This traditional infusion is brewed from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, commonly known as yerba, which is grown in the northern part of the country. These leaves are dried out, cut and ground before being placed in a gourd, a cup made from the hard shell of a calabash fruit or a squash. Hot, but not boiling water is poured over the yerba leaves and the tea is sipped through a metal straw, a bombilla, which is perforated at the bottom to act as a filter. The ritual of drinking mate is rooted in community, designed to be shared among friends. Caffeinated, with similar notes to green tea, mate can be an acquired taste due to its earthy, bitter flavours. 

Mate can be traced back to the Guarani and Tupi peoples, indigenous groups whose history dates back to around 200 BCE. They believed that the yerba plant was sacred and possessed powerful medicinal qualities. Originally, the leaves were chewed into a pulp or used to make cold infusions, with the addition of hot water arriving sometime after. When Spanish missionaries colonised Argentina in the 16th century, they embraced mate for its spiritual properties and cultivated it on a large scale for commercial gain.

Charities such as Sueño para Misiones are working to introduce legislation that protects workers involved in mate production, a trade that has historically exploited women and children. Thanks to sustained efforts, much of today's mate industry operates ethically, with the tea now enjoyed around the world both as a hot infusion and as a chilled, iced beverage.

Mate is found across Argentina and is a must-try for visitors. For a luxurious stay, ASMALLWORLD offers a range of hotels, including the Park Hyatt Mendoza, a 200-room retreat in the heart of wine country, known for its top-tier dining and exceptional wine bar. In Buenos Aires, the iconic Alvear Palace Hotel delivers white-glove service and vintage glamour in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

You can explore hotels in Argentina and more on ASMALLWORLD Collection.