Uruguayan Mate
Uruguay
Mate on the move—Uruguayans carry thermos and gourd everywhere, drinking sweeter mate all day long.
The Story
If Argentines are mate traditionalists, Uruguayans are mate obsessives. They carry their mate gourd, thermos, and yerba everywhere—to work, to the beach, while walking, while driving (technically illegal but universally done). Uruguayan mate is often sweetened and the thermoses are a fashion statement. Per capita, Uruguay consumes more mate than any country on earth.
Flavor Notes
Perfect For
- All-day drinking
- On-the-go lifestyle
- Beach days
- Work
- Every moment of life
Pairs Well With
Make It at Home
One gourd, all-day refills · 5 minutes, then carry all day
Ingredients
- Yerba mate (Uruguayan brands like Canarias, Sara)
- Hot water in thermos
- Sugar (optional but common)
- Good thermos to maintain temperature
Steps
- 1Fill gourd 2/3 with yerba mate
- 2Add sugar if desired (more common than Argentina)
- 3Tilt to create slope, insert bombilla
- 4Pour hot water on lower side
- 5Drink, refill, repeat
- 6Carry your termo and gourd everywhere you go
- 7Share with friends, colleagues, strangers
- 8Refill from your termo throughout the entire day
Variations to Try
- ✦Mate con azucar: with sugar (very common)
- ✦Add honey instead of sugar
- ✦Some add coffee grounds (mate with coffee)
Related Variants
How to Brew
Our recommended approach for the best cup
Water Temperature
160-180°F
(75°C)
Amount
Fill gourd 2/3 with yerba
Steep Time
Continuous throughout day
Resteeps
Endless refills
Recommended Vessel
Gourd and thermos (termo)
Brewing Tips
Uruguayans often add sugar to their mate. The thermos (termo) is essential and often stylish. Mate is drunk literally everywhere—it's not unusual to see people with gourd and termo at the beach, in meetings, or while shopping. The gourd is typically larger than Argentine ones.