Yerba mate is a one‑of‑a‑kind beverage — it boosts energy, sharpens focus, and delivers plenty of nutrients. But to really enjoy its taste and aroma, it’s not just about choosing the right yerba. The vessel you drink it from and the way you brew it are just as important. The right cup can make all the difference in your yerba‑drinking experience.
What Is a Matero?
A yerba mate cup — most often called a matero — is a special vessel used to brew and drink the infusion made from the leaves of the Paraguayan holly. Its shape and material affect not only your comfort but also the flavor and temperature of the drink. Traditional materos come from South America, where sharing yerba is a deeply rooted cultural and social ritual.
Today, there’s a lot to choose from — from classic, natural gourds to modern ceramic and glass versions.
If you’re just getting started, check out the selection of yerba mate cups at MateMundo.co.uk and learn how to brew yerba properly so you can enjoy its best flavor every day.
Traditional Yerba Mate Cups — What Makes Them Different?
Beginners often wonder what kind of cup is best. In South America, the home of yerba mate, people traditionally use natural vessels called materos.
The classic matero is a hollowed, dried gourd that naturally retains heat and lets the infusion “breathe.” For many enthusiasts, this is the most authentic way to drink yerba.
Another popular option is a palo santo wooden cup — beautiful, aromatic, and known for adding a delicate, resinous scent to the drink.
If you’re after something fuss‑free, ceramic and glass cups are super practical. They’re easy to clean, mold‑resistant, and great for everyday use or for those just getting into yerba.
How to Choose the Perfect Cup
When picking your ideal matero, it all comes down to personal preference. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Capacity – smaller cups (150–250 ml) are great for strong, concentrated brews; larger ones (300–400 ml) are perfect if you want to sip your mate for longer.
- Shape – cups with a narrower top keep the aroma inside, while wider openings make stirring and cleaning easier.
- Material – it changes both the flavor and how the vessel should be cared for.
How to Brew Yerba Mate in Your Matero
Having the right cup is only the first step. The brewing method is what really brings out the rich taste and aroma.
Preparing Your Cup for the First Time
If you’ve chosen a natural gourd or wooden cup, you’ll need to “cure” it before use — this is called curado. It protects the vessel and helps it last longer. Fill it with used yerba leaves, top it up with hot water, leave it for a few hours, then empty and dry completely.
Ceramic and glass materos don’t need this treatment — just wash them before you brew.
The Classic Brewing Method
Brewing yerba mate is simple but feels like a ritual of its own.
Fill about one‑third of the matero with yerba, cover the opening with your hand, flip it upside down, and shake it gently so the dust settles toward the top. Then tilt the cup and pour in a little cool water to moisten the leaves. Insert your bombilla (metal straw) and add water heated to around 70–80°C (160–175°F).
You can keep refilling with hot water several times — each pour gives you a slightly different taste until the leaves lose their flavor.
Want to learn more? Read our guide: How to Brew Yerba Mate.
Alternative Brewing Methods
While hot yerba is the traditional way to go, you can also try tereré — a refreshing cold version. Just pour cold water or juice over the leaves and add some ice cubes.
If you’re short on time, brewing yerba in a regular mug with a strainer or infuser also works. It’s less traditional but perfect for enjoying yerba at work or on the go.
How to Care for Your Yerba Mate Cup
Proper care keeps your matero in good shape and preserves the flavor of your brew. Always clean and dry it thoroughly after each use to prevent mold and unpleasant odors. Different materials need slightly different maintenance.
Cleaning and Drying
Natural materos require a bit more care. After each use, remove the leaves and let the cup dry in a well‑ventilated spot. Don’t cover it — trapped moisture encourages mold.
Ceramic, glass, and stainless‑steel cups are easier: simply rinse them after use and avoid strong detergents.
Storage and Maintenance Tips
If you don’t use your mate cup regularly, rinse it with warm water every few weeks to keep it fresh. For wooden or gourd cups, rub a tiny bit of olive or vegetable oil inside once in a while — it prevents cracking and helps them last longer.
Find Your Perfect Matero and Enjoy the Ritual
Yerba mate isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual. The right matero and proper brewing technique make all the difference between an average cup and one that bursts with deep flavor and aroma.
Traditional gourds and palo santo cups bring character and authenticity; ceramic and glass versions offer ease and convenience.
Try different types and brewing methods until you find your style. One thing’s for sure — every sip of yerba mate can become a moment of calm and an everyday ritual worth savoring.
