Choosing Your CBD Restore Drink: Sparkling Waters vs. Teas vs. Coffees

Moving quickly from novelty to a full-blown category, CBD restore drinks are giving shoppers more ways than ever to sip their cannabinoids. Today’s shelves are packed with CBD-infused seltzers, juices, teas, coffees, functional waters, and even mocktails, each promising relaxation, recovery, or focus without the intoxicating effects of THC.

Market research firms tracking CBD beverages show that the category is one of the fastest-growing segments in the wider cannabis and alternative adult drink space, with global CBD beverage sales expected to grow at double-digit rates over the next decade. This growth has encouraged brands to experiment with multiple drink formats.

Seltzers and sparkling waters: the breakout stars

Among all formats, CBD seltzers and sparkling waters are often cited as the fastest-growing segment. Nielsen data and beverage formulators point to sparkling and seltzer waters, soft drinks, fruit drinks, energy beverages, and liquid teas as the top five growth areas for CBD drinks. Light, low-calorie, and easy to microdose, CBD seltzers fit perfectly into the modern “better-for-you” and low- or no-alcohol trend. Many are positioned as post-work or post-workout “reset” options, pairing 10–25 mg of CBD with electrolytes or botanicals for recovery and mood support.

For many retailers, seltzers are the most popular style by volume: they’re easy to stock cold, stack in eye-catching 4-packs, and appeal to both CBD newcomers and experienced users who want a familiar, soda-like format.

Teas and functional herb blends

CBD teas—hot and iced—are another strong category. Liquid tea has been highlighted as one of the notable growth segments for CBD beverages, alongside fruit and energy drinks. Brands frequently combine CBD with chamomile, valerian, or adaptogens for evening relaxation, and with green or black tea for daytime focus. For consumers, teas feel intuitive: they already associate herbal tea with winding down or gentle wellness support, so adding CBD is a small mental step.

Juices, mocktails, and “social tonic” options

CBD juices and mocktails offer more flavor-forward experiences. These beverages commonly mix CBD with fruit juices, bitters, and mood-supporting ingredients to create “social tonics” that mimic the ritual of a cocktail without alcohol. They’re popular among sober-curious consumers and those who want to participate in nightlife or social gatherings while avoiding hangovers.

CBD coffees and energy-style drinks

On the other end of the spectrum, CBD coffees and energy-style drinks pair caffeine with CBD to balance jitters, support focus, and extend energy without the crash. Beverage industry reports group these under soft drinks and energy beverages, which are both expanding segments within CBD drinks. For post-workout or workday “restore” routines, these products appeal to consumers looking for both alertness and stress relief.

So, which type is most popular?

While exact rankings vary by market, sparkling waters and seltzers are widely considered the breakout leaders, with strong growth in soft drinks, fruit drinks, energy beverages, and teas close behind. Their popularity comes down to convenience (grab-and-go cans), approachable flavors, low calories, and clear, easy-to-understand dosing.

For consumers, the “best” CBD restore drink type is less about a single winner and more about fit: seltzers for everyday refreshment, teas for evening wind-down, mocktails for social occasions, and coffees or energy blends for focused productivity. The good news is that, in today’s CBD beverage aisle, there’s a restore option tailored to almost every routine.