Drinks Digest has been sampling the tropical new releases on the market and these are some of our favourites – they taste like summer in a can.
If you’re yearning for an island escape, but frustrated by the closed state borders, try one of these refreshing tinnies while you wait.
Topo Chico Pineapple Twist
What it is: Topo Chico Hard Seltzer is inspired by Topo Chico mineral water, a cult Mexican brand. It’s available in three flavours: Tangy Lemon Lime, Pineapple Twist, and Strawberry Guava. Each can contains 4.7% ABV, is under 104 calories and is gluten free with no artificial sweeteners.
Why we like it: We tried all three variants during a virtual tasting this week and the Pineapple Twist was our favourite, it has lots of earthy pineapple flavour and a hint of citric sourness.
Lick Pier Tropical Ginger Beer
What it is: Melbourne’s East 9th Brewing recently released Lick Pier Tropical Ginger Beer. It was supposed to be on shelf last summer, but COVID-19 put the plans on ice. The tinnie balances the warmth of ginger beer with the natural fruit flavours of pineapple and passionfruit. It’s also gluten free, with an ABV of 3%.
Why we like it: We’re not mega ginger beer fans, so we enjoyed the way the fruit flavours softened the tang. It reminds us of those passionfruit fizzy drinks of our youth and it’s really refreshing served icy cold. Yum!
Splash Watermelon + Pomegranate
What it is: Splash is the brainchild of actress Olympia Valance and it’s a vodka spritz style drink. Splash has launched two new flavours – Watermelon + Pomegranate and Orange + Passionfruit – both are infused with 100% natural flavours and contain zero sugar or artificial sweeteners. At less than 80 calories per can, Splash Vodka aims to provide ‘guilt-free’ sips for spring and summer entertaining.
Why we like it: We tried the Watermelon + Pomegranate and loved the flavour. We’re pomegranate fans and the sweet notes of watermelon complemented it perfectly. Some spritz drinks are too “mineral” for us, and we’re not fans of artificial sweeteners in our spritzes, so this drink struck a good flavour balance.
Reeftip Mango, Coconut & Soda
What it is: Diageo Australia has launched a new homegrown spiced rum brand called Reeftip Drinks Co, with three RTDs in the initial range: Ginger, Lime & Soda, Pineapple, Lime & Soda and Mango, Coconut & Soda.
Why we like it: Aside from Reeftip donating 10% of its profits towards regenerating one of the country’s greatest natural assets and the world’s largest coral reef system – The Great Barrier Reef – we’re also big spiced rum fans at Drinks Digest. We loved all three flavours in the range, but Mango, Coconut & Soda was our fave – it tastes like a tropical escape (and we could all do with one of those right now), with hints of mango and coconut mixed with Reeftip’s spiced rum and a splash of soda water.
FELLR Passionfruit
What it is: Seasoned drinks marketers Andy Skora and Will Morgan launched FELLR out of their garages on the beaches of Sydney in July 2020. Passionfruit is the latest release from the independent brand.
Why we like it: The seltzer features natural passionfruit flavours, which are reminiscent of family barbecues and summer beach days … minus the sugar. FELLR also announced yesterday that it’s releasing a Watermelon Margarita canned cocktail. Can’t wait to try that one!
Categories: News
