Best Water Temperature for Mate
The best water temperature for mate is between 70 and 80 °C (158 to 176 °F). Boiling water makes the yerba bitter and burns the leaf.
Why not boiling
Boiling water scorches the yerba, causing a harsh bitter taste and ending the flavor of the session early. It can also be too hot to sip.
No thermometer?
Heat water until bubbles just start to form on the bottom, then take it off the heat. Or let boiled water rest for a minute or two.
Use a thermos
Argentines carry a thermos with hot water so they can refill the mate again and again at the right temperature.
Cold mate
Tereré is the cold version, prepared with cold water or juice. It is popular in hot weather.
Quick answers
What temperature is best for mate?
Between 70 and 80 °C (158 to 176 °F).
Can I use cold water?
Yes, for tereré, the cold version of mate.
Complete your setup with a leather yerba container for storing your yerba.
MATEAR Genuine Leather Yerba Container (Yerbero), Large, with Removable Straw