Cómo tomo mate sin mancharme los dientes

What is a “bombilla” in Argentinian mate?

A bombilla is the metal straw at the center of the mate ritual in Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The lower end of the straw flares into a small perforated bulb that filters the loose yerba mate leaves, so you sip the infusion without a mouthful of plant matter. Bombillas come in alpaca silver, stainless steel, and bamboo, and the silver ones are often handed down through families. Mate has its own etiquette: one cup per group, refilled with hot water by the cebador, passed person to person without rotating or rearranging the bombilla. Stained teeth from the tannins are part of the tradition.

In this clip, a Rioplatense host shares his trick: “Me pongo la bombilla atrás de los dientes.”