What is sparkling tea, the sophisticated new sip that blends wellness with indulgence?

Sparkling tea: A bottle of sparkling tea brings together the depth of a wine, the occasion-worthy feel of Champagne, and the clean-label approval of a wellness beverage (Images: Copenhagen Sparkling Tea)

Move over overpriced bubbly and heady cocktails that come with a next-day hangover. There's a fresh fizz in town and it promises refinement without the repercussions. Sparkling tea is fast becoming the beverage of choice for those leaning into mindful drinking and seeking alternatives that blends wellness with indulgence. No longer just a niche option, this elegant non-alcoholic drink is making waves among India’s conscious consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who are reshaping the future of what we drink, and why.

“Sparkling tea stands apart from iced tea or kombucha in both craftsmanship and experience,” says Varun Sahni, Co-founder of Bebida Hospitality Private Limited. “Unlike iced tea, which is typically a sweetened, ready-to-drink refreshment, or kombucha, which is fermented and carries a distinct tartness, sparkling tea offers an elegant, layered drinking experience. Copenhagen Sparkling Tea, for example, is crafted from up to 13 organic teas, meticulously hand-brewed and gently carbonated to deliver complexity similar to Champagne, without the alcohol or sugar. It’s gaining popularity among modern consumers, especially Gen Z and millennials, who are increasingly mindful of what they consume.”

Elevated elegance

Interestingly, what makes sparkling tea so unique is not just the fizz but it’s the finesse. This drink is designed in a way that it’s rooted in the tradition of fine tea but elevated through innovation. A bottle of sparkling tea brings together the depth of a wine, the occasion-worthy feel of Champagne, and the clean-label approval of a wellness beverage.

Also read | Iced tea magic: 6 refreshing recipes to keep your summer cool, from citrus to mint, more

“Premium tea blends and botanical infusions are at the core of what makes sparkling teas so distinctive,” says Varun. “In India, there’s a growing appreciation for nuanced flavour experiences that go beyond sugar and fizz. By using ingredients such as Silver Needle white tea, First Flush Darjeeling, Oolong, Jasmine, Hibiscus, and Sencha, the brand creates a beverage with depth, aroma, and a refined finish. These high-quality teas are sourced globally and blended with precision to deliver a tasting profile that rivals fine wines. This elevation of flavour enhanced with delicate, tannic, citrusy, or floral notes is what makes sparkling tea appealing to the palate of discerning Indian consumers who value both wellness and flavour sophistication.”

Shift of mindset:

The shift toward mindful drinking is not just about health; it’s also about inclusivity and evolving social rituals. At wellness events, intimate gatherings, and even high-end dinners, sparkling tea is becoming a classy, alcohol-free companion to the toast. It preserves the celebratory spirit while keeping things light, both in terms of calories and consequences.

Sparkling tea is emerging as a sophisticated, inclusive alternative to alcohol, especially in social settings where health, mindfulness, and diverse preferences matter. Varun affirms the popularity of this beverage, “As more people embrace mindful drinking, there’s a need for options that preserve the ritual and celebration of a toast without the after-effects of alcohol. Sparkling Tea looks like Champagne, tastes like a celebration, but contains zero alcohol. It’s already being served at premium hotels and restaurants across India.”