It’s beer, but not as you know it.

The non-committal beer drinker is the natural prey of the mixed drink. You know the ad. It goes like this: Bloke walks into a pub and has an existential crisis because he doesn't feel like a beer. He wants something more refreshing. His mates are disgusted. Cut to mixed drink poured in slow motion; quell surprised approval from Bloke and fellow punters, and Bob's your uncle. It's a good premise, and if television advertising existed five thousand years ago when beer was invented, it would have moved serious units then, too. But we're about to introduce you to a brand new brew that lets you have it both ways. It's beer, it's different, and it's bloody delicious. It's fruity beer.

Meet fruity beer

First, you should know that this is a brand-spankin' new style of beer. Brewed with cutting edge (and top secret!) techniques developed by some of the most respected names in the game, they’ve discovered a way to drop the bitterness way down, opening the door for huge natural fruit flavours to sit front and centre. It’s pretty much the biggest innovation in beer since the fridge. So make no mistake, this is not just Radler repacked (remember Radler?!) or another "fruit-driven" craft beer craze. It's everything you already love about beer, with the refreshment dialled all the way up.

What's it taste like?

Seriously? It tastes like fruit! Combining all those classic beery hallmarks – refreshing, thirst-quenching, fizzy goodness – with natural fruit flavours, fruity beer is far zestier and juicier than your average brew. Expect to find flavours like mango, passionfruit, strawberry and lime turning up the taste, with a clean and crisp finish – sort of like a hybrid between easy-drinking lager and seltzer. Delish, right?

Who is it for?

If your love for beer is unrequited, we guarantee there's room in your heart for fruity beer. And suppose you've caught yourself wondering whether the grass is greener over in seltzer land. In that case, we reckon one sip of this new drink sensation will sweep you off your feet again. We were recently lucky enough to nab a sneaky preview taste, and the experts in our office all agreed: this is set to be a winner. Delicious over ice at a backyard barbie or straight out of the can on a hot day, it’ll make a beer lover out of anyone.

So, now that you've met fruity beer, here are three brands to have on your radar.

Mosey

If the name doesn't give it away, Mosey's beers are perfect for a laid-back, leisurely drinking experience. Light and zesty, these guys have mastered the picnic brew with their range of easy-drinking beers. Crisp and citrusy, their lime flavour is a lock for DIY tacos. The passionfruit is a classic session beer and blueberry, with its deliciously aromatic flavour, is ideal with a post-lunch choccie binge.

Sungazer

The bubbles in Sungazer's fruity beers are microscopically mini. This creates a super-fine, almost creamy texture similar to Champagne. These beers are all about tropical tastes and sweet summer vibes. Bringing flavours like mango, raspberry and watermelon with them, Sungazer's fruity beers are the essential Sunday session accessory. The can's pretty lush, too.

Empire

Doubling down on the fruit, Empire's range of fruity beers are full of delicious flavour combos. Choose from orange and mango for a classic tangy-but-soft pairing or strawberry and lime for something super bright and fiercely refreshing. Where big flavour is concerned, Empire reigns supreme, so it might surprise you to learn that these beauties are also low in sugar. Long live the Empire!

This fruity beer trend is just taking off and we reckon it’s going to be a hit, so we’re watching it closely. Mosey, Sungazer and Empire are the first brands to hit the shelves, so you’d better get out there and try it. That sunshine is screaming picnic time and our foodie friend Conor Curran has fruity beers food pairing tips for you.