Yerbal Mate in Argentina

What’s the deal with Argentines hugging thermoses and sucking on metal straws?

A Bag of Yerbal Mate with a Mate gourd and metal straw. photo: Tim Fitzgerald

What’s the deal with Argentines hugging thermoses and sucking on metal straws? Well, forget your award-winning Malbecs from Mendoza and Cafayate, because mate is the traditional drink of Argentina. And it’s not just a drink. It’s a way of life bound by unofficial blending, pour…