How to Use the Stanley Mate System for Yerba Mate and Loose Tea

Quick answer

To use the Stanley Mate System, add your yerba mate or loose tea to the gourd, insert the bombilla at an angle, and pour water below the boiling point. Sip through the bombilla and refill as needed. The key is to keep the bombilla in place and avoid stirring, which clogs the filter.

Why the Stanley Mate System Works for Both Yerba Mate and Loose Tea

The Stanley Mate System is designed for traditional yerba mate, but its stainless steel gourd and bombilla also work well for loose-leaf tea. The bombilla's fine filter traps leaves while letting liquid through, so you get a clean sip without grit. Unlike a teapot, the system lets you brew and drink from the same vessel, which is ideal for desk or outdoor use.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your Stanley Mate System (gourd and bombilla), your chosen yerba mate or loose tea, and hot water. A kettle with temperature control helps, but you can also boil water and let it cool. For yerba mate, use about 3/4 full of leaves; for loose tea, use 1-2 teaspoons depending on leaf size. A small bowl or cup to invert the gourd can help with initial setup.

Step-by-Step: Brewing Yerba Mate in the Stanley Mate System

Follow these steps for a smooth, consistent brew every time. The order matters: adding water before the bombilla can cause clogging.

How to Adapt the Process for Loose Tea

Loose tea brews faster than yerba mate, so adjust your water temperature and steeping time. Use water around 175-185°F (80-85°C) for green tea, or 200-210°F (93-99°C) for black and herbal teas. Add leaves to the gourd, insert the bombilla, and pour water. Sip after 1-2 minutes; refill for a second infusion. Unlike yerba mate, you can stir loose tea gently without clogging, but avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

After each use, empty the gourd and rinse the bombilla under warm water. For a deeper clean, use a bottle brush on the gourd and a small pipe cleaner for the bombilla's filter. Avoid soap, which can leave residue and affect flavor. Air dry both parts completely before reassembling. If you switch between yerba mate and tea, rinse with hot water to avoid flavor transfer.

Your Step-by-Step Brewing Process

1. 1. Fill the gourd: Add yerba mate or loose tea to the gourd. For yerba mate, fill it 3/4 full and tilt the gourd to create a slope. For loose tea, use 1-2 teaspoons. Checkpoint: Don't overfill; leave room for the bombilla and water.
2. 2. Insert the bombilla: Place the bombilla at an angle, with the filter end at the bottom of the slope. Keep it in place for the entire session. Common mistake: Stirring after inserting the bombilla will clog the filter.
3. 3. Add water: Pour hot water (not boiling) into the gourd, avoiding the bombilla. Fill to just below the rim. For yerba mate, use water around 160-175°F (70-80°C). Checkpoint: Water that's too hot will burn the leaves and make the drink bitter.
4. 4. Sip and refill: Sip through the bombilla. When the liquid is gone, refill with hot water. You can reuse the same leaves multiple times until flavor fades. Next step: After your session, clean the bombilla and gourd promptly.

Stanley Products That Pair Well With This Routine

• Country Collection IceFlow™ Tumbler | 30 oz - Stanley Create: The Country Collection IceFlow Tumbler has a wider opening and built-in straw, with double-wall vacuum insulation to keep drinks cold all day. Useful for iced yerba mate or cold-brew tea on hot days, and the leakproof lid makes it safe for travel.
• Stanley 1913 x Caitlin Clark Quencher® ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler | 40 OZ: The Stanley 1913 x Caitlin Clark Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler features a leakproof Flip Straw lid and 40-ounce capacity. A good option if you want a larger vessel for all-day hydration, though it's not designed for hot mate.