Mixing straws are made from a range of materials, including glass, plastic, copolyester, paper, metal (stainless steel), and silicone.
Metal cocktail straws are durable; hand washing is recommended, often using a straw brush to keep the finish looking new.
Short cocktail-style straws (around 5 inches) are suited to lowball/short drinks. Longer or wider straws and those with a 'wide opening' are used for larger tumblers and drinks that need a wider bore—examples note compatibility with 20–40 oz tumblers.