These low- and no-sugar drinks are the best kind of grab and go.

You know it, we know it, Santa knows it – silly season can get, well, a bit silly. Between the work drinks, the Christmas hams and big catch-ups like Friendsmas, there’s a whole lot of indulging going on. And hey, that’s why we love this time of year.

But if you’re looking to rein it in a little, we have the answer: low- and no-sugar cans, baby. These little sippers are pared back in sugar but not in flavour. Stock the fridge with the following six premixes this season and you can’t go wrong.

1. Brookvale Union Ginger Beer Low Sugar

Speaking of salty, crispy Christmas ham, do you know what goes really well with it? Ginger beer. It’s a match made in Christmas heaven. So, if you’re anything like us and plan to eat your way through some ham this season, Brookvale Union’s low-sugar ginger beer is a tasty pairing that’s big on flavour. Think spicy ginger, tight bubbles, smooth flavour and dry sipping. It’s going to do wonders for that ham sandwich, ham salad, ham and eggs or just plain ham this season.

2. Better Cider Super Crisp Apple Cider

Those Inspired Unemployed peeps and their mate cottoned on to something fab with their Better Beer label. Clearly, the people are yearning for better alco options for the every-other-day. In response, the boys have brought something out for the non-beeries: a crisp, low-sugar apple cider that still tastes good. A big win-win for summer barbecue gathos, or even just to keep in the fridge just because.

Member Offer

$19 per pack of 6Non-Member: $21.99 pack (6)

The Better Cider Super Crisp Apple Cider

3. 23rd Street Distillery Signature Gin & Tonic

Outside of the ‘main event’ hangs that fill the summer rush, there are the smaller ones. The quick catch-up with your best friend’s parents because you’re in town. The calm before the Christmas storm with the downstairs neighbour. The loitering at the dog park with those people you only know as Fluffy’s parents. Those moments call for something quick but fun, tasty but not super spenny – something that’s ready for you to grab and go. Enter 23rd Street Distillery Signature Gin & Tonic: low in sugar, with a tonic that has a classic bitterness and hint of sweetness that hum with the Riverland citrus and aromatics of 23rd Street’s Signature Gin. Just chill, crack and enjoy.

4. Good Tides Hard Seltzer

Not everyone likes their cans sweet. If you prefer the more restrained side of the flavour spectrum, then Good Tides Hard Seltzer is your can. Expect crisp Australian sparkling water blended with triple-distilled Vodka O and a hint of natural lemon-lime flavour that freshens up the mix. It’s light, clean and just the right balance of tang and fizz. This will be a perfect addition for all kinds of occasions, whether that’s a sunny park arvo, backyard barbie or post-swim sip.

$97.50 case (24)

The Good Tides Hard Seltzer is a refreshing, subtle drink

A can of the new Ampersand Vodka and Raspberry Lemonade

5. Ampersand Vodka and Raspberry Lemonade

Some drinks are serious and then there are others that are a bit more fun. Ampersand Vodka and Raspberry Lemonade sits firmly in that second camp. Bright, punchy and zero sugar, this one is perfect for those moments when you want something tasty and unapologetically easy. Think long arvos on the balcony, learn-a-new-board-game night or just chilling with mates while the world keeps spinning. It’s sweet, tangy, a touch fizzy and all kinds of drinkable.

Member Offer

$120 per case of 24Non-Member: $28.99 Pack (4)

6. Hard Rated Lemon Pineapple

The new kid on the block is already making waves in ol’ Dan’s aisles. Sweet but never cloying, smooth with just the right amount of zing and zap, Hard Rated’s new flavour is a top-tier summer can and it’s zero sugar, too. We won’t declare a winner just yet, but it might even be gunning for golden boy lemon’s crown – it’s that good. And we’re taking it somewhere things get a little hotter. Why? Because pineapple and chilli are soulmates. So, maybe a hot-wings showdown is in order. Either way, your tastebuds are in for one hell of a ride.