How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Looseleaf Yerba Mate at Home

We all have some habits that seem to be ordinary, but are not for us. For us, brewing looseleaf yerba mate is not just a caffeine habit; it feels grounding and energizing and makes mornings feel intentional instead of chaotic.

Yerba mate comes from South America, steeped in tradition and now embraced for modern wellness. It oddly combines the calm that tea brings and the strength that coffee provides, with the joy of a daily ritual. 

If you’re new to looseleaf tea or looking to elevate your brew, this guide will break things down one step at a time to help you get it right, stress-free. You don’t need any fancy equipment to get started. Just good leaves, warm water, and some time for yourself. 

Why Looseleaf Yerba Mate? (And Not Tea Bags)

If we are talking about flavor, tradition, and wellness benefits, then looseleaf yerba mate truly is the gold standard. Erva Brew’s looseleaf tea gives you the most complete experience in flavor, nutrients, and ritual with every pour.

Tea bags and powdered mixes are convenient, but they often contain flavorless dust or broken leaves that lose potency quickly. Looseleaf is just dried leaves and stems, which is exactly how yerba mate was intended to be brewed.

Brewing looseleaf will also provide you with a moment to slow down, connect with the ritual, and give you a different kind of energy. It is more sustainable, more economical, and better for the environment than drinking from pricey, potentially microplastic-ridden single-serve bags. 

Want to feel the difference? Start with the leaves.

Try Erva Brew’s Looseleaf varieties.

What You’ll Need: Tools of the Mate Ritual

You don't need a whole tea lab to brew looseleaf yerba mate. Most of the materials are likely in your kitchen right now. 

Must Have:

• Looseleaf yerba mate 

• Hot water (not boiling), around 150 - 170°F, is the sweet spot

Traditional Set-Up:

• Gourd (calabash or ceramic) 

• Bombilla (a metal straw with a built-in strainer) 

Modern Set-Ups:

• French press 

• Pour-over cone 

• Reusable tea infuser 

Optional Add-Ins:

Fresh mint, lemon peel, orange slices, and cinnamon stick, or whatever you want for flavor! 

While the process of brewing yerba mate is ritualistic and highly peaceful, the tools required are very basic. Let’s start your yerba mate journey today!

Step-by-Step Guide: Brew Like a Pro 

Brewing looseleaf yerba mate is pretty straightforward once you've got the system down. Here's how to do it the traditional way (plus a few modern hacks):

Step 1: Put In Your Leaves

Add 2–3 tablespoons of looseleaf yerba mate to your French press, gourd, or infuser.

Step 2: Tilt the Vessel

Gently shake or tilt the gourd so the leaves pile up on one side, and you've got some room to add the straw or strain.

Step 3: Use Cool Water FIRST

Add a splash of cool or room-temperature water. It helps preserve nutrients and keeps the flavor smooth, not bitter.

Step 4: Pour warm water (NOT boiling)

Add warm water (~150–170°F). If you pour boiling water, your mate will burn, and the smooth flavor will disappear.

Step 5: Put In Your Bombilla

If using a gourd, gently insert your bombilla in the shallow part where the leaves are. Drink slowly. No stirring required.

Modern Option: French Press Method

If you don't have a bombilla, put the leaves into the French press, coat with room-temperature water, pour warm water in, steep for 5-7 minutes, and press down.

Bonus: Cold Brew Hack

Add yerba mate and cold water to a mason jar and let it sit overnight. By morning, you’ll have a refreshing, smooth cold brew.

These are simple steps that provide rich results.

Flavor Boosts and Customization Tips

Yerba mate is inherently earthy and energizing, but it complements flavor too.

Here are some ways to make your brew more personal:

• Add mint, basil, or rosemary for an herbal balance.

• Slip in some lemon peel, an orange slice for a sprinkle of citrus zest.

• Drizzle in some raw honey for a smooth, light sweetness.

• Cold-brew it with berries or cucumber for refreshing summer sippers.

Want to make the process even easier? Check out our infused looseleaf blends.

Refill, Repeat, and Sip Smarter

One of the best things about brewing looseleaf yerba mate? You can get multiple sips out of it! This means more bang for your buck, less waste, and a ritual you can hold onto throughout the day.

Just top off your leaves with additional warm water 2-3 times to brew again! Although the flavor changes, it does not lose that great vibrancy; it becomes lighter and smoother.

Would you like it to be a part of your daily ritual? Follow us on Erva Brew’s social and be a part of our journey!

Final Pour: Start Your Brewing Ritual Today

At the end of the day (or the start of it), brewing looseleaf yerba mate is not just making tea. It is an opportunity to be mindful, connect, and energize on your terms. 

Whether you're new to it or enhancing the practice in your current routine, Erva Brew helps you sip something better. From gear to leaves to blends, our mission is to help you find your feel-good flow. 

Start with simplicity. Stay consistent. Let the ritual grow with you.

Check out Erva Brew’s website today and start sipping on something energizing!