🧉 How to Drink Mate in Argentina: Rules, Tips, and Etiquette
- Milagros Alegre
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Mate is much more than just a drink: it’s a social ritual that’s part of everyday life in Argentina. Families share it at home, friends bring it to the park, students pass it around at university, and co-workers sip it at the office.
But here’s the catch: while it looks simple, there are some unwritten rules you need to know to really enjoy it (and avoid making mistakes!).
In this article, you’ll discover how Argentinians drink mate, the basic etiquette codes, and some practical tips to try it like a local.
The Unwritten Rules of Mate
Don’t move the bombilla (metal straw). The cebador (the person preparing the mate) places it carefully. If you stir it, you ruin the yerba.
Drink it all before giving it back. Take the whole serving until you hear that classic slurping sound. Then, return it to the cebador.
Don’t say “thank you” if you want more. In Argentina, saying “gracias” means you’re done and don’t want another round.
Wait for your turn. Mate is passed in a circle. Only the person who receives it from the cebador can drink.
Don’t keep the mate too long. It’s considered rude to hold it while chatting. Drink it and pass it back.
Practical Tips for Beginners
Try amargo (unsweetened mate) first. That’s the traditional way. Later, you can experiment with sugar, honey, or stevia.
If you’re the cebador, you’re in charge. You prepare, refill, and keep the circle going.
Offering mate is a gesture of hospitality. In Argentina, it’s common to greet a guest at home with a mate.
Learn the codes. They’re not strict rules, but customs that show respect for the tradition.
Mate: More Than Just a Drink
In Argentina, mate represents friendship, trust, and community. Sharing mate means sharing a moment, a conversation, a pause in the day. Following these simple codes is a way to connect with locals and embrace a beloved cultural ritual.
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