Mate Accessories: Gourds & Bombillas
Torpedo Mate Gourd - Stainless Steel
Filigrane Bombilla - Alpaca & Bronze
Camionero Mate Gourd - Stainless Steel
Bomba Mate Bombilla - Stainless Steel
Imperiale Mate Gourd - Alpaca & Bronze
Chiseled Torpedo Alpaca Gourd - Carob Wood
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Our mate accessories
To offer the very best for traditional mate drinking, we have partnered with an exceptional artisan.
Our gourds (or mate cups) and mate bombillas (or mate straws) are unique and handmade from the finest-quality squash and the best know-how of Uruguay.
On the border between a functional object and a work of art, your mate gourd and bombilla will stay with you for life.
How are our mate gourds made?
Our mate gourds are all unique and handmade in Uruguay. They are made from squash, or crafted from ceramic.
Our squash mate gourds go through the following production steps:
- Careful harvest: Our squashes are carefully selected in the temperate climate of southern Brazil, guaranteeing optimal quality.
- Artisan preparation: The squashes are then emptied and dried - a crucial step that prepares the base of our gourds.
- Artistic and practical finishes:
- The delicate application of leather, adding a touch of elegance and resistance.
- The meticulous banding of the "boca" (opening) with Alpaca, a precious metal that reinforces the structure while giving it a refined look.
- The fitting of leather feet, ensuring perfect stability and a unique design.
The whole process takes between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the size of the squash and the work each piece requires.
Which mate cup to choose?
Choosing your mate gourd is a personal decision, greatly influenced by your drinking habits and taste preferences.
Indeed, the gourd - far more than a mere vessel - plays a crucial role in the mate tasting experience.
There are three great families:
- Camioneros
Camioneros are fairly large with a "boca" narrower than the rest, and keep the original shape of the squash. The band sits on top.
- Torpedos
Torpedos are rounded, with a band on the outer body that shows on the side. They are said to be easier to carry thanks to their windbreak effect.
- Imperiales
These are the largest gourds. Their band is most often Alpaca, sometimes with bronze, silver or even gold.
The band sits on top as well as on the side of the gourd.
In short, choosing the ideal mate gourd comes down to the balance between function, aesthetics and personal preference.
Taking the time to think about your drinking habits and what you're looking for in the mate experience will help you make an informed choice that enriches your mate moments.
You can also discover even more unique pieces called "Signature". These are gourds whose band is chiseled on "lacre" - on wax. It is goldsmith-level work: meticulous and exceptional.
Which mate bombilla to choose?
Selecting a bombilla - the traditional straw used to drink mate - is closely tied to your choice of gourd.
The size of the gourd directly influences which bombilla to pick.
A larger gourd calls for a more robust, heavier bombilla, able to filter the mate leaves effectively.
The use of Alpaca to make bombillas is no accident.
This material, renowned for its resistance to oxidation, is a preferred choice for objects in frequent contact with water and drinks.
By choosing an Alpaca bombilla, you invest in an accessory that is practical, durable and beautiful all at once.
You can also discover the bombas - bombillas pierced with over 100 holes, ideal for enjoying chimarrão. Like mate gourds, bombillas can be richly decorated and crafted with great precision.
All our bombillas come with a lifetime guarantee.
What's the difference between a gourd and a bombilla?
The gourd is the vessel (the cup) in which mate is prepared; the bombilla is the filtered metal straw that lets you drink mate straight from the gourd without swallowing the leaves. The two are inseparable.
What accessories do I need to prepare mate?
At minimum: a gourd, a bombilla and yerba mate. A thermos is very handy for keeping the water hot, and a mate kit gathers the essentials if you're starting out.
What size of gourd should I choose?
This is the most important criterion. A small gourd suits drinking alone; a large one is for sharing or long sessions. An oversized gourd uses a lot of yerba: better to match it to how much you actually drink.
Does a new squash gourd need preparing before use?
Yes. A squash gourd is "cured" before its first use to reveal its aromas and protect it. Steel, wood and ceramic models, however, are ready to use. All the steps are detailed in our care guide.
Are your bombillas guaranteed?
Yes, all our bombillas come with a lifetime guarantee.