How To Prepare Mate With a French Press

Hey guys!  

Glad to be back on my little bloggy.  Some of you may know that I have started a new journey with Yerba Mate.  As my friend, Dave (from Circle Of Drink), has beautifully put it: 

{{Mate is an herb from South America consumed for thousands of years by the indigenous Guarani Tribe.  Cherished for its ability to both stimulate and sooth the body, Mate is like no other plant on Earth.  With high levels of antioxidants and vitamins, it's the healthiest drink in the world.  Mate brings people together and strengthens bonds.}}

I went into trying Mate with an open mind.  I didn't want to make it up if I would feel a positive energy from it.  I planned to let it be what it was.  My first cup totally rocked my world as a felt this balanced energy of feeling stimulated, energetic, but also very focused and calm.  It was a beautiful experience.  So I'm totally all about it.  It is traditionally served in a gourd with a Bombilla straw but here is an easy way to prepare it with a french press!  Check it --

Step One:

Turn on some Bowie (or any awesome music of your choice ;P) 

Step Two:

Make sure you have everything you need ready - 
french press, mate, thermos, mug

Step Three:

Fill a kettle with FILTERED water (no tap, please), place on stove, turn on high.  

DO NOT BRING TO BOIL!  When the water begins to make tiny little bubbles on the bottom, turn off the heat.  It is done! You do not want to burn the Mate.

Step Four:  

Scoop 4-5 heaping spoonfuls of Mate into French Press

Step Five:

Fill French Press with ROOM TEMP water about 1-2 inches.  

Step Six:

Gently press Mate down into the water with a spoon and let it sit for one minute! 

Step Seven:

After a minute of sitting, fill the French Press with your hot water to about an inch from the top.  Once again press Mate down into the water with a spoon and let steep for 4-5 minutes.

Step Eight:

After the Mate is done steeping, place the lid/filter on top of the French Press and very slowly begin pressing it down into your water/Mate mix until it is completely sifted.  Take your time! 

Step Nine:

Drink dat glorious liquid love.  And -- enjoy.  As I believe life has one mission and one rule and that is to simply enjoy it. I think that's the basis for living, and with Mate, each sip brings you closer.
(Pour any left over Mate into your thermos so you can keep enjoying it hot!)

X O X O 

If you are interested in purchasing Mate and joining the circle, check out my friend, Dave, at
www.circleofdrink.com