Yerba Mate

[octopi]

I have only tried mate once on the recommendation of a friend because I do not really drink coffee, but love tea. When I went to get some at a tea shoppe, I asked for some cream with it. The server looked like I [censored] in her mouth, and would not give me any milk to put into it. She said it would be 'gross'.

WTF? Does it curdle? Is this like putting cream into green tea? I like my tea very English, extremely milky and somewhat washed out... was this good advice or can I try it again with cream in it? I didn't really dig on it black.