Yerba mate is an infusion made from dried leaves (and small stems) of the yerba mate plant
(Ilex paraguariensis). It is traditionally prepared by steeping the leaves in hot water and sipping the
liquid through a filtered straw.
What the term refers to
Yerba: the dried plant material used for the infusion.
Mate: commonly refers to the drink; in some contexts it can also refer to the cup/gourd used to drink it.
How it is typically consumed
Leaves are placed in a cup/gourd.
Hot water is added in small pours.
The drink is sipped through a filtered straw to keep leaf particles out.
Multiple refills are commonly made from the same leaves until the flavor fades.
What it is not
Not a single fixed “recipe.” Water temperature, leaf cut, and steeping style vary.
Not one standardized product category. “Yerba mate” covers multiple cuts and styles.
Key related terms
Gourd / cup: the vessel used to hold the leaves and water.
Bombilla: the filtered straw used for sipping.
Cut: how the leaves/stems are processed (size, stem content, dust level).