NOW EXPERIENCING:8 picnic-ready drinks to sip this weekend
Hit List|Picnic|Zero% (non-alc)|Spring

8 picnic-ready drinks to sip this weekend


Read time 3 Mins

Posted 23 Oct 2024

By
Emily Reed


A picnic table with drinks, watermelon and bread

Roll out a rug and crack one of these because it’s time to picnic.

Do you feel that? There’s something in the air. The days are longer, the breeze is warmer and that patch of grass at your local park is looking mighty inviting. The time has come to rifle through that cupboard you could’ve sworn you packed your tartan rug in because it’s picnic season. All of a sudden you’re dusting off the Finksa, stocking up on half-priced dip trios like they’re going out of fashion, charging up the Sonos Roam and checking the long-range forecast because it’s time to eat, drink and be merry outside. Whether you’re throwing some cushions down in the courtyard or heading to the local park, you’re going to want some picnic-perfect drinks. 

And so, we bring you this round-up of the latest bagnums, mini wines, cans and quality cocktail casks that are super convenient for all your al fresco catch-ups. Happy picnicking, friends! 

1. Rewild Sauvignon Blanc Bagnum

The only thing better than lying on a picnic rug and deciding between a slice of brie or Comté is sipping on a savvy b that gives back while you do it. Rewild has a simple ethos: make sustainable wines and give back to the environment. Heralding from Duxton Vineyard in NSW, the team invests in renewable energy and reduces their water usage all while supporting initiatives like Saving Our Species. This is a delightfully sippable sauvignon blanc – and its passionfruit and tropical fruit aromas make it an ideal drop to carry to this weekend’s picnic. A bagnum (that’s a 1.5-litre magnum in a bag) is a no-brainer – it has a built-in handle and replaces those bottles of wine clinking around in your tote bag. Even better? It lasts a whole month after you crack it open. 

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

2. Jerri Moscow Mule

A Moscow Mule on the go? It’s possible. This canned version of the classic ginger beer, vodka and lime trio has everything you love about the original tipple without needing to pack way too much in your picnic basket. Refreshingly tasty, it delivers a spicy kick of ginger balanced with the tang of lime; sip it with your eyes closed, and you’ll swear a bartender just made it in front of you. Our serving suggestion? Pour it into large plastic glasses and load up on the ice. We reckon sipping one of these while barbecuing some meat is a must: a gourmet snag with some tangy sauce will go down a treat with the Mule’s refreshing profile.

3. Altina Sansgria

The crew at Altina has your non-alcoholic picnic drinks sorted with their Sansgria (we love a drinks brand that can get behind a good pun). This lush and vibrant bev is a high-key favourite of the in-the-know sober-curious. It blends de-alcoholised shiraz, native Australian riberry and zesty citrus notes, leading to a complex and refreshing finish. Just like all good Sangria, this non-alc take is delicately structured, oh-so refreshing and slightly sweet (there are no added sweeteners or grape juice concentrates to be found here). Don’t be afraid to jazz it up with a slice of dried citrus and plenty of ice. In the words of Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids, ‘That’s freshhh.’

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

4. Noble Fellows White Peach Pinot Gris Spritzer

When the sun comes out, there’s just something special about sipping on something fizzy while yapping with your mates on a rug. This refreshing beverage is a top choice for that fizzy something you’re craving. It basically combines all the best parts of wine, seltzer and spritz without the effort of trying to locate all those drinks separately (the sun’s out – no time for faffing around!). It’s bursting with naturally fruity flavours and is lightly carbonated for a good time. 

5. Fellr Ginger Beer Cans

New summer sipper alert! Introducing FELLR Alcoholic Ginger Beer: a very refreshing brew that balances the subtle heat of Queensland-grown ginger with the delicious sweetness and freshness we all look for and love in traditional brewed ginger beer. It’s low on sugar while still packing a flavoursome punch. Could this be your new favourite sessional ginger beer bev? You’ll have to pick up a six-pack and find out.

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

6. Vodka Cruiser Zero Sugar Pineapple Cans

A pineapple-flavoured Cruiser and a mid-summer picnic at your local park go together like Jacob Elordi and a Bottega handbag. This iconic drink is now sans sugar, but you wouldn’t know it because the flavour still hits and Cruiser’s signature premium triple-distilled vodka is as tasty as ever. If you’re feeling extra tropical, why not pour one out in a novelty cocktail cup and add a slice of pineapple? Lush!   

7. Mexink Sparkling Marg

A sparkling Margy might sound unusual, but stick with us here – the Margarita Soda has blown up recently. In this highly portable version, you get the full-bodied flavour of a classic Margarita – with Aussie-grown agave and limes to boot – and a crisp, refreshing fizz that cuts through a hot and humid afternoon like a knife. Plus, it’s only one standard drink per can, making it a great choice if that al fresco catch-up kicks on long after the sun goes down. We’ve all been to one of those picnics.

Click image to shop

Click image to shop

8. Mountain Goat Summer Ale

A cheeky summer ale? Mountain Goat is all over it. This one is brewed with long, languid Aussie summers in mind. It’s loaded with fruity, crisp characters and has minimal bitterness. It also really leans into the summer vibes with hop aromas of melon and passionfruit, which complement the subtle fruitiness. The finish is crisp, dry and very refreshing. We think this one tastes best on a family-sized picnic rug accompanied by your favourite people and at least two bags of salt and vinegar chips. Doesn’t get much better than that.