Charly

Charly is a sparkling tea at 0.0% alcohol, one of three Signature Sparkling Teas made by NINO alongside Lily and Ruby. NINO positions it as a drink that offers the complexity and elegance of a sparkling wine rather than a version of one: according to the producer, its range is composed from scratch using teas, fruit juices, herbs, spices and plant-based distillates, with no wine base and no dealcoholization of a lower-quality base wine. NINO, founded in 2023 by Maximilian Näf and Mudi El Saghir, describes sparkling tea as a category that did not exist in Switzerland before the company created it.^[1]

The declared composition of Charly is: water, a tea and herb infusion (Darjeeling First Flush, Jasmine Silver Needle, Milk Oolong, elderflower), fruit juices (white grape, quince, apple, gooseberry), verjus, salt, botanical distillates (bergamot, forest spruce), antioxidants (citric acid and malic acid), and carbonation.^[2]

Tea and Herb Infusion — Aromatic Base. The infusion draws on four components: Darjeeling First Flush, Jasmine Silver Needle, Milk Oolong and elderflower. Jasmine and elderflower are both named among the aromas the producer attributes to the finished drink.^[2]

Fruit Juices — Fruit Core. Four juices are declared: white grape, quince, apple and gooseberry. Ripe quince is one of the aromas NINO cites for Charly.^[2]

Verjus. Verjus is declared as a component of the blend.^[2]

Botanical Distillates — Bergamot and Forest Spruce. Two botanical distillates are declared: bergamot and forest spruce.^[2]

Salt and Acids. Salt is declared, as are the antioxidants citric acid and malic acid.^[2]

NINO states that each of its blends is developed with the support of French sommeliers to achieve depth, balance and structure. Charly is carbonated, and the producer describes the bubbles in the finished drink as fine and elegant.

Appearance. Golden yellow, with a subtle amber shimmer and fine, elegant bubbles.^[3]

Nose. Jasmine, elderflower and ripe quince, with a touch of honey.^[3]

Palate. Layered and elegant, with a soft spiciness and warm floral depth, closing on a warm, soft finish.^[3]

Structure. The points the producer's notes establish:^[1],[4]

• Complexity: layered; described as offering the complexity of a sparkling wine
• Length: warm, soft finish
• Mousse: fine, elegant bubbles

NINO recommends Charly with seafood, roasted vegetables or creamy pasta dishes, and notes it can also be drunk on its own.^[4]

Specifications. Classification and stated figures:^[1],[4]

• Category: Sparkling Tea
• Alcohol: 0.0%
• Sugar: no added sugar

Production. Charly is composed in Switzerland, as are NINO's Signature Sparkling Teas generally, from teas, herbs, fruit juices, spices and botanical distillates.^[4]

Ingredients Policy. NINO states that its drinks contain no added sugar or sweeteners, with only minimal, naturally occurring sugar from fruit. Depending on the tea blend, the producer notes, a NINO may carry a small, subtle amount of caffeine comparable to a few sips of green tea.

Charly received a Bronze medal at the 2026 World Alcohol-Free Awards. It scored 91 points from Falstaff in 2026.^[3],[5]