So you want to drink yerba mate but don’t want to buy a gourd or bombilla?
No problem.
There are many ways for you to taste the magic of this herb without having to go out your way and spend money.
In fact, you might already have what you need in your home right now.
Let’s take a look…
How To Prepare Yerba Mate Without A Gourd Or Bombilla
Before preparing yerba mate without a gourd, you must keep these two key rules of thumb in mind…
- Never use boiling water. Temperatures of around 140-170ºF work best.
- For every 8 ounces of fluid, use 1 tablespoon of yerba (add less or more to adjust to your own liking).
Got it?
Great.
Now let’s move on to your possible preparation methods.
First, a tea strainer, tea infuser, or teapot. If you have one at home, you can prepare yerba mate just like you would any other tea by filling it up with looseleaf yerba and steeping it in hot water. Again, 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces. If you would like to see more clear step-by-step instructions, I wrote an entire guide which you can read here.
Second, a french press. Like you would with coffee, preparing yerba mate in a french press is the same thing. Use the same measurement of 1 tablespoon per cup, fill the french press with hot water, then plunge. What you’ll end up with is a nice yellow-brown brew of mate. For step-by-step instructions, click here.
Lastly, a coffee maker. Again, like you would with coffee, the instructions are the same with mate. There’s nothing you have to do that’s special or unique. Just place the yerba in the built-in strainer or coffee filter and let the machine work its magic. To learn more, click here.
And there you have it, three ways to prepare yerba mate without a gourd or bombilla
Now of course, these aren’t the only options out there. They’re just the more common household items most people have. However, if you have any other coffee brewing device like an aeropress, chemex, moka pot, or even an espresso machine, almost all of them will do. Just replace your coffee with looseleaf yerba mate and follow the same instructions.
It’s as simple as that.
You can also…
Buy Yerba Mate Tea Bags
Although it’s not tradition, yerba mate tea bags (also called mate cocido) are a great way to start for beginners.
Like any tea bag, you’d prepare it the same way by placing it in a mug and letting it steep for a few minutes.
No gourd or bombilla needed.
Compared to preparing it traditionally, the taste will be drastically different. Tea bags have a much milder flavor. If you aren’t accustomed to the strength of yerba mate yet but still want to get a taste, this is perfect for you. Not only are they easier to prepare, but they’re also very cheap.
Many popular South American brands sell their own such as Cruz De Malta, Rosamonte, Taragui, and La Tranquera.
Final Words
You don’t need a gourd or bombilla to drink and enjoy mate. Any machine or device you already use for coffee or other teas will get the job done.
However, if you still haven’t tried drinking yerba mate with a gourd and bombilla, you’re missing out.
I’ve tried all the ways I’ve shown you above and nothing compares.
There’s nothing wrong with preparing mate using these other methods, but don’t think that’s all there is to it. One sip from a gourd and you’re entire experience changes, but I digress.
To wrap this up, if you don’t have a gourd or bombilla, whatever you’re already using to drink coffee or tea, simply use that. Just remember to never use boiling water.
P.S. If you found this article helpful, you might want to check out our store to grab your first gourd, bombilla, and yerba mate.