Brewing Yerba Mate Using Your Coffee Maker

Quick answer

• Yes, you can brew yerba mate in most standard coffee makers.
• It’s a simple process, similar to brewing coffee.
• Use a coarser grind for yerba mate.
• Don’t use too much mate; it can get bitter.
• Clean your coffee maker thoroughly afterward.
• Consider a dedicated brewer if you do this often.

Who this is for

• Coffee drinkers curious about yerba mate.
• People who want a caffeine boost without coffee.
• Anyone looking to use their existing coffee maker for other infusions.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Most drip coffee makers will work. French presses are also a good option. If you’re using a standard drip machine, a paper filter is fine, but a reusable metal filter might be better for yerba mate’s finer particles. This keeps them from clogging your machine.

Most drip coffee makers will work for brewing yerba mate. If you’re in the market for a new one, consider a reliable drip coffee maker like this one.

xBloom Studio Coffee Machine – Drip Coffee Maker with Built-in Grinder and Scale, 3 Automation Levels, App Connected Pour Over Coffee Maker for Home and Office, Midnight Black

• 1. Three Levels of Automation for Any Skill Level: Choose from Autopilot, Copilot, or Free Solo mode. Autopilot handles the entire brewing process automatically. Copilot provides step-by-step guidance. Free Solo gives you full manual control. This coffee machine works for beginners and professional baristas alike.
• 2. Intuitive User Interface with Tactile Knobs and LED Matrix: The Studio features physical control knobs and a clear LED Matrix display. You can adjust grind size, water temperature, and flow rate in real time without navigating complicated touchscreen menus.
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Water quality and temperature

Just like coffee, good water makes good mate. Filtered water is always the way to go. Aim for water that’s hot but not boiling. Around 175-195°F (79-90°C) is usually ideal for yerba mate. Too hot and it can scorch the leaves, making it bitter.

Grind size and coffee freshness

Yerba mate isn’t really “ground” like coffee. It’s more like cut leaves. You want a coarser cut. If you’re using pre-packaged yerba mate, it’s usually ready to go. If you’re grinding your own, err on the side of caution and go coarser. Stale mate won’t taste great, so use what’s relatively fresh.

Coffee-to-water ratio

This is where you’ll experiment. Start with less mate than you would coffee. Maybe half the amount. A common starting point for coffee is 1:15 or 1:16 (coffee to water by weight). For mate, try something like 1:25 or even 1:30. You can always add more mate for a stronger brew.

Cleanliness/descale status

This is huge. If your coffee maker has been brewing coffee, residual oils can make your mate taste funky. Give it a good clean. Run a cycle with just water, or better yet, a descaling solution if it’s been a while. You don’t want coffee flavors mingling with your mate.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need your yerba mate, your coffee maker, a filter (if using a drip machine), and fresh water.

• What “good” looks like: Everything is within reach and ready. No last-minute scrambling.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to grab the mate itself. Avoid this by laying everything out beforehand.

2. Prepare the coffee maker. Ensure the water reservoir is clean and filled with fresh, filtered water.

• What “good” looks like: A clean reservoir with the right amount of water.
• Common mistake: Using old, stale water. This will definitely impact the taste. Dump and refill.

3. Add the filter. Place a paper or reusable filter into the brew basket.

• What “good” looks like: The filter sits snugly in place.
• Common mistake: Not using a filter if your machine requires one, or using a damaged filter. This leads to grounds in your cup.

4. Add the yerba mate. Spoon your yerba mate into the filter. Start with a conservative amount, like 1-2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water.

• What “good” looks like: The mate is evenly distributed in the filter, not packed too tightly.
• Common mistake: Overfilling the filter. This can cause the water to bypass the mate, leading to a weak brew, or worse, overflow.

5. Start the brew cycle. Turn on your coffee maker as you normally would.

• What “good” looks like: The machine starts heating and dripping water.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to press the start button. Patience, grasshopper.

6. Monitor the brew. Watch as the hot water drips through the mate and into the carafe.

• What “good” looks like: A steady flow of liquid, not too fast or too slow. The aroma should be pleasant.
• Common mistake: Ignoring it and letting it overflow. Keep an eye on it, especially the first few times.

7. Let it steep briefly (optional). Some folks like to let the brewed liquid sit in the carafe for a minute or two before serving, like a mini-steep.

• What “good” looks like: The liquid is sitting in the carafe, ready to be enjoyed.
• Common mistake: Letting it sit on the hot plate too long, which can make it bitter.

8. Serve and enjoy. Pour the brewed mate into your favorite mug.

• What “good” looks like: A warm, inviting cup of yerba mate.
• Common mistake: Drinking it too hot. Let it cool slightly.

9. Clean up immediately. This is crucial. Discard the used mate and rinse the filter and carafe thoroughly.

• What “good” looks like: All parts are clean and ready for the next use.
• Common mistake: Leaving the wet mate grounds to sit. They can get moldy and leave a lingering smell.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your mate tastes bitter, then reduce the amount of mate you’re using because too much can lead to over-extraction.
• If your brew is weak, then add more yerba mate because you might not be using enough to get a good flavor.
• If you’re getting sediment in your cup, then try a coarser filter or a different type of filter because fine particles are escaping.
• If your mate tastes like coffee, then thoroughly clean your coffee maker because residual coffee oils are contaminating the brew.
• If your water is too hot, then let it cool for a minute before brewing because boiling water can scorch the delicate mate leaves.
• If your coffee maker is old and hasn’t been descaled, then run a descaling cycle before brewing mate because mineral buildup can affect taste and performance.
• If you find the taste too mild, then try increasing the water temperature slightly (but still below boiling) because a bit more heat can help extract more flavor.
• If you’re brewing a large batch, then consider pre-heating your carafe to keep the mate warm without needing the hot plate.
• If you’re unsure about the ratio, then start with less mate and add more in subsequent brews because it’s easier to add than to take away.
• If you notice a burnt taste, then check the water temperature and ensure it’s not too high because overheating is a common culprit.
• If your mate is consistently tasting “off,” then try a different brand of yerba mate because the quality of the leaves matters.

FAQ

Can I use any type of yerba mate?

Yes, most traditional yerba mate (dried, cut leaves) should work. Some finely powdered versions might clog your filter.

Will my coffee maker get damaged?

Generally, no. Yerba mate is an herb, not a harsh chemical. Just be sure to clean it well afterward.

How much caffeine is in yerba mate?

It varies, but it typically has more caffeine than tea and a bit less than coffee. Many people find it provides a smoother energy boost.

Can I reuse the yerba mate grounds?

You can, but the flavor and caffeine will be significantly reduced on subsequent brews. It’s best for a weaker second cup.

What’s the best way to store yerba mate?

Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from light and strong odors.

Does it matter if I use a paper or metal filter?

A metal filter might let a bit more of the natural oils and fine particles through, which some people prefer for mate. Paper filters are fine too and will give a cleaner cup.

Why does my mate taste so bitter?

This is usually due to water that’s too hot, too much mate, or leaving it on the hot plate for too long. Experiment with those factors.

Can I add milk or sugar to my yerba mate?

Absolutely. While traditionalists often drink it plain, feel free to add sweeteners, milk, or even citrus to suit your taste.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Traditional gourd and bombilla brewing methods for yerba mate.
• Specific health benefits or traditional uses of yerba mate.
• Recipes for mate-based drinks beyond a simple brew.
• Advanced coffee brewing techniques like pour-over or espresso.