With summer in full swing, it’s time for these beers, premixes and other refreshers.
We’ve stretched our holidays as far as they can go and now we’re in the thick of January – one of the crueler months of the year (summer + back-to-work = yikes). You can see the sun shining outside, your skin is sticking to every surface (coz sweat), and you’re slogging through your backlog of emails. It’s a lot. So naturally, everything else in January needs to be easy, but also delicious (obvs).
Luckily, we’ve got some fab new premixed cans and beers hitting the shelves this month. We’re talking super yum flavours that require zero effort. Thank goodness. Below, find 6 of the best new drinks to try now.
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1. Archie Rose Gin & Peach Soda
Archie Rose Gin is objectively fantastic. It’s one of Australia’s favourite gins (Aussies, are we wrong?) and it’s just bloody delicious. Now, imagine it in can form, but sexed up with some passionfruit and peaches. Did someone say drink of the summer? Because we’re sure thinking it. Sweet, fruity and bubbly, serve this ice cold from the can or jazz it up in a glass with heaps of ice and a lime wedge.
Where to take it: Just because Christmas is over, doesn’t mean you’re done with the family gathos. All those people that couldn’t make it to the big one? You’ll be roped into seeing them now. Bring a pack of these along to please both you and the crowd. Aunty Kate will get around it.
2. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Lemonade
Lemon-flavoured drinks were big in 2024, and there’s no sign of slowing in 2025. Say g’day to lemon’s latest beau, Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Lemonade. Not just for cola, whiskey is a great companion for lemonade, and this particular combo really sings. Sweet, bright, lemon-esque, plus all the stuff you love about Jack Daniel’s signature whiskey, but in can form. It’s a perf Jan sip. Drink it frosty or serve it up with a heaps of ice and a lemon wedge if you’re feeling fancy.
Where to take it: If your millennial brother got a meat smoker for Chrissy and wants to take it for a spin (it’s his new personality), Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Lemonade is the perfect stand-around-the-smoker-and-watch-the meat-burn-for-hours drink. The smokiness of the meat will complement the notes of smoke in the whiskey, while the bubbly lemonade will refresh and potentially lighten the mood – depending on how burnt the meat is.
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3. Canadian Club Soda & Lime
Christmas is about stuffing your face. Ham, prawns, pavlovas, cheese, wine… all the good stuff. We love it. But if you’re feeling a bit of ham and wine fatigue in January and want something a little lower in cals, a Canadian Club Soda & Lime could well do the trick. Low in sugar and only 31 cals per 100mL, it’s bubbly and light but still bloody yum. Drink right out of the can, or over some ice, with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Where to take it: Look, we all know Jan is about leftover ham for breakfast and finishing the last dregs of any opened Christmas wine (see here for some excellent wine cocktails, btw). That’s all well and good, but if you need a break from your friend’s and fam’s hams and wine, bring along a Canadian Club Soda & Lime as a lower calorie alternative.
4. Wrexham Lager 4.0%
Do you love beer? How about football? What about Wrexham A.F.C? If you answered yes to two or more of those things, then you’re going to love this beer (Chester fans, even you). Coming in at 4%, this beer is a little lighter than your average lager, but still full on flavour. Think subtly hopped, malty but wonderfully crisp and light – an all-rounder as they say in football (Mr. Beckham, is that right?).
Where to take it: Normally, we’d say this beer is a perfect after-football drop because well…. it's called Wrexham Lager (like the team, if that wasn’t clear) and it’s a lower alcohol percentage. But no one is playing a full game of soccer *cough* …we mean football… in an Aussie summer. So, opt for something equally as British, like cricket – or even better, backyard cricket. A perfect one-hand-on-the-bottle, one-arm-bowling situation.
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5. Kopparberg Brewed Hard Ginger
If you took a gap year after school, especially if you flitted over to the UK, you’ll be familiar with the Kopparberg cider suite. It’s every gappy’s drink of choice – 1. Because of the price, and 2. Because it’s delicious. Now, they’ve released a hard ginger beer, and colour this author excited, along with every other nostalgic ex-gappy. Now, if you like your gingers soft, like Ed Sheeran, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re more of the “roundhouse kick me in the face with a ginger root” Chuck Norris ginger fan, you’ll love this ginger beer. Think big, spicy flavours, a fun sweetness, and some powerful, crisp bubbles.
Where to take it: BYO it to your fave Chinese restaurant and pair it with some big fatty char siu or a nice plate of spicy noodles. Golden.
6. Foster’s Classic Lager
Well, well, well, look who it is – an Aussie icon is among us, folks! This isn’t new, by any means, but classic beers are making a hardcore comeback and we’re here for it. Especially in these convenient lil cans. If you’re not a Foster’s devotee, that’s totally fine – everyone makes mistakes. Jokes. Foster’s Lager is malty, fruity and crisp, with a clean, hoppy finish. It’s the perfect January lager: easy-drinking and refreshing.
Where to take it: This is the kind of beer you crack open after mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, or pulling out the weeds – a little treat after some light manual labour. Renting an apartment? Same goes for the dreaded laundry fold. All that's left is to rip open a packet of Smith's Crinkle Cut Salt and Vinegar chips. You’re welcome.
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