Feb 08, 2026
3 min read
The government focuses on brands, invests in innovation and uses tradition in beverage production.Check out our favorite drinks for Carnival 2026.
A taste of the fun: Check out the drinks BH promises to bring the fun of 2026 — Photo: Reproduction.
The high demand for Minas Gerais during Carnival continues at a rapid pace, making the state one of the most sought-after destinations in the country for the 2026 festivities.
This positive projection boosts several segments of the industry with an emphasis on the beverage sector.According to the Union of Beer and Beverage Industries in General in the State of Minas Gerais (SindBebidas MG), the expectation is a 9% increase in sales volume compared to the same period in 2025.
The research indicates that the market has noticed a change in behavior, with ready-to-drink drinks such as frozen and packaged cocktails being called "ready-to-drink".
With this backdrop of revelers' changing taste buds, we delve behind the scenes of Minas Gerais production to understand how the state has become a "bread basket" of ready-made mixes and drinks and show which of these drinks will not be missing in the fridges of those going out this year.
Here's what you'll find in this report:
- Why was Minas the first to produce ready-made drinks?
- FESTIVAL TRENDS: What are the most popular drinks and big bets at Arnaval in 2026?
Why did Minas appear early with the release of ready-made drinks?
According to Cecília Morais, Analyst in the Sector, Trade and Services Division at Sebrae Minas, the leadership of Minas Gerais is not accidental, but it shows a change in behavior that gets stronger during carnival.
The country, he says, has the DNA of artisanal production and creativity and knows how to turn this demand into a market opportunity.
Among the hustle and bustle of road blocks, the practicality of cans and the variety of flavors of ready-made drinks are great allies for those who seek convenience without sacrificing their taste.
"Minas Gerais has responded quickly to the demand for ready-to-drink beverages, combining tradition and innovation, maintaining competitiveness through affordable costs and a strong regional appeal. The state offers a very favorable environment for this type of production, both thanks to the variety of natural inputs and its traditional recipes, which, as is widely recognized from Minas Gerais, were produced in other states."
From craftsmanship to mass production
The analyst says that many names of Minas Gerais were born artistic, made small but with quality and rapid change, which explains the explosion of this drink.
"While large industries face rigid and slow processes for the production of new products, micro-entrepreneurs can immediately meet consumer trends. However, the challenge for these brands is the transition to industrial scale, which requires standardization, logistics and systematic placement on the shelves," he said.
In the next few years, Cecília sees both the consolidation of brands that consumers already love and the diversification of the offer.
"On the one hand, more mature brands should gain scale and national presence. On the other hand, portfolio diversification will continue to be the hallmark of Minas Gerais, with the emergence of new flavors with low alcohol content and non-alcohol, functional alternatives that will strengthen regional identity."
Favorite Drinks and Situations for Carnival
🍸 As consumption increases, the number of ready-to-eat canned drinks available also increases.During Carnival, this diversity is transformed into refreshing flavors and blends into every neighborhood, at home and abroad.
🍻 With that in mind, we have chosen some drinks that Minas Gerais loved and others that started this carnival.⚠️ And before looking at the list, remember: if you're going to drive, don't drink!
Nooca yra of Lam: "Sen" - Sawika: kretai.
Lambe Lambe, the famous brand that opened the Carnival news section with its fruit-flavored fermented drink, is betting on the launch of "Zen", a non-alcoholic version of the drink that has touched the hearts of the people of Minas Gerais.
The brand is known for its natural fruit-based drinks and decided to expand its portfolio to serve the public looking for a lighter option, without sacrificing taste and artisanal identity.
"The brand arose from research into behavior and consumption, which showed significant indicators of reduction in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The Zen version does not replace the consumption of alcoholic beverages, he adds to it. We understood that the patient can alternate: a drink with alcohol at one moment, a drink without alcohol only. This time of consumption of the brand during the day" explains Kalinka Campos executive.
According to Kalinka, the expectation is a 30% increase in sales compared to Carnival 2025, when approximately 1.2 million cans were produced for that period.From the manager's point of view, this result derives both from the diversification of the portfolio and from the expansion of distribution also towards other countries.
"Lambe Lambe has built an identity related to the streets and culture, and this corresponds to the pattern of urban use in some parts of the country. The opening of the first physical unit outside Minas (in Rio de Janeiro) is a new time.
the sky is ice
Sky Kush Ice will be launched at Carnival 2026 — Photo: Photo: Lalune Produções
The next bet that first makes its way around the neighborhoods and streets of the Minas Gerais capital is Sky Kush Ice, a ready-to-drink, lightly carbonated drink from Lamas Destilaria that combines whiskey, lemon and natural terpenes (plant aromatic compounds).
“This proposal may seem provocative at first glance.But the focus here is far from any psychoactive effects. Sky Kush Ice doesn't contain any THC or CBD. Its main role is sensory. Terpenes (aromatic compounds found in many plants) come into play, adding layers of herbal, citrus and slightly resinous notes.The freshness of whiskey and lemon,” explains Marcos Sisne, commercial partner of Lamas Distillery.
According to Marcosin, Sky Cushing's first appearance occurs in an emblematic area: Bih Carnival.For him, the state is one of the most harmonious combinations of family tradition and gastronomic creativity.
"The first production of 20,000 cans will be distributed in strategic and bohemian points of the city, in addition to areas where the neighborhoods are concentrated.The choice is not accidental.It was on the streets of the capital city of Minas Gerais that other signature drinks gained popularity before reaching national popularity.It might also be true what they say: Minas Gerais has a lot of bars!”
Chablauzin is Equilibrista's strike for Carnival 2026 — Photo: Disclosure / Equilibrista
A pioneer of the ready-to-drink movement in Minas Gerais, the Equilibrista brand arrives at Carnival 2026 with innovation and regional identity with the launch of Chablauzin.
In addition to established labels such as gin-based gingerbread, vodka-based Veneta and house-made bitter Rubra, the big news this year are drinks made using tea.
"Chablauzin recipes use only leather hats, which are traditional plants in the culture of central-western and south-south Brazil and are known to the public, Belo Horizonte is also present in the most famous works of the city. We want to bring tea with identity, and show the natural way with leather hats.
For this carnival, sales growth is expected to be 100% compared to 2025. The goal is to bring 1.2 million cans to market, and the minimum estimate for actual distribution during that period is 1 million.
With increasingly structured operations outside Minas Gerais, the brand has already established itself in São Paulo, which today represents around 25% of the company's turnover.Equilibrista also travels to Rio de Janeiro, Bahia, Fortaleza and Brasilia.
In the block of old drinks, the Match, made with rum, promises to have more space in the 2026 carnival. The Minas Gerais brand likes to combine the two with guarana, lemon and a little alcohol, like beer, to attract the public during the holidays.
"Matchê was born from an extensive research of the market and consumers in general. We identified a growing need for a functional, delicious drink with a low alcohol content that combines strength, regeneration and personality. The difference lies in the remarkable flavor of matchê combined with the refreshing touch of lemon and the power of guarana to create a drink that is light and easy to drink," explains Ney Felipe the communication of the brand's Miranda.
The forecast for the 2026 Carnival is around 12.5 million boxes, a 27% increase over last year.In addition, the brand will strengthen its presence on 83 roads in the capital.
"We saw that many blocks still don't have the means to bring their parades to life," explains the consultant. "There's nothing better than a brand from Minas Gerais to help make this carnival happen. In addition, being at the party is a way to offer a product to the people of Blue Horizon and strengthen our brand."
Like other brands in the sector, Matchê has already crossed the borders of Minas Gerais and has a presence in states such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Espiritu Santo, Bahia and Sergipe.
Muscate launches two flavors to add to brand portfolio - Photo: Disclosure / Muscate
Another drink that has become a staple of Carnival is the Cheque Mate.Created in Minas Gerais, the finished drink based on mate, rum, guarana and lemon has gained blog space for its practicality and alcohol level similar to beer, as well as establishing itself as one of the most recognized brands of Minas Gerais parties.
For this year's Carnival, the brand expands its portfolio with the launch of 'Mascate Drinks', a line that brings two new flavors to the market: watermelon with raspberry, rum, hibiscus and lemon, and passion fruit with cashew, rum and coconut water.
"The new Muscat drinks line comes with a 20% increase in sales. Launched in November 2025, it was designed for Carnival 2026. The initial production is 1.04 million liters and corresponds to the sales period between November 2025 and Carnival, February 2026," said Alexa B Freire Group XB Freire Partner.
X says that more than 30,000 physical points for the brand have already been sold in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Espirito Santo, Bahia, Pernambuco, Federal District, Goia, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul.
"It is believed that if the product or service is well accepted in the state of Minas, it can be successful in other regions. When it comes to RTD drinks in the state, we know the responsibility of Xeque Mate to be a pioneer in this market, which follows the state of this state today. That is why it took more than six years of research to launch a new flavor, like this time with Mascate Drinks," he said.
Kane'
Xa de Cana was born from the desire to combine Brazilian traditions with modern ones - Photo: Discovery/ Stella Lima
Ha de Cana offers sugarcane juice, a common Brazilian ingredient, in a practical, accessible and authentic form.The creator of the blend, Stella Lima, also uses cachaça and lemon, explaining that the brand transitioned from home production to factory production in December 2023.
"Carnival 2025 was our big 'watershed', where we grew 36 times our previous income. For 2026, the business is much stronger. We refined our processes and invested to ensure even greater scale, with a total focus on quality and discovery."
According to the drink's creator, Xá de Cana brought Brazilianness in a box and Brazil embraced the idea.The brand is already consolidated in the São Paulo market and has started a partnership for the official entry in the carnival of Rio de Janeiro, in addition to a promising expansion in Manaus.
"From a traditional distillery to a craft beer hub, Minas Gerais has always had a DNA of quality. What we're seeing now is the transition of this technical know-how.
