Not your average ‘plus one’, these drinks are way easier to explain than bringing your weird housemate.
So, you want to know the latest drink launches that are flying off our shelves right now? And preferably which ones go hand-in-hand with the upcoming party season because your iCal is chaos?
Well, we must have read your mind, because we’ve rounded up our favourite new party/picnic/pre-drinks-ready additions to the Dan Murphy’s family. We’re talking refreshing alcoholic ginger beer, summery fruit fizzers and low-sugar sippers. So, strap in and let’s do this.
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1. James Squire Ginger and Lime Whisky
Take some citrusy ginger, add a dash of crisp lime soda and a generous pour of barrel-aged whisky, and you’ve got yourself a very tasty bev indeed. Perfect for the whisky-curious and anyone who loves cracking open something refreshing, this Ginger and Lime can brings two zesty flavours together in a match made for warm weather. We love the whisky’s delicate lingering stone fruit notes that add a delightful twist, making this a flavour-filled summer sipper you’ll keep coming back to. Best enjoyed ice-cold straight from the can or poured over ice with a slice of fresh lime to enhance those citrusy flavours.
Where to take it:
This Sunday’s family barbie. Pass a can to your uncle who thinks whisky should only be brought out for special occasions and proceed to blow his mind – and keep an eye on the other cans you threw in the esky because you might just have a new James Squire Ginger and Lime Whisky fan on your hands.
2. Hard Rated Zero Sugar Lemon Mango
Lemon and mango get along famously, but when you throw them together in a new Hard Rated, you’d better believe your tastebuds are in for a treat. Made in Australia using crushed lemons and mangoes, and with the alcoholic kick you’ve come to expect from Hard Rated, this latest drink delivers on those sweet, summer-ready flavours – this time sans the sugar high. If you’re a fan of their OG can, then we’re certain this will be a new favourite. Put them on ice, make sure you’ve got a stubby holder handy and let the good times roll.
Where to take it:
These have ‘music festival’ written all over them. Now, that could mean pitching a tent at your friend’s farm for the weekend while some local bands get on the mic – or something like Meredith or Golden Plains. Either way, pack some of these in your esky.
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3. Fellr Ginger Beer
We can’t get enough of the great alcoholic ginger beers making the rounds at the moment. Fellr is one of the brands leading the charge; their Alcoholic Ginger Beer balances the delicate heat of Queensland-grown ginger with the refreshing sweetness that comes with traditional brewed ginger beer. Plenty of flavour, not too much sugar – just a tasty drink that’s made for long summer soirees.
Where to take it:
If you’re heading to a friend’s place for ‘Takeout Tuesday’ (yes, we just made that up but let’s make it a thing) and Asian is on the menu. Fun fact: the natural spiciness of ginger complements the heat of dishes like Thai curries, Indian vindaloos or Szechuan stir-fries. Dinner (and drinks) is served!
4. Smirnoff Crush Mango and Peach
Your new summer crush just entered the chat. It’s fruity, fun and… flirty? Well, we’re not really sure if a drink can be flirty, but this new Smirnoff Vodka Crush is definitely fun – and packed with natural fruit flavours. Best enjoyed straight from the can or over ice, either way, make sure it’s chilled. Like icy-cold chilled. If you’re more of a citrus fan, check out Smirnoff Crush Lemon Lime Cans – they’re equally fun and fruity.
Where to take it:
That house party your friend of a friend got an invite to. It’s a distant connection, and you’re not even sure you really scored an invite per se, but you’ve heard there’ll be an inflatable pool in the backyard, and you never miss an opportunity to run under a sprinkler or make a DIY slip ‘n slide.
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5. Matso’s Lower Sugar Ginger Beer
Another tasty alcoholic ginger beer that also happens to so hot right now. This refreshing drop from Matso’s offers you everything you love about ginger beer – distinct flavour, subtle heat – with less than half the sugar than others on the market. Plus, there’s no artificial sweeteners or preservatives – and it’s vegan-friendly. Grab a six-pack of these for a refreshingly zesty good time.
Where to take it:
To your friend’s house who’s hosting a ‘Make your own pizza night’. The pizzas are going to be delicious, no doubt – but that slice of margherita will be made all the better alongside this crisp ginger beer.
6. Brookvale Union Ginger Beer Low Sugar
The same bold, flavour-filled taste of ginger beer you love with 70% less sugar? Nice! Brookvale's refreshing twist on traditional ginger beer is brewed in New South Wales and marries the spicy kick of ginger with a crisp, clean finish that makes it the perfect sipper on a scorching summer’s day. Enjoy it ice-cold straight from the can or in a glass with a lime wedge.
Where to take it:
A picnic where the temperature is sitting above 30 degrees, and all that’s left to do is decide who’s in charge of tunes, keep that cheese out of the sun, and reapply SPF every two hours. Life’s good.
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