Memes

It's like a bitter, astringent tea. Some people add a bit of sugar or citrus rind on top. If you do want to try it I recommend finding someone else to share it with, and look up a good tutorial on how to prepare it. Water shouldn't be boiling, you need a mate straw, pick the right container, place the yerba the right way. Etc.

What really makes mate stand out is two things: it's a stimulant, like coffee (ymmv- I don't notice it waking me up but a lot of people do) but above all, it's a social drink. You are meant to share it around with people. Literally. I've had more than one English speaker express their surprise when they realize they are supposed to be drinking from the same cup and straw as everyone else around them, unlike tea or coffee with which you get your own cup.

You can also prepare it just like regular loose tea in a cup, removing the leaves once the infusion is made. This is called mate cocido and is heavenly with honey.

Yea it's pretty good! Not everyone likes it, same as coffee and tea. It has its own herbal taste distinct from tea, but is closer to tea than coffee. I have it every once in a while, but have never had it the traditional way as shown in the image above, just the bottled stuff.