Drinking it is enjoyable, but many people are unsure about the right amount to use per cup. This guide helps you understand how much per cup is ideal for the perfect brew. The amount depends on personal preference, cup size, and taste. Most people use 2-3 tablespoons per cup, however some may use more or less.
Domestic Spoons Sizes
The size of domestic teaspoons and tablespoons can differ. As a guide, use about 4 Tablespoons of this South American tea per cup, equaling 8 to 10 teaspoons, assuming an average size cup.
Our Favorite Brands
Our favorite combines great flavor with responsible production, reasonable pricing, and ease of use. If new to tea, a non-traditional blend with fewer stems may be preferred. If a fan of green tea, a traditional brew may be enjoyed. We’ve chosen these teas to represent the best and explain why to incorporate this tea into daily life.
Caffeine Content
It contains caffeine. It’s an herbal tea, not a true tea. The caffeine content per cup varies, but one teaspoon contains about a third the caffeine of a cup of coffee.
Traditional Drinking Customs
The most common way of drinking it is sipping continuously for hours, adding more leaves or water as needed. Each steep releases more nutrients, so this is a drink to pull on all day. It is most often enjoyed socially. People gather and share one gourd with one bombilla. The gourd gets passed around, creating a bond.
Standard Serving Size
It is commonly consumed in a gourd using a metal straw that strains out the leaf residue. The standard serving size is 50 grams per serving, equal to 2 tablespoons. However, serving sizes vary based on personal preference and cultural traditions.
Water To Tea Ratio
The perfect water to ratio can make a difference in taste and enjoyment. As a rule of thumb, use 1-2 tablespoons (7-14g) per cup (8 oz/240 ml) of water. However, preferences can vary. To brew, heat water to 160-180°F (70-80°C). Fill your cup two-thirds full of leaves. Shake gently to remove dust particles. Pour heated water and let steep 3-5 minutes before sipping.
Bottle Nutrition Facts
A 16 oz bottled Guayaki Tea contains 140 mg caffeine. One tablespoon of Guayaki Traditional contains ~80mg caffeine. It has a diuretic effect, reducing fluid retention and improving renal function.
Personal Preference Amounts
Different people prefer 1-2 tablespoons per cup in both larger and smaller cups. You may only need a teaspoon instead of two. It’s about exploring what ratio works best personally over time.
How to Make One Cup
Use 1-2 tablespoons per cup water. Brand affects grams per cup. Quality and density differ. Can reuse leaves for multiple cups. Common practice, enjoy health benefits without waste.
Traditional Equipment
Traditionally enjoy from gourd “mate” and metal straw “bombilla”. Hot not boiling water poured in, sipped through bombilla with holes to filter leaves. Mate made from natural gourd, decorated. "Curing" mate gourd makes more durable, water resistant, resists cracks.