Maté, or yerba mate ... into a wooden, gourd-like cup (called a calabash or maté), which has a small space for the server to pour hot water. Then, a metal straw (bombilla) is inserted through ...

Served in a hollowed-out gourd called a "mate" and sipped through a metal straw known as a "bombilla," sharing yerba mate is a symbol of friendship and community. The drink is often passed around ...