A process for preparing a maté extract, a maté beverage base formulation and a maté beverage are disclosed. The maté extract is rich in natural caffeine, theobromine, theophylline and antioxidant compounds without the addition of preservatives and synthetic materials and is used to make a maté beverage base formulation. The maté beverage base formulation may be used to make maté beverages, such as carbonated maté beverages.