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From double ciders to zesty premixes (and a strawberry plot twist), these easy-drinking cans are bringing big flavour.
Lifted palate this, rounded mouthfeel that – are we the only ones who sometimes need a break from decoding what a drink actually tastes like? Every now and then, we just want raspberries. Or lemon, perhaps. For those times, we’ve rounded up a bunch of fruit-forward classics that meet the brief. No tasting notes, no swirling needed – just fruit flavours that taste as refreshing and vibrant as you’d expect them to be.
And if you happen to be browsing in-store, you can even pick up one of these fresh drinks in our ‘Try Me for $4’ offer. It’s an in-store thing, so you’ll need to grab it from the fridge, but it’s an easy way to find out if it’s your kind of drink.
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1. Strongbow Hard Cider Zesty Lemon
How good is cider? Sweet, fizzy, icy-cold, cider is one of those “why would I order anything else?” drinks. But just when you thought it couldn’t be improved, here we are. Strongbow, the undisputed queen of hard cider, has gone and given the classic a glow-up with zesty lemon and a little extra kick, coming in at 8.2% ABV. You’re still getting that OG appley goodness we all know and rate, but now it’s lifted with a bright, citrusy zing that makes it feel extra refreshing. Sweet meets zesty. Familiar, but fresher. Colour us excited.
Where to take it: Where else does a hit of citrus do its best heavy lifting? Think oysters or fish and chips. It might not be your classic pairing, but that bright, zippy sweetness cuts through the brine of oysters and lifts the saltiness of crispy fish. Trust us, it works.
2. Mercury Double Cider 10%
This isn’t just cider – we’re talking double cider, which is great for anyone after extra apple and extra punch, coming in at 10% ABV. When regular ciders just won’t cut it, Mercury Double Cider steps up: bold, full-bodied and crisp as. To be served ice-cold from the fridge or over a load of ice and shared around, this cider is a welcome addition to the esky, ice bucket or fridge line-up. You could even get fancy and chuck a little lemon wedge in there for extra zest – all that for a four-pack that’s less than $20.
Where to take it: This one’s pure gig vibes. Maybe it’s your mate’s ambitious first DJ set, or your awesome girlfriend tearing it up at the local town hall’s punk night. Whatever the chaos, Mercury Double Cider is here to match that energy.
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3. Suntory -196 Lemon & Passionfruit
Apples might be hogging the fruity spotlight at the moment, so let’s give our trusty briar a breather and take a tropical detour. Meet Suntory’s shiny new Lemon & Passionfruit. A fresh face in the 196 Suntory line-up, this can follows the same winning mix of shochu, vodka, soda and lemon, but with the welcome twist of passionfruit. And, of course, it gets the full Freeze Crush Technology™ treatment, where real fruit is frozen and crushed to give every sip a punch of natural flavour.
Where to take it: Ever tried at-home karaoke? Sure, technically it’s just a bunch of people belting out tunes in the living room, but it’s a fun, cheap night in (just make sure you pop the Suntory Lemon & Passionfruit in the fridge). Queue the tunes, grab a sip, and maybe even hit “Play” on Drake’s ‘Passionfruit’. Mood.
4. Kirin Hyoketsu Strawberry
Check this out – a premix that isn’t lemon flavoured? Believe it, friends: Kirin has hooked up all the anti-lemon people with a vodka soda that’s strawberry-flavoured. It’s early days, but the buzz is good: tight bubbles, fresh flavour, not too sweet, and low-cal. A proper win-win. So, if you’re ready to dethrone lemon from its fruity pedestal, grab a Kirin Hyoketsu Strawberry and raise a can to something a little different.
Where to take it: Okay, stick with us, but why not throw a little at-home high tea? Tiny sandwiches, cream-filled scones, the whole shebang. And for a fancy twist, pour a few of these strawberry beauties into flutes with a little strawberry garnish and sip it in style. Cute!
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5. Vodka Cruiser 10% Grape
Step aside, wine (but don’t go too far, we still love you) – there’s a new grapey drink in town. If you’ve tried a Cruiser before, you know the vibe – sweet without tipping into syrupy, fizzing with just the right amount of bubbles, and a smooth vodka that plays nice. This new Vodka Cruiser Grape is perfect for when you want a hit of grape, and at 10% ABV, we’re all about serving this one over ice. It’s a fruity fizzer if ever there was one.
Where to take it: There’s no better home for a Vodka Cruiser than an OG house party. Millennials, you know the vibe. These were nights that ran ‘til late, with dancing and laughs, and Vodka Cruisers were right there for all of it. BYO Vodka Cruiser Grape.
6. Pals Vodka Peach, Passionfruit and Soda
Here is a crisp mix of premium vodka, peach, passionfruit and soda water that’s clean, fresh and simply delish. That’s because Pals stick to the basics and uses only the best ingredients. Smooth, high-quality spirits keep it easy-drinking, and it’s also gluten-free, vegan and free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. Oh, and it comes in a can that’s easily recyclable. Good for the planet and the palate? Oh yeah.
Where to take it: Your pal’s pot luck? Consider it handled. It’ll keep everyone happy, and it’s the simplest thing you can bring. Crucially, it actually tastes good, too, which is more than we can say for that vegan cake you bravely attempted last time.
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