A mate cup is the classic drinking vessel for mate tea. The name comes from "matí" in the Guarani language and means drinking vessel. Originally a hollowed-out gourd, today they are made of various materials such as stainless steel, ceramic, glass, or wood. The tea is drunk from it using a bombilla – a straw with an integrated filter.
Mate cup
Infusion after infusion.
Mate cups explained.
A mate cup is the traditional drinking vessel for mate tea. The name comes from "matí" in the Guaraní language – it simply means: drinking vessel.
The Guaraní people in present-day Paraguay discovered the effects of mate leaves and drank the infusion from the matí – a hollowed-out gourd made from a bottle gourd. In Brazil, the vessel is called a cuia, while in Argentina and Uruguay it is simply called mate.
Today, in addition to the classic gourd, there are also modern mate cups made of stainless steel or ceramic – easier to care for and more robust, but with the same principle: fill with yerba mate , insert bombilla, and enjoy infusion after infusion.
Which mate cup suits you best?
There is no best one – only the right one for you. The choice depends on your taste – and where you use it.
stainless steel Robust, shatterproof, and double-walled insulated. Ideal for travel, sports, and outdoor activities.
Ceramics Each piece is unique. It retains heat and nestles gently in your hand. For everyone who simply prefers ceramics.
Most mate drinkers eventually acquire several cups – so you can switch depending on the situation and your mood. Still unsure? Our mate sets contain everything you need to get started – cup, bombilla, and tea all in one package.
We 💚 Mate.
caámate stands for a contribution to a healthier world through healthy nutrition, sustainability, community and social commitment.
We are convinced that mate tea is more than just tea. Mate culture is an invitation and an inspiration for life.
See for yourself and take a sip of this green energy.
Frequently asked questions about the mate cup
The name varies depending on the region and shape: In Argentina and Uruguay it's called mate, in Brazil cuia, and in Paraguay the guampa is the most common vessel. The classic gourd vessel is called a calabash. In German, calabash or "mate cup" has become the generic term – regardless of whether it's made of gourd, stainless steel, or ceramic.
None. There is no best one – only the right one for you. Stainless steel is robust, insulating, and shatterproof. Perfect for both hot mate tea and ice-cold mate (tereré) in summer. Ceramic feels warm in your hand and makes every infusion special. Most mate drinkers accumulate several cups over time – so you can switch depending on the situation and your mood.
Stainless steel or ceramic – both work perfectly. More importantly, what you should avoid: Plastic affects the taste and isn't durable. Coated cups can peel. Pumpkin gourds are prone to mold without proper care. That's why we only carry stainless steel and ceramic – durable, easy to clean, and without compromise.