G&Tea launches a range of sparkling teas with gin and rooibos

Chicago-based entrepreneur Alex Young has launched G&Tea, a new brand of sparkling tea that combines gin with South African rooibos tea and honey.

The range of ready-to-drink beverages is launched in two varieties, Original and Passion Fruit, both with 7% alcohol by volume and packaged in 12-ounce cans.

G&Tea's Original flavor combines London Dry gin with South African rooibos and clover honey, while the Passion Fruit variety adds tropical passion fruit flavor to the same base.

According to the company, the drinks contain no caffeine, refined sugar, or artificial sweeteners.

Rooibos, naturally grown in the Cederberg region of South Africa, offers an earthy flavor without the bitterness of tannins characteristic of some traditional teas. London Dry gin contributes botanical and citrus notes, while honey adds sweetness.

Young stated that his relationship with rooibos dates back to his childhood near the Cederberg region, before he later moved to London and Chicago.

“People are paying more and more attention to what they consume. They’re looking for quality not only in the flavor, but also in the ingredients,” Young said. “We wanted to create something transparent and carefully crafted, using pure ingredients that would contribute something meaningful to the final beverage.”

Following its launch in Chicago, G&Tea seeks to establish distribution, retail, restaurant and hospitality partnerships throughout Illinois.