Stanley thermos, preheat it with hot water for a few minutes, then fill it with water at your desired temperature. The insulation will maintain that temperature for hours.

The Pouring Technique: Keeping the Mate Consistent

Pour the hot water into the gourd along the side of the bombilla, not directly onto the yerba. This preserves the slope and prevents the mate from becoming muddy. Fill the gourd about three-quarters full, then sip through the bombilla until the water level drops. Refill as needed, always pouring along the bombilla. Avoid stirring the bombilla, as this can clog it and disturb the yerba bed.

Step-by-Step: Brewing and Serving Yerba Mate

  1. Fill the gourd with yerba mate: Fill the gourd two-thirds full with yerba mate. Cover the top with your hand, invert, and shake gently to mix. Then tilt the gourd so the yerba forms a slope on one side. Checkpoint: The yerba should be piled higher on one side, leaving a hollow on the other.
  2. Insert the bombilla: Place your thumb over the top of the bombilla, then insert it into the hollow side of the gourd, angling it so the filter rests at the bottom. Keep your thumb in place until the bombilla is fully inserted to prevent loose leaves from entering. Common mistake: Inserting the bombilla without covering the top can clog it with yerba dust.
  3. Pour hot water along the bombilla: Pour hot water (160–175°F) gently along the side of the bombilla, filling the gourd about three-quarters full. Avoid pouring directly onto the yerba to preserve the slope. Checkpoint: The water should not overflow, and the yerba should remain mostly dry on the slope.
  4. Sip and refill: Sip through the bombilla until the water level drops. Refill by pouring more hot water along the bombilla. Repeat until the flavor fades. Common mistake: Stirring the bombilla or pouring water onto the yerba can make the mate bitter and clog the bombilla.

Stanley Products That Support Your Mate Ritual

  • Stanley 1913 x LoveShackFancy Holiday Reserve All Day Wine Set | 34 OZ | 11 OZ: The Stanley 1913 x LoveShackFancy Holiday Reserve All Day Wine Set includes a 34-ounce All Day Slim Bottle that can hold a bottle of rosé at the ideal temp. This bottle can be used to carry hot water for yerba mate, keeping it at the right temperature for refills.
  • The Quick Flip Go Bottle | 36 OZ: The Quick Flip Go Bottle 36 OZ has Double Wall Insulation that keeps drinks hot for up to 10 hours or cold for up to 18 hours, with a trigger-action lid for one-handed use. Its long heat retention and easy-pour lid make it a practical choice for transporting hot water to your mate session.