Plus, we have a slew of other new premixes for spring.

We get a bit excited about the return of spring here in Melbourne. We may not get the toughest winter in Australia (we see you, Tassie), but it can sometimes feel like it, so the promise of longer sunny days puts a skip in our step. From picnics to backyard barbies, all sorts of outdoor catch-ups are back in the diary, and they’re the types of occasions that call for easy, refreshing drinks. No more rich beers and brooding wines (for us, at least) – we’ve got our eye on the freshest, most vibrant premix drinks this season.

We’re therefore pretty happy to discover there are some shiny new RTDs to choose from right now, including different formats (hello pouches and big cans), flavours (jelly pearls included) and brands (even the footy players are into it). Fruity, fresh and seriously delicious, we’ve handpicked eight of the best new premixes to try right now.

A can of the new Mishka Alcoholic Passionfruit

1. Mishka Alcoholic Passionfruit

We’d be lying if we said this can’s design has nothing to do with it making this list, but we also happen to love the drink inside. Look beyond the eye-catching gold and purple packaging, and you’ll find vibrant, punchy passionfruit flavours mixed with five-times distilled Mishka vodka. This is the pick for homemade burgers, best cooked and served al fresco.

$20.99 pack (4)

$5.99 each (in-store)

2. Bundaberg Big Bear Original Rum & Cola

Bundy and cola continues to tick all the boxes – especially in this shareable 440mL can. Legend has it that we adopted this rum-based combo from American marines back in the 1940s, and it’s still a hot favourite today. Pack the plastic cups, ice and fresh lime slices, and pour this around at your next arvo hang alongside some chips, dip and strong cheeses.

$8.99 Each

The Bundaberg Big Bear Original Rum & Cola

3. Suntory -196 Double Apple 6%

If you’re new to shochu, the Suntory -196 range is an excellent intro to this Japanese spirit. This new apple flavour, which comes in at 6% ABV, or 1.6 standard drinks, is super bright and zingy. Fresh apples are frozen, crushed and infused in the shochu to create this drink, which we think is bang-on to go with a pork banh mi.

$119.99 case (24)

$21.95 pack (4)

4. Smirnoff Crush Mango & Peach Zero Sugar

A premix in a pouch? Yep, it’s arrived. This 165mL soft pack has juicy mango and peach flavours, and plenty of sweetness, but without all the sugar and fizz. It makes one of the best, lightweight drinks that’s also easy to chill (it fits in the fridge in any number of ways). We reckon it’s made to go with hot chips (chicken salt essential).

$62.99 pack (9)

$6.99 each (in-store)

The Smirnoff Crush Mango & Peach Zero Sugar

5. White Claw Agave Smash Lime Jalapeno

Don’t underestimate the flavours you’ll get in this slimline can. Top American seltzer brand White Claw brings us an agave spirit combined with jalapeno and lime for a zesty, citrusy and lightly spicy refresher. Surprisingly complex, this is made for tacos and your other favourite Mexican (and Tex-Mex) dishes.

$24.99 pack (4)

$8.89 each (in-store)

6. Barry Guava & Prickly Pear Agave & Soda

This is the favourite flavour of Barry’s Drinks co-founder and AFL star Bailey Smith; the Geelong player launched the brand with fellow footballers Josh and Nick Daicos, and Charlie Curnow. It’s a low-sugar blend of agave spirit with sweet guava notes and tart prickly pear. This is a picnic must-have, especially if schnitty sandwiches come out.

Member Offer

$24 pack (4)Non-Member: $28.49 pack (4)

The new Barry Guava & Prickly Pear Agave & Soda

Bubblas Mango Alcoholic Bubble Tea with Mango Jelly Pearls

7. Bubblas Alcoholic Bubble Tea Mango with Jelly Pearls

Meet Australia’s first canned alcoholic bubble tea, complete with jelly pearls. This one is full of tropical mango along with chewy, mango-flavoured jellies that really double down on that fruity refreshment. We’re pairing this one with Thai takeaway – the spicier the better.

Member Offer

$22 pack (4)Non-Member: $23.99 pack (4)

8. Asahi Zeitaku Shibori Mango

There’s no such thing as too much mango, so this new vodka and soda is right up our alley. With a squeeze of mango juice, this is a delicate balance of fruity, fizzy flavour that’s light and refreshing. It’s also made for the sunshine, especially when someone’s firing up the barbie – chargrill some chicken and corn, and serve it up with a tangy potato salad.

$26 pack (4)

$8 each (in-store)