Yerba mate accessories – everything a beginner mate drinker needs

Yerba mate is a drink that can completely transform your daily rituals. It boosts energy, improves concentration and, at the same time, helps you slow down for a moment and enjoy the unique flavour that comes straight from South America. However, to fully experience this tradition, you need the right yerba mate accessories. They are what make preparing and drinking the infusion a pleasure rather than a struggle.

For those who are just beginning their yerba mate journey, putting together the first set can be quite a challenge. After all, the market offers many different yerba mate cups, various types of bombilla mate, as well as countless yerba mate blends. In this post, we will show you what a yerba mate starter kit should look like and which elements are absolutely essential at the beginning. Thanks to this, you will avoid accidental purchases and enjoy the taste of yerba mate from the very first day – in a simple and convenient way!

Summary:

1. Why proper yerba mate accessories matter at the beginning?
2. The most important yerba mate accessories for beginners
3. How to care for yerba mate accessories so they last long?
4. Yerba mate starter kit – begin your journey today!

Why proper yerba mate accessories matter at the beginning?

A well‑chosen yerba mate kit makes your first encounter with this extraordinary drink pleasant and trouble‑free. The right accessories allow you to:

• ✔️ prepare the infusion more easily and understand how to brew yerba mate correctly,
• ✔️ enjoy a clean taste without sediment in your mouth – thanks to the filter in the bombilla,
• ✔️ avoid disappointment and frustration that may occur when tools are mismatched or difficult to use,
• ✔️ gradually discover different traditions and drinking methods – from classic gourds to ceramic yerba cups and even wooden Palo Santo mate cups.

That is why, from your very first steps with yerba mate, it’s worth choosing a good starter set that is simple to use and allows you to slowly enter the culture of mate drinking. You can of course find ready‑made sets in our shop MateMundo, but you can also put one together yourself – based on the basic elements described in today’s post.

First steps with yerba mate – where to begin?

To begin with, you don’t need a whole arsenal of gadgets. All you need is a basic yerba mate starter kit consisting of three things:

• 🔹 Yerba mate leaves – it’s best to choose a mild, classic blend recommended as yerba mate for beginners. It has a gentler taste and less bitterness, making your first experience more pleasant. In this blog post you will find our recommended yerba mates for beginners: 👉 Yerba mate for beginners. What to choose?
• 🔹 Bombilla – a drinking straw with a built‑in filter that prevents leaves, stems and dust from entering your mouth, allowing you to enjoy a clean infusion. This is an absolutely essential part of every yerba mate kit.
• 🔹 Mate cup – you can choose the simplest ceramic model (practical and easy to clean) or a more traditional one such as a gourd or Palo Santo. Remember that a gourd requires special preparation – a process called “curado”, which protects the inside of the cup before first use.

Such a simple set will allow you to discover the true flavour of yerba mate right away and feel the South American atmosphere. All other yerba mate accessories – such as decorative cups, thermoses or a yerba mate brewer – can be bought later if you feel you want to deepen your mate tea journey.

The most important yerba mate accessories for beginners

When putting together a yerba mate starter kit, it’s not just about having a cup, a straw and a packet of leaves. Each of these accessories has its own specific purpose and influences whether your first experience with yerba mate will be enjoyable – or whether it might discourage you right from the start.

• Bombilla – this is what determines how comfortable drinking yerba mate will be. Thanks to its filter, the infusion is smooth and free of tiny particles, allowing you to focus on the taste instead of fishing leaves out from between your teeth.
• Yerba mate cups – often called the “heart” of the entire ritual. The type you choose will influence both the convenience of use and the unique atmosphere of your first mate‑drinking moments. Ceramic cups mean practicality, calabash gourds offer tradition, and wooden mate cups introduce a unique, natural aroma.
• Yerba mate – the leaves themselves are the main star. For beginners, mild, less bitter blends are the best choice, allowing you to get used to the flavour gradually.

The rest of the yerba mate accessories – such as a yerba mate brewer, thermos, scoop for the leaves or additional cups – can be added later, once you feel ready to explore the South American ritual more deeply.

Bombilla – the essential tool of every mate drinker

You can’t have yerba mate without a bombilla. It’s bombilla that ensures comfort while drinking – thanks to its built‑in filter, it separates the leaves from the drink, allowing you to taste yerba mate without any unwanted particles. In our shop, you will find several practical types of bombilla, each with different advantages:

• Stainless steel bombilla – a classic that works in every situation. Durable, simple in design and easy to clean. A perfect first choice for beginners.
• Twist‑apart bombilla – has a filter that can be taken apart and cleaned effortlessly. A great option if you prioritise hygiene and the longevity of your accessories.
• Coloured bombilla – made of stainless steel but coated in various colours. A perfect choice for those who like their yerba mate kit to combine function with aesthetics.

For a beginner, a simple ”Mercedes” stainless steel bombilla is an excellent choice. But if you enjoy practical gadgets and want full control over cleaning, a twist‑apart model – such as the ”Sierra” twist‑apart bombilla with triple filter – may be an even better investment.

Mate cup – gourd, ceramic or wooden?

The second essential element of a yerba mate set is the mate cup. This is where the infusion is prepared, and the type of cup you choose will greatly affect both your comfort and the character of the ritual.

You will most often encounter three basic types:

• Calabash gourd – a classic and deeply traditional option. This mate cup is made from a dried, hollowed‑out calabash fruit and has been used in South America for centuries. It offers an authentic feel, but remember: it requires proper preparation before first use. This process is called curado and protects the inside of the gourd so it lasts longer and doesn’t absorb unwanted aromas.
• Ceramic yerba mate cups – practical and convenient. They are easy to clean, require no preparation, and do not absorb flavours. This makes them the ideal choice for yerba mate beginners.
• Wooden mate cups (e.g. Palo Santo) – these have a unique, natural aroma and add depth to the flavour of the infusion. They require more care, but they are considered more premium and often chosen by experienced yerba mate drinkers who appreciate tradition and craftsmanship.

If you are just starting your yerba mate journey, the simplest choice is a ceramic mate cup – we recommend one of our most popular models, the ”Samba” ceramic yerba mate cup. Over time, once yerba mate becomes part of your daily routine, you can try a traditional gourd or a wooden Palo Santo cup.

Yerba mate starter kit – what should it include?

If you don’t want to assemble everything yourself, the best solution is a ready‑made yerba mate starter kit. This is the easiest way to begin – you don’t need to choose every accessory separately, because the essentials are already included: a bombilla, mate cup and yerba mate. In our shop, you will find various types of kits – from small sample packs to full‑size sets and gift boxes.

Here are examples that work perfectly for beginners:

• 🎁 Mini starter set Soul Mate yerba mate 50g sample + “Panda” ceramic mate cup + bombilla – a small, charming cup shaped like a panda, a practical bombilla, and an organic Soul Mate sample. Ideal if you want to try yerba mate without a big investment.
• 🎁 Variety starter set 10×50g yerba mate samples + ceramic mate cup + bombilla – ten different yerba mate brands and flavours so you can learn what you like.
• 🎁 Full‑size starter set Yaguar Coconut yerba mate 500g + “Coconut” ceramic mate cup + bombilla – ideal for those who prefer to start “for real”. A 500g pack of a gentle coconut‑aroma blend plus a themed ceramic cup.
• 🎁 Gift set 10x50g yerba mate samples + “Samba” ceramic mate cup + bombilla – beautifully boxed, perfect both for yourself and as a gift.

With such ready‑made options, you can begin your yerba mate experience without stressing that you might be missing something. Whether you prefer a gentle start with one sample, a wide tasting selection, or a full‑size favourite – you’ll easily find a yerba mate kit suited to your style.

How to care for yerba mate accessories so they last long?

Choosing the right yerba mate accessories is only the first step. Proper care is equally important. Why? Because only in a clean, well‑maintained mate cup and with a properly kept bombilla can you enjoy the full, natural flavour of the infusion – without any unpleasant notes. Taking good care of your accessories ensures they serve you for many years. You could say that cleaning and maintenance are an investment in your future yerba mate journey.

Cleaning your bombilla after each use

Your bombilla is the accessory that comes into direct contact with the infusion, so hygiene is crucial. The main rule is simple: clean the bombilla after every use. Just rinse it with warm water and dry it thoroughly to avoid residue and off‑flavours.

Twist‑apart bombillas mentioned earlier in this article make cleaning even easier – since you can take them apart, it’s simple to rinse out tiny leaf particles that may get stuck in the filter. For anyone who values hygiene and durability, they are an excellent choice.

You’ll find more practical tips in our separate guide: 👉 Bombilla – how to care for it properly?

Curado of a yerba mate gourd – step by step

A traditional yerba mate gourd has a unique character but requires special preparation before its first use. This process, called curado, protects the inside of the gourd from mould and cracking. Properly done curado ensures that your gourd will last much longer and that the infusion won’t develop any unwanted aromas.

How to perform curado? A short guide:

1. Put a small amount of used or fresh yerba mate leaves into the new gourd.
2. Pour in warm (not boiling!) water and leave it for several hours, preferably overnight.
3. Afterwards, pour out the contents and gently remove any soft, moist fibres from the inside.
4. Leave the gourd to dry in a well‑ventilated place.

Done! Your gourd has now been properly seasoned and is ready for everyday use. Remember to dry it regularly, avoid leaving liquid inside for long periods and ensure good ventilation – this way your mate cup will last you for years.

Ceramic and wooden yerba mate cups – how to take care of them?

Not all yerba mate cups require the same preparation as a gourd, but each has its own care rules:

• Ceramic mate cups – the easiest to maintain. Simply rinse them after use and let them dry well. They don’t absorb flavours or aromas, making them perfect for beginners.
• Wooden mate cups – for example, Palo Santo. They offer a natural aroma and deepen the flavour of the infusion, but require a bit more care. Wood absorbs aromas, so you should protect it from excessive moisture and occasionally oil it (e.g. with a natural plant oil). This prevents cracking and helps preserve its unique qualities.

If you take good care of your mate cup, you can be sure that every serving of yerba mate will taste exactly as it should – with no foreign flavours and no risk of damaging your accessories.

If you want to learn even more about preparing and caring for different types of yerba mate cups – from traditional gourds to Palo Santo wood and practical ceramic models – check out our guide: 👉 Currado – how to prepare a yerba mate gourd?. You’ll find detailed instructions and practical tips to help you enjoy your accessories for years to come.

Yerba mate starter kit – begin your journey today!

As you can see, you don’t need to collect a whole range of accessories to begin your yerba mate adventure. To start, all you truly need is a well‑chosen set of yerba mate for beginners – a bombilla, a practical mate cup and a pack of mild mate tea leaves. These are the elements that make your first experience pleasant, convenient and full of the South American spirit.

Later, you can experiment with different types of yerba mate cups, try new flavours and add more yerba mate accessories. But the most important thing is that your first step is simple and enjoyable – and a ready‑made yerba mate starter kit is the best way to make that happen.

Choose your first yerba mate kit and discover the magic of mate tea!

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Mate (drink).
2. Encyclopædia Britannica: Mate.
3. A. Gawron-Gzella et al., Yerba Mate – A Long but Current History, Nutrients, 2021.