Inside the New Luxury: Why 5-Star Hotels Are Replacing Champagne with Tea

Redefining celebration—one elegant sip at a time.

Across the globe, luxury hotels and fine-dining establishments are quietly shifting from champagne to sparkling tea for their celebratory pours—and it’s not just about the alcohol. Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company has become a quiet star among forward-thinking sommeliers and hospitality leaders. Built for depth, terroir, and thoughtful ritual, it’s a drink with substance—a sensory moment that mirrors the elegance of fine wine, without the alcohol.

1) A Pairing-Powerhouse Born from Necessity

Michelin-starred sommelier Jacob Kocemba invented sparkling tea while searching for the perfect pairing for a dessert. Amid thousands of wines, none hit the right note—so he crafted a tea-based solution. Today, Copenhagen Sparkling Tea is served in over 150 Michelin-starred restaurants in more than 50 countries (Zepeim, Vogue).

2) Champagne Moments Without the Champagne

From festive toasts to gifting rituals, sparkling tea is gaining traction far beyond bar menus. Its elegant fizz and layered flavors are perfect for health-conscious celebrations and mindful lifestyle choices (The Guardian).

3) Craft Over Categories

Copenhagen Sparkling Tea isn’t a substitute—it’s a statement. Each cuvée blends multiple organic teas—white, oolong, green, and black—precisely brewed, then gently carbonated. LYSERØD, for example, combines oolong, hibiscus, Silver Needle white tea, and black tea—yielding a dry, vibrant sip reminiscent of rosé, with only ~2g sugar and ~8 kcal per 100ml (Zepeim).

4) Meeting the Moment: Luxury with Wellness in Mind

As mindful drinking gains momentum—led by Gen Z and health-conscious guests—sparkling tea delivers sophistication without compromise. Antioxidant-rich, tea-based, and versatile, it blends seamlessly into elevated hospitality settings (Vogue).

5) Global Sophistication Meets Hospitality

Crafted in Denmark, the brand is imported by Zepeim for U.S. wholesale markets—bringing three elegant blends (Blå, Lyserød, Lysegrøn) to luxury outlets. Served in premier venues, these teas are designed to pair beautifully with curated gastronomy and refined service models.

Why Sparkling Tea Makes Sense for 5-Star Settings