Mate Around the World: How Different Countries Have Made It Their Own
The Global Journey of a Sacred Drink
Yerba mate’s story begins long before modern borders. The drink originates from the Ilex paraguariensis plant, native to the lush forests surrounding the Paraná and Paraguay rivers—an area that today spans Paraguay, Argentina, southern Brazil, and Uruguay.
Indigenous peoples such as the Guaraní and Tupi were the first to prepare and drink mate, chewing or steeping the leaves for energy and spiritual balance long before Europeans arrived. [1] When the Spanish colonists later encountered the practice in the 16th century, they adopted and spread it through trade routes, and it soon became a cornerstone of regional culture. [2]
In other words, mate wasn’t “invented” by any one modern nation—it emerged from a shared landscape and Indigenous heritage that predates the map of South America as we know it. What followed was centuries of adaptation, migration, and meaning.
Paraguay: The Birthplace of Tradition
Many consider Paraguay the spiritual heart of mate culture, not because it “owns” the drink, but because the Guaraní—whose lands were centered here—first shared the ritual with European settlers.
In Paraguay, tereré (cold mate) is the national drink, often infused with citrus or fresh herbs. It’s social, refreshing, and deeply woven into daily life—a ritual that thrives in plazas, workplaces, and family courtyards alike.
If you want to sip like a Paraguayan, Pajarito Yerba Mate is a classic choice for traditional hot mate, while blends like Kurupí Menta & Boldo and Campesino Menta & Limón are local favorites for tereré—cool, minty, and perfect for warm afternoons.
Argentina: The Social Ritual
In Argentina, mate evolved into a national symbol of unity and hospitality. It’s a ritual of equality: one gourd, one bombilla, passed among friends and family in a rhythm as natural as conversation.
Argentines prefer a strong, earthy brew made with finely cut yerba, and the act of sharing mate is so ingrained that even the simplest exchange feels ceremonial—a moment of connection that transcends words.
A beloved household staple is Rosamonte Yerba Mate, known for its deep, robust flavor and its iconic rose logo—a blend that’s as familiar to Argentine kitchens as coffee is to the rest of the world.
Uruguay: The Constant Companion
In Uruguay, mate is less a drink and more a daily companion. Nearly everyone carries a gourd and thermos—on morning walks, in parks, or at work. It’s said that Uruguayans drink more mate per capita than anyone else in the world.
The flavor here is bold and intense, reflecting a culture that values both energy and endurance. Canarias Yerba Mate is the quintessential Uruguayan choice—smooth yet strong, perfectly suited to the all-day drinkers who keep their mate close wherever they go.
Brazil: The Bright Green Energy of Chimarrão
In southern Brazil, the drink takes on a vibrant green form known as chimarrão. Made with finely ground yerba and filled to the brim in a cuia gourd, it’s lighter and frothier than its southern cousins.
Chimarrão embodies vitality—it’s a symbol of friendship and vigor, particularly in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. Like Brazil itself, it’s full of color, energy, and warmth.
Syria & Lebanon: Mate in the Middle East
Perhaps the most unexpected chapter in mate’s journey is written thousands of miles away—in the mountains of Syria and Lebanon.
In the early 20th century, many Lebanese and Syrian immigrants settled in Argentina and other South American countries, where they adopted the mate ritual as part of everyday life. When they returned home, they brought it back with them. [3]
Today, Syria is one of the largest importers of yerba mate in the world, even surpassing many Latin American nations. [4] Families prepare mate just as they do in South America—pouring, sipping, sharing—and the drink carries the same values of hospitality, calm, and connection.
Beyond Borders: A Global Tradition
In recent years, yerba mate has crossed yet another frontier. From Los Angeles cafés to European wellness shops, it’s gaining recognition as both an energizing alternative to coffee and a mindful daily ritual.
At Guaraní Boutique, we see mate’s worldwide rise as a celebration of its original purpose: to bring people together. Whether you drink it cold like Paraguay’s tereré, hot like Argentina’s traditional brew, or in the Middle Eastern style of slow, communal sharing, each sip honors the same ancient intention—to connect, restore, and be present.