MaraBela Sparkling Tea
MaraBela is a 0.0% sparkling tea made in Walla Walla, Washington, from organic Sencha and Chun Mei green teas, White Peony tea, lemon verbena, and lavender. Created by siblings Ana and Jesús Martínez Bujanda of the fifth-generation Valdemar winemaking family, it was developed specifically with the dinner table in mind. Sencha brings freshness and structure, Chun Mei adds body and gentle vegetal notes, and White Peony gives the mid-palate a softer, floral quality, while lemon verbena and lavender lift everything with citrus and aromatics. Fine bubbles keep it bright and elegant, with just 3 grams of sugar per serving to balance the tea’s natural bitterness. The result is crisp, lightly floral, subtly tannic, and refreshingly dry, with enough texture and structure to make it genuinely interesting with food.
Why We Love It
MaraBela approaches sparkling tea with a winemaker’s understanding of balance, texture, and the role a bottle plays at the table, and you can taste that intention. We love the combination of fresh citrus, delicate florals, and that little bit of tannic grip from the tea. It’s light without being simple and aromatic without becoming perfumey, making it an especially lovely option when you want bubbles that can carry you from aperitif through dinner.
How to Drink MaraBela Wild Verbena
Serve very cold in a white wine glass or sparkling wine glass. It really doesn’t need anything else; the fine bubbles open up the lemon verbena and florals while the tea gives it enough structure to stand beautifully on its own.
Cheeky & Dry Signature Serve — Verbena 75: 4 oz MaraBela Wild Verbena, ½ oz Giffard Elderflower, and ¼ oz fresh lemon juice. Add the elderflower and lemon to a chilled coupe or wine glass, top with MaraBela, give it one gentle stir, and garnish with a lemon twist.
Pair it with: oysters with mignonette, sushi and sashimi, grilled prawns with lemon and herbs, spring pea risotto with Parmesan, roast chicken with tarragon, or a creamy goat cheese tart.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Bright lemon verbena and lavender lead, with fresh Sencha green tea and a delicate floral lift. Aromatic and inviting without being perfumed.
Palate: Crisp and lightly floral — Sencha freshness and Chun Mei body carry through the mid-palate, with White Peony adding a softer, rounded quality and lemon verbena keeping everything bright. Subtly tannic with just 3g of sugar per serving, which keeps it genuinely dry.
Finish: Refreshing and clean, with lingering citrus, a whisper of lavender, and a gentle tea bitterness. Fine bubbles lift the finish and keep it elegant throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MaraBela Wild Verbena non-alcoholic?
Yes. MaraBela Wild Verbena is 0.0% ABV — fully non-alcoholic with no alcohol whatsoever.
Who makes MaraBela and where?
MaraBela is made by siblings Ana and Jesús Martínez Bujanda in Walla Walla, Washington. They come from the fifth-generation Valdemar winemaking family in Spain, and they bring that same table-focused, balance-driven approach to their sparkling teas.
What teas are in MaraBela Wild Verbena?
It’s made from organic Sencha and Chun Mei green teas, White Peony tea, lemon verbena, and lavender. Each tea plays a specific role — Sencha for freshness and structure, Chun Mei for body, White Peony for mid-palate softness, and lemon verbena and lavender for aromatic lift.
What does MaraBela Wild Verbena taste like?
Crisp, lightly floral and subtly tannic — lemon verbena and lavender up front, with layered green tea complexity, a soft White Peony mid-palate, and a refreshing dry finish. Just 3g of sugar per serving keeps it genuinely dry rather than sweet.
Is MaraBela Wild Verbena a good Champagne or sparkling wine alternative?
Yes — its fine bubbles, dry finish, floral citrus character and food-friendly structure make it a compelling substitute for dry sparkling wine. It’s especially well suited to aperitif moments and lighter food pairings where you’d normally reach for a Champagne or Cava.
How does MaraBela compare to Copenhagen Sparkling Tea?
Both are premium non-alcoholic sparkling teas designed for the dinner table. MaraBela is made in Washington State by a winemaking family and leans into lemon verbena and lavender for a distinctly floral, aromatic character. Copenhagen Sparkling Teas are Danish and offer a broader range of styles — from the rosé-like LYSERØD to the citrus-mineral LYSERØGRØN and the floral BLÅ. Both are excellent; the choice comes down to flavor preference.
Does Cheeky & Dry ship MaraBela nationwide?
Yes — we ship across the US. Non-alcoholic sparkling teas ship without the restrictions that apply to alcoholic beverages.
How should I serve and store MaraBela Wild Verbena?
Serve very cold in a white wine or sparkling wine glass. Store unopened in a cool, dark place; once opened, refrigerate and consume within 1–2 days for best carbonation and flavor.
