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New, now, next: October is all about lemon


Read time 4 Mins

Posted 10 Oct 2024

By
Lulu Morris


Friends sharing a lemon-inspired drink together at home

The verdict is in – lemon is the vibe. From limoncello to premixes and cider, we’ve rounded up the hot, new lemony bevvies to get a hold of this month.

Well, people, we called it. Earlier this year, we ran a piece about our favourite yellow citrus being THE flavour of the season (Lady Whistledown-approved, even), but little did we know that lemon was edging to be 2024’s ‘it’ gal. Lemon is literally everywhere – in reimagined pub classics, in spritzy canned cocktails and, of course, in this year’s most talked about premixed prince – Hard Rated. So, jump on the trend, be ahead of the curve and have a go at this year’s most-loved flavour: the delicious, the zippy, the zesty, the goes-with-everything, makes-everything-better (except milk) lemon.

Here are the new bottles, bevvies and cans you should be picking up from our fair stores this month and beyond.

Zoncello Limoncello Spritz cans

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1. Zoncello Limoncello Spritz cans

Remember that fabulous bottle of Zoncello Spritz? Well, it’s back – in can form. All the stuff you love from the big boy, but single-serve and portable. How good! Think lovely lemony vibes, all bright and fresh alongside Zonzo Estate’s signature prosecco. How Mediterranean! It’s almost as good as being in the European sunshine. Almost. Crack it cold or pour it into a glass with tonnes of ice and a slice of orange. Cin Cin!

Where to take it: Euro summer/brat summer/summer of limoncello may be cooling down in the northern hemisphere (boohoo) but Down Under, it’s heating up! This is your time to cosplay whatever you missed or are missing from Europe. We see this being a great accompaniment to a fun Mediterranean-themed lunch. We’re thinking DIY centrepieces, striped linen tablecloths, seafood pasta... You get the picture.

2. Luxardo Limoncello

One word: artisanal. Luxardo’s Limoncello has been lovingly produced the same way since the OG fam created the recipe back in 1905. How spesh is that? Not only that, but limoncello is a great base for your fave cocktails. Like a Bramble – ooh so pretty – or a fabbo Tom Collins, or follow the trending tide and mix it up in a Spritz. Yummo. Take a page out of any Italian’s book and drink it straight or over ice. Whichever way you choose to play, rest assured that brilliant lemon flavour will shine right through. 

Where to take it: Mum loves limoncello. You know it, we know it. So, next time youre making the hard trek down to Mum’s for lunch or dinner, skip the predictable savvy b and opt for a bottle of the lemon gold. Or better yet, smoosh those two hands together (savvy b and limoncello) and make a Spritz!

Luxardo Limoncello

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Hard Rated Alcoholic Lemon

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3. Hard Rated Alcoholic Lemon

THE most talked about can of the year – old mate Hard Rated. Listen, this guy is super delicious. All the stuff you want in a lemony drink but also premixed and canned. Think lovely bubbles, balanced sourness, but not overly sweet either. Just a real good drink. Drink this freezing cold from the can or over ice. 

Where to take it: This screams sitting on a grassy knoll watching sports to us, but if you’re not one for sweat, grass stains or yelling, a cute little picnic – maybe with some boujee lobster rolls – works, too.

4. Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon

If we could point to a drink that we reckon is going to be THE drink this season, it’s going to be Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon. Why? A little look-see at the branding should tell you enough; it’s super grammable. But it’s also refreshing, light on cals and sugar, and made with frozen natural lemon juice, which are huge pluses across the board. Drink it cold from the can to enjoy it at its best. 

Where to take it: We’re gonna go ahead and say to drink this with Korean barbecue or a big ol’ hotpot. It’s a light, easy sipper perfect for cutting through fats and heavy flavours, but also great for BYO (super portable). Perfect for when you’ve had enough of beer, and soju’s a little heavy on the tum.

Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon

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Little Fat Lamb Brewed Lemonator 8%

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5. Little Fat Lamb Brewed Lemonator 8%

Little Fat Lamb really said, “I'll be back,” and came back with the ‘Lemonator. Either way, they ate this up. This bottle is a fun drop thats sweet, sour and totally balanced without being too into itself. Nice bubbles, good flavour, and perf for the summer months that are fast upon us. Serve it up with a wedge of orange and plenty of ice.

Where to take it: This is a bev for getting ready at your mates before you go out. It tastes good, it's just a bit of fun and is so perfect for sitting on the floor with your gals doing your make-up (a canon event).

6. 4 Pines x Brookvale Union Lemon Shandy

A Shandy?! Yes, you read that right. Much like XXXX and VB making their triumphant retro return, so is the mighty and understated king of beer cocktails – the Shandy. And honestly, what’s not to like? Beer: good. Lemon squash: good. Mixed together? Bloody great. The marriage of Brookvale Union Lemon Squash and Four Pines Japanese Style Lager is kismet, so much so that they stuck it in a can and put it on our shelves. The mood for this canned cocktail is simple: don’t overcomplicate it. With that said, crack and drink cold from the can. 

Where to take it: These little canned gems are an everything-anytime drink. You can take them to family lunch and appease your mulleted uncle (“I used to drink those when I was your age”) or take them to kick-ons and get your friends onto something truly delicious. Retro is so totally in right now.

4 Pines x Brookvale Union Lemon Shandy

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CBCo Bertie Zesty Lemon Cider

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7. CBCo Bertie Zesty Lemon Cider

How good is this list of lemon drinks? We don’t mean to brag, but we reckon it might even be too good. However, it is screaming out for a little bit more, a cherry on top if you will, and that’s exactly what Bertie’s Zesty Lemon Cider is – a little exclamation at the end of a sentence (or listicle). Refreshingly zesty, and free from artificial colours and flavours, this little cidery number is au naturale. Best of all? It’s hot off the press and lookin’ cool on our shelves. So, jump into your nearest and dearest Dan’s to snap-up the offer.  

Where to take it: This drink is perfect for this author’s favourite date spot, and perhaps the greatest buffet on earth: the fish markets. Think oysters, fish and chips, sashimi and giant juicy king prawns with big dollops of seafood sauce. Heaven.