Mate: Argentina’s National Drink and Social Ritual

If there’s one thing you’ll quickly notice while traveling through Argentina, it’s the ubiquity of mate—a drink that’s far more than just a beverage. You’ll spot it in the hands of park-goers, shared amongst friends at bus stops, or being poured on a mountain trail in Patagonia. What makes mate so special? It’s not just the caffeine boost (though that helps). Mate is deeply ingrained in Argentine culture as a symbol of friendship, community, and shared experience.

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What Exactly is Mate?

Mate (pronounced MAH-teh) is a traditional South American drink made by steeping dried leaves of the yerba mate plant in hot water. It’s served in a hollowed-out gourd, also called a mate, and sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla. The taste? Some say it’s like an earthy, slightly bitter tea, but it varies depending on the yerba blend and how it’s prepared. For many, the flavor takes some getting used to—but that’s not why people drink it.

A Tradition Steeped in Ritual

In Argentina, drinking mate is an experience. It’s never a solo affair; instead, it’s about connection. A group of friends will pass around a single gourd, with one person designated as the cebador (the server) who refills the gourd and hands it to each person in turn. The etiquette is simple yet sacred: drink the entire serving before passing it back to the cebador without saying “thank you”—because if you do, it means you’re done drinking!

As an Argentinean, I can confess that the expression “I’ll pop by to drink mate with you” goes beyond the mere act of drinking mate. It’s an invitation to see each other, to have a meaningful conversation, and to share a moment with a friend or a loved one. Mate is more than just a thirst quencher. It’s about sharing stories, deepening friendships, and creating bonds. Whether you’re on a long bus ride or relaxing after a hike, if someone offers you mate, they’re offering you a sense of belonging.

The Journey of Yerba Mate

Mate has indigenous roots. The Guaraní people were the first to discover its energizing properties, long before it became a staple in Argentina, Uruguay, and parts of Brazil. Today, Argentina is the world’s largest producer and consumer of yerba mate, with entire plantations dedicated to cultivating the green gold.

Interestingly, while mate is commonly served warm, there’s also a cold version called tereré, which is especially popular in Argentina’s warmer regions. It’s prepared in much the same way, but with cold water or juice, offering a refreshing twist to the classic tradition.

Cultural Symbolism

More than just a drink, mate represents the open, hospitable nature of Argentinians. It’s common to see strangers offer mate to one another as a gesture of goodwill. In fact, sharing mate with locals is one of the quickest ways to break the ice and connect with their culture. You might even find yourself becoming the designated cebador if you master the art of preparation!

Even when traveling solo, you’re likely to get an invite to sip mate with newfound local friends. Whether you’re on a bustling street in Buenos Aires or hiking a remote trail in the Andes, mate is never far from reach. And, depending on the local airline, you might even spot people drinking mate on planes! Some airlines allow passengers to bring an empty thermos and ask a flight attendant to fill it up with hot water after takeoff.

Where Can You Try Mate?

As an Argentine, one question I often hear from travellers is, “Where can I try mate?”. And honestly, I get it—it’s not as straightforward as finding shisha in a Middle Eastern country, where every café seems to offer it.

Despite its deep cultural roots, mate isn’t typically served in restaurants, bars, or cafés. It’s rather a ritualistic drink, shared among friends and family, usually prepared at home or brought along to parks in a trusty thermos.

If you don’t have the chance to be invited for mate by a local, don’t give up! You must try this iconic beverage before leaving Argentina. Thankfully, there are incredible experiences in Buenos Aires that let you make, try and serve your own mate while learning its history and the different varieties of ‘Yerba’.

I recommend booking one of these Viator experiences: Experience 1, Experience 2, or Experience 3.

Some experiences even include a chance to enjoy traditional pastries (known as ‘facturas’), take home a mate and bombilla, and meet fellow travellers while immersing yourself in the heart of Argentina’s culture.

Embrace the Ritual

So, if you’re planning a trip to Argentina, make sure to embrace the ritual. Don’t leave Argentina without trying mate—it’s far more than just a drink; it’s a connection to the country’s soul.