If you’re craving an alcohol-free sip that isn’t another probiotic soda, sparkling tea could be the change you need. But what exactly is sparkling tea and why are Australians flocking to this new fizz?

We sat down with sparkling tea expert, Allan Sweeney of Hairy Armadillo, to unpack what makes this effervescent drop the drink of the moment. Among other pearls, find out how it’s made, what to mix it with and what delicious morsels to sip it with.

“Our processes are all designed to enhance complexity, flavour, body and mouthfeel. They are designed to appeal to the sophisticated pallet looking for new and exciting flavour profiles. Hence we celebrate the special teas of the world.” Allan Sweeney

What Is Sparkling Tea? Q&A With The Founder Of Hairy Armadillo

Sit back, relax and start planning your next brunch. This interview with a master beverage producer lifts the lid on everything you need to know about sparkling tea.

Firstly, what exactly is sparkling tea?

Good question – and a tricky one, because not all sparkling teas are created equal.

In a nutshell, sparkling tea is simply tea that has been force-carbonated. Some varieties are fermented and others aren’t, but most types are infused with additional flavours and/or additives depending on the target market. For example, Kombucha targets health-conscious people looking for an alternative to soft drinks that delivers extras like probiotics.

Hairy Armadillo sparkling teas are a little different because we design our beverages from the ground up to be more similar to sparkling wine than soda. It’s a fabulous alternative to champagne for people after a fresh, non-alcoholic option.

And how is it made?

Tea is the unmistakable hero in our sparkling teas. You won’t find de-alcoholised wine, wine juice concentrate, fruit juice or any other flavourings on our ingredients list!

I can’t give away all our secrets, but our process starts with a specially selected tea blend. We take premium teas, all rich in flavour and aroma and ferment them to create a unique taste profile.

After fermentation, the tea is filtered, force-carbonated and bottled up for people to enjoy!

What’s involved in fermentation and how long does it take?

Fermentation is a key step in the making of our teas. While it’s relatively simple, it takes about 90 days from start to finish.

The first stage of the process involves using a non-saccharomyces yeast strain to ferment the tea over 60 days. During this time, the tea develops its unique body, mouthfeel and aroma.

After that, bottles are set aside for an additional 30 days before being sold to our customers.

If it’s fermented, does that mean there is alcohol in it?

Yes, but only a residual amount as a by-product of fermentation.

When referring to the alcohol content in fermented foods, it’s important to understand that the amounts are typically very low. To put this in perspective it is around the same amount as found in a ripe banana.

The alcohol volume (ABV) of our Sparkling Tea is approximately 0.2% which is unlikely to cause any noticeable effects or pose health risks, making them safe for consumption by most people, including those who avoid alcohol for health or personal reasons.

That said, we advise people to consult their doctor if they have any questions or concerns.

Where do you source your tea from?

We mainly source teas from China, Taiwan and India, but we use local ingredients whenever we can.

One of our favourite local varieties is Maarr, a native Australian lemongrass in Darjeeling Blush.

Does climate impact the flavour?

Yes, the quality and flavour of tea is influenced by its growth climate. For example, higher altitudes result in cooler temperatures and slower growth, which creates more concentrated flavours.

What’s the best way to store sparkling tea?

Sparling tea is stable at room imperative, so you can pop them in the pantry until it’s time to open.

Once opened, use a champagne stopper and store it in the fridge to preserve the effervescence.

What mixed drinks work well with sparkling tea?

Sparkling teas are brilliant mixers! It’s the perfect ingredient for adding depth, aroma, and complexity to drinks.

For cocktails, teas like Earl Grey or matcha can be infused with spirits such as gin or whisky, creating sophisticated blends. Think Lapsang Souchong and Earl Grey for a smoky martini or a vibrant matcha mojito.

In mocktails, tea provides a rich base without alcohol … think refreshing iced hibiscus tea mixed with citrus for a summer spritzer or spiced chai paired with apple juice in winter – delicious!

What inspired you to get involved in making sparkling tea?

During the pandemic, I was living and working in Singapore and needed a hobby! I found myself searching for non-alcoholic drinks that had the same complexity as alcoholic versions but struggled to find anything I liked. So one day, I decided one day to start experimenting myself.

It wasn’t long before I had turned our spare room into a quasi-fermentery. After a while, I knew I was on to something and decided to write a business case. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and at some point after the borders opened up again, I summoned the courage to leave an industry I had worked in for 20 years, relocate back to Australia, and start a beverage company.

What’s your favourite flavour of sparkling tea, and why?

So far, I would have to say that Snow Daisy is the clear winner for me. The blend of Snow Chrysanthemum and Pu-erh tea is often drunk in Dim Sum restaurants as a hot drink, but I think it is even more special after it has been fermented.

There is something so unique about the flavour profile, and the earthy, woody profile of the Pu-erh reminds me of a wine that has been in an oak barrel. I can easily drink a bottle of this by myself.

Let’s talk pairings … what would you serve with sparkling tea?

Our range of naturally fermented sparkling teas all work beautifully with a range of cuisines and flavours.

The acidity of Snow Daisy works well with rich dishes like pulled pork and dumplings. Darjeeling Blush has a muscatel flavour that is my top pick for smokey dishes like barbecued meat. And for an all-rounder that works with everything from cheese platters to desserts, Dragon Tears is my pick.

Have you tried sparkling tea yet? Let us know in the comments below!