1. Fill the gourd

• Fill your mate cup (gourd or mug) about ½ to ¾ full with yerba mate.

2. Cover and shake

• Cover the top with your hand, turn it upside down, and shake gently.

• This moves fine powder to the top so it doesn’t clog the straw.

3. Tilt the yerba

• Tilt the gourd so the yerba forms a slope on one side, leaving a small empty space.

4. Add cool or warm water

• Pour a little cool or warm (not hot) water into the empty space.

• Let it absorb for 20–30 seconds to protect the leaves and improve flavor.

5. Insert the bombilla (straw)

• Place the bombilla into the wet side, pressing it to the bottom.

• Do not stir once the bombilla is in place.

6. Add hot water

• Pour hot (not boiling) water, ideally 70–80°C / 160–175°F, into the same wet spot.

7. Sip and refill

• Drink slowly.

• Refill with hot water many times until the flavor fades.