How to brew yerba mate without a thermometer? Proven methods for the perfect infusion

Have you ever held back from brewing yerba mate because you weren’t sure of the water temperature? Brewing yerba mate is an art that requires precision – water that’s too hot can scorch the leaves, while water that’s too cold fails to release the full flavour. But what if you don't have a thermometer on hand? Can you brew the perfect yerba mate infusion without precise measurements? The answer is: absolutely! Discover our proven methods and enjoy the perfect taste of your favourite drink in any situation.

Summary:

1. Why is water temperature crucial?
2. Brewing yerba mate without a thermometer – how to do it?
3. How to cool boiling water quickly?
4. A few practical tips

Why is water temperature so important when brewing yerba mate?

Let’s start with the basics – why does water temperature matter so much? The ideal temperature range for yerba mate is 70-80°C. Water heated to this temperature extracts the depth of flavour while preserving all the nutritional properties of the infusion. Water that’s too hot makes mate tea bitter and less pleasant in taste, while water that’s too cool doesn’t fully release the natural aromas and stimulating properties. We’ve covered the topic of water temperature and the brewing process of yerba mate in detail on our blog in these posts: “How to properly brew yerba mate?” and “What is the optimum temperature to prepare yerba mate?”. Don’t miss these if you’re just starting your yerba mate journey! And what are the most common mistakes when brewing mate?

• Pouring boiling water over the leaves – the quickest way to destroy the valuable properties of mate tea.
• Waiting too long to pour – water that is too cool leads to a weak and characterless brew.
• Impatience – rushing the yerba mate brewing process often ends in disappointment.

Although a kitchen thermometer is the simplest solution for checking the actual water temperature, we don’t always have one on hand. Fortunately, there are effective ways to estimate water temperature without using any measuring devices. What are they? Keep reading to find out!

Brewing yerba mate without a thermometer – how to do it?

A few tried-and-tested tricks are all you need to estimate water temperature without the need for measuring tools. All you require is a kettle, your senses, and a bit of patience. Here are the most popular methods to help you prepare the perfect water for yerba mate, even if you don’t have precise tools at your disposal.

The “bubble method” – observe the water while it heats

The first and simplest tip for brewing yerba mate without a thermometer is to carefully observe the water as it heats. This technique requires a bit of practice but becomes intuitive over time:

• Temperature around 70-75°C: At this stage of heating, small air bubbles begin to form at the bottom of the kettle. You’ll notice small bubbles rising from the bottom to the top and fine “ant trails” on the water’s surface. This indicates that the water has reached the ideal temperature for yerba mate. Remove the kettle from the heat before the temperature increases further!
• Water above 80°C: If the water starts to produce substantial steam and larger air bubbles appear on the surface, this means the temperature is nearing a boil and past the ideal range. At around 96°C, the water will boil – this is far too hot for yerba mate.

To avoid using boiling water, it’s best to take the kettle off the heat as soon as you see small bubbles – timing is key. Over time, you’ll learn to pick the perfect moment, and brewing yerba mate without a thermometer will feel entirely natural.

The “touch method” – feel the water temperature yourself

The next method for assessing water temperature – the “touch method” – relies on your senses, including your hands and mouth, which can help determine whether the water is warm enough for brewing yerba mate. Naturally, this method requires some practice, caution to avoid burns, and awareness that some parts (e.g., using fingers) might not be hygienic, especially if the water is to be consumed directly. Here’s how to test the temperature safely:

• Lip test: If you think the water might be close to the desired temperature, pour a small amount onto a spoon and gently touch it to your lips. If you sense a “warm touch” rather than scalding heat, the water is likely within the right temperature range. If it feels too hot, wait a while until it cools.
• Finger test (using hygiene!): Alternatively, you can do a very brief test with a clean finger. Wash your hands and briefly dip your finger into the water. If you can keep your finger in the water for about two seconds without pain, the temperature is likely under 80°C. This means it's in the safe range for brewing yerba mate. This method requires some practice to better judge temperature differences, but it’s effective for a quick and reasonably accurate estimate.

Always exercise caution and remember that water over 80°C may feel too hot against your skin and could cause burns. If in doubt, opt for alternative, less invasive methods. It’s also crucial to maintain hygiene – when preparing yerba mate for yourself and others, wash your hands to avoid contaminating the brew.

Although relying on touch to gauge temperature may not be the most scientific method, it’s a handy and quick trick when a thermometer isn’t available. Over time, you’ll become more skilled at judging the optimal water temperature based on your observations and experience!

How to cool boiling water without a thermometer?

What if you miss the moment to take the kettle off the heat? Everyone can have a moment of distraction while heating water – you grab the kettle, and it's boiling! While boiling water might suit some brews like tea or coffee, it’s definitely too hot for yerba mate. So, what can you do when the water is already boiling, and there’s no thermometer to check when it cools down to the perfect temperature for mate? Don’t worry – there are simple and effective ways to quickly cool boiling water, ensuring you can still prepare your mate without a hitch.

Wait a few minutes – let nature take its course

This is the easiest and most intuitive method. When the water starts boiling vigorously, remove the kettle from the heat and place it on a countertop or other cool surface. At room temperature, hot water will gradually cool – usually, after about 5-7 minutes, the temperature will reduce from 100°C to around 80°C, ideal for yerba mate. You can reduce this time by half by removing the kettle lid. Of course, cooling time may vary slightly depending on the kettle’s walls, type of container, and ambient temperature, but in most cases, this method is fail-safe.

A helpful cue to monitor is the water’s steam release. When the steam from the kettle becomes less intense and the bubbles in the water subside, it’s a sign the water is nearing the perfect temperature for yerba mate brewing.

Add a bit of cold water

If you’re short on time, a quicker solution is adding cold water to the hot boiling water. To reach the ideal yerba mate temperature (70-80°C), all you need is a small amount of cold water. The trick lies in finding the right proportion – you wouldn’t want to cool the water too much! Start by adding just a few tablespoons of water and testing its temperature (e.g., using the touch method previously discussed). If necessary, repeat the process until the water temperature reaches the desired level.

Remember to use filtered or pre-boiled cold water – particularly if you’re preparing the infusion in a place where water quality isn’t assured. This approach not only ensures the taste but also safeguards your health.

Pour water into another container

Transferring boiling water between containers is not only a traditional way of cooling it, but also a clever trick used by tea and infusion enthusiasts. Simply transfer the hot water from the kettle into a large mug, pot, or jug, and then back again to the kettle. The process of pouring the water dissipates heat, allowing it to cool faster. Repeating this 2-3 times can quickly lower the boiling water temperature by a few degrees.

While a thermometer can indeed be a handy tool, you can easily manage without one by using basic kitchen tricks that have stood the test of time. Controlling the water temperature is a critical step in learning how to brew yerba mate – so feel free to experiment and find the method that works best for you!

A few practical tips for brewing the perfect yerba mate without a thermometer

Not having a thermometer doesn’t mean you can't prepare the perfect mate tea. The key is developing your own habits and relying on intuition. Here are a few practical tips to make the process easier:

1. Don’t fear trial and error. Everyone who starts their yerba mate journey has to first learn how to recognise the right water temperature. If your first brew isn’t perfect – that’s okay! Try again, tweaking the process slightly. Experiment and learn from mistakes – you’ll get the hang of it over time!
2. Assess the water before it boils. Stop heating the water before it comes to a rapid boil. Watch for the moment when subtle bubbles form at the bottom of the kettle, and steam is still minimal. This way, you can avoid boiling water and save time cooling it.
3. Be patient and calm. Yerba mate is not just a drink; it’s a ritual. When brewing without a thermometer, take your time to control the process: wait for the water to cool naturally and prepare your mate cup calmly. Mate tea tastes best when brewed with care, not haste.
4. Monitor your progress and refine your technique. Every successful attempt is another step towards mastery. Experiment with different methods of preparing the water, remember what works best, and adjust the water temperature to suit your taste preferences. Over time, you’ll gain full control over the brewing process.
5. Learn traditional techniques. In South American countries, yerba mate has been brewed by “eye” for generations. Observing their methods – like watching the water or using the touch method – will connect you to this timeless tradition of drinking mate.
6. Discover your favourite flavour. Experiment with temperatures and see how the infusion can taste differently. Warmer water (closer to 80°C) yields a more intense brew, while cooler (70°C) creates a pleasantly subtle and delicate flavour. This way, you’ll find your ideal way of preparing yerba mate!

Brewing yerba mate without a thermometer might seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and knowledge, you can achieve an infusion with perfect taste and aroma. The key is careful observation of the water, a bit of intuition, and a willingness to experiment. Even if perfection eludes you initially, remember that mastering the art of brewing mate is a journey that becomes increasingly satisfying with time.

However, if you feel it’s hard to manage without a thermometer, don’t worry – you can find a convenient and precise analogue thermometer for yerba mate in our shop. With it, you’ll effortlessly gain full control over the water heating process and prepare yerba mate at the perfect temperature without stress. For those who enjoy keeping warm water close at hand, we also recommend a thermos or the Yerbomos – accessories that not only maintain the desired temperature for hours, but are perfect for rituals outdoors. With a thermos, you can prepare and enjoy your favourite drink anytime, anywhere.

So whether you’re a beginner mate enthusiast or an experienced connoisseur, brewing yerba mate can be simple and enjoyable. Try our tips, equip yourself with essential accessories, and enjoy the tradition of drinking mate tea at its finest. Ready for the adventure? Brew your favourite blend, sit back for a moment of relaxation, and savour every note of flavour!

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Mate.
2. A. Gawron-Gzella, J. Chanaj-Kaczmarek, J. Cielecka-Piontek, Yerba Mate – A Long but Current History, Nutrients, 2021.
3. B. Kruszewski, A. Jakóbiak, A. Jasiczek, B. Wieczorek, D. Niemczuk, Influence of brewing parameters on caffeine content in yerba mate infusions, Bromatology and Toxicological Chemistry, 2012.