The bombilla is an indispensable accessory for drinking mate. It is both a straw and a filter, allowing you to extract the infusion while retaining the leaves of yerba mate in the calabash.
There are many different types of bombillas, which differ mainly in their shape, material and filtration system. Straight bombilla, pico de loro or pico de rey, stainless steel or alpaca: these differences can influence ease of use, maintenance and aesthetics.
In this guide, we’ll explore the main types of bombillas and their characteristics to help you choose the one that best suits the way you drink mate.
The bombilla is the straw traditionally used to drink mate. Usually made of metal, it has a mouthpiece and a filter at its lower end, which is placed directly into the yerba mate.
This filter allows the infusion to pass through while retaining the yerba leaves and particles. The bombilla therefore allows you to drink directly from the mate gourd without having to filter the infusion beforehand.
But the bombilla is not only practical. Extending well above the mate gourd, it also plays an important role in the overall appearance and gives the set its distinctive silhouette. Depending on its shape, length and finish, it can add a simple, elegant or more handcrafted touch to the preparation of mate.
Today, there are many different types of bombillas. Their shape, length, material and filtration system can vary and influence ease of use, maintenance and aesthetics.
When drinking mate, avoid holding or moving the bombilla. Once it has been placed in the yerba, it should remain in position.
Simply hold the mate gourd and drink directly through the bombilla, without holding it.
All bombillas have three essential parts: a mouthpiece, a tube and a filter. The main visual differences are their curvature, length, tube diameter and any decorative details.
Among the wide variety of shapes and models available, three main types of bombillas stand out: the straight bombilla, the pico de loro and the pico de rey.
The straight bombilla is the simplest shape. Its tube remains straight all the way to the mouthpiece, without any curve. This gives it a simple, clean silhouette.
This shape can be found in many different models. The length and diameter of the tube can vary, as can the type of filter and the finish. Straight bombillas often feature one or more decorative rings positioned before the mouthpiece. In addition to their decorative role, these help reduce heat transfer to the mouthpiece and make drinking mate more comfortable.
The pico de loro bombilla, literally meaning “parrot’s beak”, is distinguished by the pronounced curve of its mouthpiece, which resembles the shape of a parrot’s beak. It is one of the most distinctive and traditional bombilla shapes.
This curve naturally brings the mouthpiece towards the mouth when the bombilla is placed in the mate gourd. This provides a comfortable position for drinking mate while giving the overall set an elegant silhouette.
Pico de loro bombillas come in a wide variety of sizes and finishes. More elaborate models may also feature decorative rings, engravings and other decorative details on the tube and mouthpiece.
The pico de rey bombilla is distinguished by a curve that extends gradually along the entire tube. Unlike the pico de loro, whose curve is mainly concentrated around the mouthpiece, the pico de rey has a softer, more harmonious silhouette.
This shape gives it a particularly elegant appearance when placed in the mate gourd. As with other types of bombillas, its length, diameter and finish can vary depending on the model.
When choosing between a straight bombilla, a pico de loro and a pico de rey, the decision is mainly a matter of personal taste and aesthetics. All three shapes are perfectly suitable for drinking mate: simply choose the one you like best and that pairs best with your mate gourd.
The material is another important factor to consider when choosing a bombilla. Today, bombillas are made from different metals and alloys. Among the most common are stainless steel and alpaca, which is widely used in traditional handcrafted bombillas.
Alpaca is a metal alloy traditionally used to make many handcrafted bombillas. Its silver colour and shine give it an elegant appearance. In the world of mate, it is particularly valued for its traditional character and is often associated with the most prestigious handcrafted bombillas.
Widely used in South American craftsmanship, alpaca can be shaped, engraved and decorated with a wide variety of patterns. This makes it possible to create bombillas with particularly elaborate finishes, entirely handcrafted and decorated by artisans.
Like silver, alpaca can naturally tarnish over time. However, there are simple maintenance techniques that can restore its original shine.
Stainless steel is now one of the most commonly used materials for making more affordable bombillas. Strong and durable, its main advantage is that it is very easy to maintain and retains its appearance over time and with regular use.
Unlike alpaca, stainless steel does not tarnish and requires little maintenance to retain its shine. This makes it a particularly practical choice for everyday use.
Stainless steel bombillas come in a wide variety of shapes and finishes. However, they are generally more understated than handcrafted alpaca models, mainly because they are more often industrially manufactured.
When choosing between alpaca and stainless steel, consider your priorities first. If you are looking for an elegant, finely crafted bombilla with an artisanal character, choose alpaca. If you prefer a practical, easy-to-maintain and more affordable bombilla, stainless steel is an excellent choice.
In both cases, you’ll have a strong and durable bombilla that is perfectly suited to regular use.
Other materials can also be used in the making of bombillas. For example, handcrafted alpaca models are often combined with decorative elements or bronze mouthpieces, creating contrasts and adding more elaborate finishes.
There are also luxury bombillas made of silver. They may feature gold decorations and particularly elaborate craftsmanship, making them especially prestigious and expensive models.
Finally, bombillas can also be found in less common materials, such as wood or certain types of plastic. However, these models are less representative of the traditional metal bombilla.
The filter is the part of the bombilla that comes into direct contact with the yerba mate. Its purpose is to allow the infusion to pass through while retaining the leaves and yerba particles.
Among the different systems available, the spoon filter is one of the most commonly used. Its wide, flat end features numerous small holes that effectively filter the yerba while allowing the infusion to flow freely.
Its shape also makes it easy to position the bombilla in the mate gourd and can be used to slightly adjust the yerba during preparation. Thanks to its numerous very fine holes, the spoon filter is also suitable for a wide variety of yerba mate blends, including those containing a higher proportion of fine particles, such as Uruguayan-style yerba mate.
There are other types of filters, including spring filters and removable filters, but the principle remains the same: filtering the yerba while allowing the infusion to flow through the bombilla.
A bombillón works in exactly the same way as a bombilla: it has a tube, a mouthpiece and a filter that allows you to drink mate directly from the mate gourd.
The main difference lies in its size. A bombillón is generally longer and larger than a standard bombilla, with a wider tube. It is particularly well suited to larger mate gourds and has a more striking visual presence.
Its wider tube also allows a greater flow of the infusion. Bombillones are becoming increasingly popular among mate drinkers, particularly for their comfort and aesthetics.
Like bombillas, bombillones can come in different shapes, particularly straight or curved. Many handcrafted alpaca models are available, featuring particularly elaborate finishes and decorative details.
The choice between a bombilla and a bombillón mainly depends on the size of your mate gourd. For a smaller gourd, choose a standard bombilla; for a larger one, a bombillón will generally be more suitable. However, there is no absolute rule, so your personal preferences also matter.
Choosing a bombilla depends mainly on your preferences and the way you drink mate. There is no single model that is better than the others, but several criteria can help you make the right choice.
When it comes to shape, the choice between a straight bombilla, a pico de loro or a pico de rey is mainly a matter of aesthetics.
When it comes to material, choose alpaca if you are looking for an elegant, finely crafted bombilla with an artisanal character. Stainless steel is a better choice if you are looking for a practical, easy-to-maintain and more affordable model.
Finally, make sure the length of your bombilla is suitable for the size of your mate gourd. A standard bombilla is generally better suited to small and medium-sized mate gourds, while a bombillón is particularly suitable for larger ones.
Enjoy your mate! 🧉
