Sparkling tea: alcohol-free bubbles built on tea instead of grapes
Sparkling tea is a sparkling drink in which tea leaves do the work that grapes do in wine. The tea brings acidity, aroma and above all tannin, the gentle grip that makes a drink feel dry and grown-up on the palate. The result sits somewhere between a glass of fizz and a really good cup of tea: fresh, aromatic and with a length that ordinary soft drinks never reach. That is why sparkling tea has become one of the most convincing choices for anyone who wants the sense of occasion of sparkling wine without the alcohol.
Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company: a sommelier's idea
Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company was founded in Copenhagen by sommelier Jacob Kocemba together with business partner Bo Sten Hansen. The idea came from the dining room: Kocemba wanted an alcohol-free pairing with the same complexity as the wines he would choose for a dish. The answer was blends of organic teas, assembled much as a winemaker builds a cuvée, with each tea adding its own layer. The bottles are now poured in restaurants, including many Michelin-starred ones, in a long list of countries.
The names follow a simple logic. The first versions, with a little alcohol, were named after colours. The alcohol-free versions took a lighter shade of the same name, so red became lyserød (pink) and green became lysegrøn (light green).
Blå is built on white tea and Darjeeling, with jasmine, chamomile and citrus on the nose: the most floral and elegant of the range, and a natural aperitif where you might otherwise pour Champagne. Lysegrøn starts from sencha style green tea and citrus, crisp, herbal and dry. Lyserød combines Silver Needle white tea, oolong and hibiscus, which gives colour, red berry notes and a refreshing tang.
Timo & Co: handmade sparkling tea from Austria
Timo & Co is the label of Timo Weisheidinger, based in Taufkirchen an der Pram in Upper Austria. His sparkling teas are made by hand in small batches from real ingredients, with no added flavourings, stabilisers or preservatives. Verjus, the juice of unripe grapes, gives them a wine-like acidity.
Sparkling Grüner Tee & Jasmin combines green tea and jasmine tea with elderflower, lemon zest and a touch of hops, which adds a fine bitter edge. Sparkling Oolong & Kamille brings together Milky Oolong, green tea, jasmine tea, elderflower and chamomile for a rounder, softly creamy style. If you enjoy the Austrian approach to freshness, there is more to discover among our wines from Austria.
Food pairing and serving sparkling tea
Thanks to its tannin and acidity, sparkling tea behaves more like wine than juice at the table. Blå, Lysegrøn and the green tea and jasmine cuvée from Timo & Co shine with oysters, sushi, ceviche, asparagus and salads with citrus or fresh herbs. Lyserød and the oolong cuvée handle umami, gentle spice and a little sweetness: think Thai dishes, roast chicken, duck or a berry dessert.
Serve well chilled in an ordinary wine glass or a tulip glass so the aromas gather. A Champagne stopper keeps an opened bottle lively.
Sparkling tea FAQ
Is sparkling tea alcohol-free?
Blå, Lysegrøn and Lyserød from Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company and both Timo & Co sparkling teas are alcohol-free. Some producers also make versions with a little alcohol, so check the label. For more options, browse our non-alcoholic wine.
What is the difference between sparkling tea and kombucha?
Kombucha takes its character from fermentation with a living culture and often has a sharp, slightly vinegary tang. Sparkling tea of this kind is composed like a wine, with the tea blend and its aromas at the centre.
Which sparkling tea is the best alternative to Champagne?
Blå is the closest to a dry, elegant sparkling wine and the obvious choice for a toast. Lysegrøn is drier and more herbal, while Lyserød and the Timo & Co oolong are better suited to food.
Where does Copenhagen Sparkling Tea come from?
It is created in Copenhagen. You will find more bottles from the same country under Denmark.