What is mate?
Mate, or yerba mate, is an infusion made from the dried leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a tree grown mainly in Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.
Traditionally, the leaves are steeped in a gourd and drunk through a bombilla, a filtering straw emblematic of South American culture. But mate can also be prepared more conventionally, in a teapot or infuser.
Its taste is often described as vegetal, slightly bitter and herbaceous. This distinctive flavour helps explain why flavoured versions are so popular today. Fruity, spicy or floral notes soften its character and add more to enjoy in every cup.
Why is mate so popular?
Mate's popularity comes down as much to its natural properties as to its distinctive flavour profile.
Unlike some stimulating drinks, it generally provides a more gradual boost of energy. Its natural caffeine content helps improve alertness and concentration while limiting the jitteriness some people experience with coffee.
Mate also naturally contains polyphenols and other antioxidant compounds. That's one reason it's often associated with an active, balanced lifestyle.
The best flavoured mate blends
Citrus mate
This is probably one of the most popular blends. Lemon, orange, grapefruit or yuzu bring freshness and zest. These tangy notes pair beautifully with the vegetal character of maté.
This kind of blend is particularly suited to anyone who enjoys invigorating, refreshing drinks.
Who is it for? Anyone looking for an energising drink to enjoy in the morning or early afternoon.
Exotic fruit mate
Mango, pineapple, passion fruit and papaya make for fruity, comforting infusions.
Tropical notes naturally soften maté’s bitterness and give it a sunny twist. This kind of recipe is especially enjoyable served iced.
Red berry mate
Raspberry, strawberry, cherry and redcurrant offer a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness. The result is often smoother on the palate while retaining maté’s stimulating character.
These blends appeal to fruit-drink lovers who want to ease into maté.
Spiced mate
Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves make for comforting recipes.
The spices deepen maté’s flavour and create combinations that are particularly enjoyable in cooler weather.
Ginger is especially popular for its lively, slightly spicy kick.
Mint mate
This classic pairing brings plenty of freshness.
Mint brings out maté’s vegetal notes and gives it a refreshing quality that is especially welcome in summer. Served iced, it makes an excellent alternative to fizzy drinks.
Floral mate
Some blends pair maté with rose petals, jasmine or hibiscus. Floral notes bring elegance and subtlety while softening maté’s bold vegetal flavour.
These recipes often appeal to flavoured tea lovers looking for something new.
Kusmi Tea flavoured mate blends:
Ginger Lemon Maté: the ultimate invigorating combination
Love fresh, spicy flavours? Ginger Lemon Maté is one of the range’s most iconic recipes.
This organic blend brings together maté’s bold vegetal character, zesty lemon and warming ginger. The infusion has character: it is both refreshing and invigorating. The slightly tart lemon naturally balances maté’s herbal notes, while the ginger leaves a pleasant lingering flavour.
Hot in winter or iced in summer, it can be enjoyed all year round. It’s a lively drink, ideal for starting the day or getting through a working afternoon.
Energy Ritual: a blend made for busy days
For something more indulgent, Energy Ritual pairs maté with green tea and selected grains. The result is a balanced, comforting blend.
This recipe is for anyone looking to replace their daily coffee or alternate it with another drink. The vegetal notes of green tea and maté work well together, while the grains add an original, indulgent smoothness.
Its flavour is easy to enjoy: it appeals both to regular maté drinkers and to those trying it for the first time. Its mild taste makes it a good choice for regular drinking. Discover our full wellbeing ritual range
The Detox range: iconic maté recipes
At Kusmi Tea, maté also plays a central role in several recipes from the famous Detox range. These blends bring tea and maté together in light drinks to enjoy every day.
These recipes have become brand favourites, combining freshness, indulgence and intensity.
BB Detox: the iconic recipe
This is probably Kusmi Tea’s best-known blend. BB Detox combines green tea, maté and grapefruit in a lively, fruity blend.
Citrus fruit brings plenty of freshness and makes maté easy for beginners to enjoy. It is often the best way to discover this plant without being caught off guard by its natural bitterness.
Detox: a fresh, citrusy classic
The Detox recipe pairs maté with lemongrass. It is light and refreshing. Especially popular as iced tea, it appeals to citrus lovers looking for an alternative to sugary drinks.
Blue Detox: fruity indulgence
With its red berry notes, Blue Detox is smoother and more indulgent. Its delicate flavour lets the maté shine through while remaining easy to enjoy.
Lovely Morning: a gentle start to the day
Lovely Morning is also one of the most popular creations for breakfast.
This organic recipe combines green tea, maté and citrus fruit for a bright, balanced cup. Orange, lemon and grapefruit bring an instant freshness that pairs perfectly with maté’s stimulating properties.
It’s an excellent alternative to morning coffee. Lively and elegant, it’s easy to enjoy even if you’re new to maté.
Which Kusmi Tea flavoured maté should you choose?
| If you like… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Citrus and/or spicy flavours | Ginger Lemon Maté or Boost |
| Invigorating morning drinks | Lovely Morning |
| Balanced blends to replace coffee | Energy Ritual |
| Fresh citrus blends | BB Detox |
| Light citrus notes | Detox |
| Fruity flavours | Blue Detox or Slimming Ritual |
With such a variety of recipes, Kusmi Tea invites you to discover all that flavoured maté has to offer. Citrus infusion, spiced recipe or a more indulgent blend: it’s easy to find one that suits the way you like to enjoy it.