You can still be the life of the party without alcohol. In 2026, āmindful drinkingā and sober-curious choices are becoming a normal part of social life. People want options that keep the fun alive, but that are also lower in calories and keep the following day pain-free (Ansira, 2025; Good Culture Ingredients, 2026; Ward et al., 2025).
A major reason is increased health awareness. More adults are starting to see even moderate drinking as a health risk (Gallup, 2024; Movendi International, 2025). Health authorities in Europe are also pushing for more obvious cancer-risk warnings on alcohol labels, so consumers can make informed choices (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2025; SHAAP, 2025). At the same time, the market for no- and low-alcohol drinks is growing, with forecasts pointing to continued expansion driven by increased demand (Beverage Daily, 2025; IWSR, 2025; Sustainalytics, 2025).
So, what are people looking for instead? Drinks that are delicious, refreshing, and low-calorie, without losing the social aspect of enjoying drinks with family and loved ones. People still want something thatās interesting and that they can speak about, just without alcoholic implications. That is where rooibos-based Sparkling Ice Teas and Cold Brews fit in perfectly. Theyāre something different that you can still speak about, theyāre fun and delicious, just without the implications alcohol tends to have.
Sparkling Ice Teas: ready-to-drink, party-ready
Sparkling drinks just make a gathering feel more festive. They taste like the perfect weekend treat. CarmiĆ©n Sparkling Rooibos Ice Teas are made to be enjoyed chilled, served on ice, and shared, without the alcohol. They are naturally caffeine-free and low in kilojoules, making them an ideal alternative when you want to cut back but still want something special to sip on (CarmiĆ©n Tea, 2024). For the broader market, these rooibos-based gems fit in perfectly with 2026ās overall market shift toward ābetter-for-youā choices in social settings, especially among younger, wellness-focused consumers (Keurig Dr Pepper, 2025; NielsenIQ, 2025).
The CarmiƩn Sparkling Ice Tea range
CarmiĆ©nās Sparkling Ice Tea range comes in three delicious flavours that enhance the natural, unique flavour of rooibos, with additional fruity twists for the ultimate refresher. CarmiĆ©n Berry Hibiscus Sparkling Ice Tea is a bright berry flavour with a floral edge. It looks great in a glass and tastes like a treat. If youād typically go for something like a strawberry daiquiri or berry cider, this is the perfect flavour for you.
The CarmiĆ©n Geranium Mint Sparkling Ice Tea is crisp, clean, and ideal for anyone who would typically enjoy a mojito-style cocktail. It has the same sweetness as rum and sugar, but itās perfectly balanced with a hint of mint.
We then have the CarmiĆ©n Tangerine Grapefruit Sparkling Ice Tea, which is a citrus-forward option thatās light and lively. If youāre someone who loves a mimosa or something more citrusy like a paloma cocktail, this product may just be your new best friend.
Cold Brews: easy, refreshing, and fridge-friendly
Cold brew tea is one of the easiest adjustments you can make. CarmiƩn Cold Brew teas are specially formulated to brew in cold water. Cold water pulls out flavour more slowly over time, which helps create a smooth, cleaner, sweeter-tasting cup (CarmiƩn Tea, 2024). In 2026, convenience is a major driver. People want drinks that match busy schedules, gym bags, work days, and weekend outings (Good Culture Ingredients, 2026; FoodNavigator, 2025). Cold Brews are ideal for keeping the jug in the fridge full for a quick sip of something tasty, but also great for water bottles over ice while on the move.
Cold Brews for your everyday refresh
CarmiƩn Cranberry Hibiscus Cold Brew Rooibos Tea is a sweet, slightly tart berry flavour and a bright, colourful brew. It suits the 2026 move toward lighter drinking, where people want refreshing options they can sip all afternoon and still feel good (Drinkaware, 2025; Vypr, 2026). If you love serving drinks at home, sangria-style in a jug, this is the perfect alternative.
CarmiƩn Apricot Blossom Cold Brew Rooibos Tea is fruity and smooth, with an easy-going sweetness. If you love drinks like peach-flavoured iced tea or stone-fruit-based mixers, then this will serve as the perfect alternative.
For those who enjoy flavours of crisp apple with a cool mint finish, the CarmiƩn Apple Mint Cold Brew Rooibos Tea is for you. This special blend also contains green rooibos, which is naturally higher in antioxidants than fermented, red rooibos.
Do you like pina colada without getting caught with a hangover? CarmiĆ©n Coco Pine Cold Brew Rooibos Tea boasts tropical pineapple and coconut vibes. If youāre by the beach or chilling in the tropics, or simply just enjoy pineapple flavours at home, then this one is for you.
CarmiĆ©nās cold brew tea bags are made with Bioweb, a sustainable, non-plastic filter paper, which supports the wider 2026 focus on better choices, not only for your body but also for the planet (CarmiĆ©n Tea, 2025; Sustainalytics, 2025).
Simple ways to serve them (and keep it social)
- Pour Sparkling Ice Tea into a nice glass with ice, citrus slices, and fresh mint for a delicious mocktail.
- Set up a cold brew jug in the fridge, then top up glasses with fruit and lots of ice.
- Make it inclusive. Offer great alcohol-free options to your guests and be the perfect host.
Cutting back is not about missing out. It is about enjoying the moment, feeling good, and choosing drinks that match the kind of life you want in 2026.
Keeping up with market demand
For those who want to work with CarmiĆ©n to develop alcohol-free, Private Label products such as these, or who simply need a reliable Bulk Rooibos supplier, now is the time to get in touch. With the demand for unique, alcohol-free drinks rising and with the global consumer base becoming more health-conscious, the food and beverage industry needs to shift its focus. Enquire about our B2B services today and start offering your customers healthier beverage options. Weād love to hear from you.
References:
- Ansira (2025) ā2026 Alcohol Trendsā. Available at: https://ansira.com/blog/2026-alcohol-trends/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- Beverage Daily (2025) āGlobal low- and no-alcohol market data for 2025ā. Available at: https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2025/01/29/global-low-and-no-alcohol-market-data-for-2025/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- CarmiƩn Tea (2024) 10022021_Carmien_Product_Catalogue_Oct2024_update_FINAL_lowres. Internal product catalogue (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- CarmiĆ©n Tea (2025) Carmien Tea_CSR Report_2024ā2025. Internal CSR presentation (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- Drinkaware (2025) āDrinkaware Monitor 2025ā. Available at: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/research/drinkaware-monitors/drinkaware-monitor-2025 (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- FoodNavigator (2025) āNo- and low-alcohol trends: Big growth, bold innovation, new marketsā. Available at: https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2025/11/10/no-and-low-alcohol-trends-big-growth-bold-innovation-new-markets/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- Gallup (2024) Reporting on US perceptions of moderate drinking risk. Available via: https://movendi.ngo/policy-updates/2025/03/19/new-survey-reveals-how-people-in-the-us-view-alcohols-risks/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- Good Culture Ingredients (2026) āConsumption habits: non-alc trends 2026ā. Available at: https://www.goodcultureingredients.com/blog/consumption-habits-non-alc-trends-2026 (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- IWSR (2025) āFive key trends shifting the beverage alcohol market in 2025ā. Available at: https://www.theiwsr.com/insight/five-key-trends-shifting-the-beverage-alcohol-market-in-2025/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- Keurig Dr Pepper (2025) āState of Beverages 2025ā (as referenced in industry reporting). Available at: https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2025/11/10/no-and-low-alcohol-trends-big-growth-bold-innovation-new-markets/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- Movendi International (2025) āNew survey reveals how people in the US view alcoholās risksā. Available at: https://movendi.ngo/policy-updates/2025/03/19/new-survey-reveals-how-people-in-the-us-view-alcohols-risks/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- NielsenIQ (2025) āNon Alcohol Is No Longer a Niche, Itās a Billion-Dollar Movementā. Available at: https://nielseniq.com/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- SHAAP (2025) āEmpowering consumers: the right to know about alcohol and cancer riskā. Available at: https://www.shaap.org.uk/empowering-consumers-the-right-to-know-about-alcohol-and-cancer-risk/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- Sustainalytics (2025) āTapping into the rise of no- and low-alcohol: opportunities and risksā. Available at: https://www.sustainalytics.com/esg-research/resource/investors-esg-blog/tapping-into-the-rise-of-no–and-low-alcohol–opportunities-and-risks-for-beer–wine–and-spirits-companies (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- The Spirits Business (2025) āWorld Spirits Report 2025: low & noā. Available at: https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/12/world-spirits-report-2025-low-no/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- Vypr (2026) āThe rise of low and no alcohol drinks in 2026ā. Available at: https://vyprclients.com/the-rise-of-low-and-no-alcohol-drinks-in-2026/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- Ward, P.R. et al. (2025) āReducing heavy drinking through the āsober curiousā movementā¦ā Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12188140/ (Accessed: 15 January 2026).
- WHO Regional Office for Europe (2025) āAlcohol labels should warn of cancer riskā. Available at: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/14-02-2025-alcohol-labels-should-warn-of-cancer-risk–says-new-who-europe-report (Accessed: 15 January 2026).