Yerba mate, the ancient beverage rooted in South American culture, can be enjoyed in various containers. Each offers a unique experience, from taste to tradition. If you’re wondering which one is the best, it all depends on your preferences for flavor, aesthetics, and cultural authenticity. Let’s explore the most popular containers for drinking yerba mate:
1. The Traditional Gourd (Calabash)
The calabash is the most traditional way to drink yerba mate. Made from the dried and hollowed-out fruit of the calabash tree, each gourd is unique in shape, color, and texture. The porous nature of the gourd absorbs the flavors of the yerba over time, enhancing the drinking experience with each use. However, the true charm lies in handcrafted and carved gourds, which add an artistic touch.
Carved gourds offer not just aesthetic beauty but a tactile experience as well. The intricate designs feel pleasant in the hand, and the natural material allows the yerba to breathe, creating a unique creaminess and a thick layer of foam that gives the mate a more robust look and taste. Over time, the gourd seasons, making each drink more flavorful than the last.
Why choose a calabash?
- Traditional feel: Drinking from a calabash ties you to the cultural roots of yerba mate.
- Unique experience: No two carved gourds are the same.
- Flavor enhancement: The porous material absorbs flavors, enriching each sip.

2. Glass Mate
For those who enjoy transparency, the glass mate is an excellent option. It doesn’t absorb the flavor of the yerba like a traditional gourd, allowing you to taste the true essence of each batch. Glass is also non-porous, making it easy to clean, and it doesn’t retain any residual flavors. Some glass mates come with silicone or leather wraps for better grip and insulation.
Pros of glass:
- No flavor retention: Each drink is as fresh as the first.
- Modern appearance: Sleek and minimalist design.
- Easy to clean: Glass can be easily washed without risk of odors or stains.

3. Stainless Steel Mate
Durable and sleek, stainless steel mates are ideal for people on the go or those who prefer low-maintenance options. These mates are resistant to wear and tear, and unlike traditional gourds, they don’t require curing or special care. Stainless steel keeps the yerba hot for longer and is great for those who like to sip slowly throughout the day.
Advantages of stainless steel:
- Durability: Perfect for travel and outdoor use.
- Temperature retention: Keeps your yerba at the right temperature longer.
- Low maintenance: Easy to clean and doesn’t absorb odors.

4. Wood Mate
Wooden mates, often made from Algarrobo or Palo Santo, are similar to gourds in that they absorb the flavor of the yerba over time. The wood provides a unique natural taste that complements the earthiness of yerba mate. Like the gourd, wooden mates need to be cured, and they require regular care to maintain their quality. However, they provide a beautiful and rustic feel that connects the drinker with nature.
Why choose wood?
- Rustic aesthetics: Adds a natural touch to your mate ritual.
- Flavor enhancement: Absorbs and enhances flavors over time.

5. Ceramic & Porcelain Mates
For a modern take, ceramic and porcelain mates are becoming increasingly popular. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, and don’t require any special preparation. These materials don’t alter the taste of the yerba and are easy to clean. The downside is that they can be more fragile than other options, but for many, the artistic and clean presentation is worth it.
Advantages:
- Aesthetic variety: Available in countless designs and colors.
- Neutral taste: Does not affect the flavor of yerba mate.
- Comfortable feel: Smooth surface, easy to hold and clean.

6. Enameled Mate
A staple in Argentine households from the 1950s to the 1980s, the enameled mate remains a popular choice for many. These small, practical mates often feature one or two handles and are typically made of metal coated with enamel. Easy to clean and perfect for solo mate drinkers, they are ideal when you want a quick, hassle-free mate session. Their nostalgic charm is often associated with famous figures like Diego Maradona and Julio Cortázar, both seen enjoying their yerba mate from enameled containers. These mates are especially practical when time is short but the desire for a traditional mate remains.

7. Clay Mates
Clay or terracotta mates are somewhat similar to ceramic but offer a more rustic feel. Like the traditional gourd, these containers can absorb the flavor of the yerba over time, but they are more fragile. They are often appreciated for their aesthetic appeal and natural look, bringing a piece of artisanal craftsmanship into the yerba mate experience.
So, Which is the Best?
The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. For a deep connection to tradition, a hand-carved calabash offers not only a richer flavor but also a physical connection to the centuries-old practice of drinking yerba mate. The foamier, creamier texture of the beverage in a gourd is unmatched. If practicality is your goal, stainless steel, glass or enameled may be more convenient. However, if you’re looking for a balance between aesthetics and usability, ceramic or even porcelain provide modern alternatives with clean taste.
Whichever container you choose, the essence of yerba mate remains the same: a communal drink that brings people together, no matter the vessel.