Overview
Australia's drinks scene moves fast, and the most interesting releases rarely sit neatly in one category. Right now, Australian distillers, winemakers and beverage brands are pushing beyond tradition, experimenting with how drinks are made, served and enjoyed — from limited-edition spirits to low-fuss cans built for long sessions.
This edit rounds up standout recent releases from producers across the country, spanning seasonal gin, expressive new wines, locally driven aperitivos and modern RTDs designed for summer lunches, late nights and everything in between.
Planning where to drink rather than what to pour? Explore our guide to the best new venues to visit in Melbourne and Sydney right now.
Australian Christmas Gin 2025, Four Pillars
Created by Four Pillars co-founder Cameron Mackenzie, this cult annual release captures the flavours of an Australian Christmas using real Christmas puddings distilled alongside juniper, spice and dried fruit. Finished with a touch of aged Muscat, it delivers piney depth, rich sweetness and unmistakable festive character.
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RoRo Aperitivo Spritz, Zonzo Estate
From the team behind Zonzo Estate, this bottled spritz takes cues from classic Italian aperitivos while leaning into Australian drinking rhythms. Expect red fruit, dark spice and subtle bitterness, designed to be poured straight over ice with minimal effort.
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2025 Fiano, Oliver's Taranga
Made by sixth-generation winemaker Corrina Wright, this McLaren Vale Fiano balances texture and freshness with ease. Nutty, savoury notes meet preserved lemon, basil and citrus lift, finishing with creamy length and food-friendly acidity.
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Emergency Marg, El Toro Tequila
This pocket-sized margarita kit pairs El Toro Blanco Tequila with citrus mixer for a fast, no-frills cocktail solution. Just add ice, shake and pour — ideal for spontaneous drinks that still deliver proper balance.
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Sparkling Sake with Yuzu, Snow Monkey
Brewed using premium Japanese sake liqueur and blended in Australia, this naturally fermented sparkling sake is finished with yuzu for brightness and lift. Gluten-free and lightly aromatic, it offers a refreshing alternative to beer or wine.
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Cherry Vanilla Cola, Barry
Co-owned by AFL stars Bailey Smith, Charlie Curnow, Nick Daicos and Josh Daicos, this whisky-based RTD taps into early-2000s nostalgia with a modern edge. Low in sugar, carbs and calories, it's built for easy drinking without sacrificing flavour.
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Tequila Cabernet Sauvignon, Casa Tinto
Distilled in Mexico and infused with pressed Australian wine grapes, this tequila-wine hybrid delivers dark fruit richness alongside agave warmth. Expect black cherry, cassis and vanilla, best enjoyed slowly over ice.
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Vodka RTDs, UDL
An Aussie classic reintroduced with a bold new look, UDL's refreshed range spans multiple fruit-forward flavours with a cleaner, more contemporary finish. Still unmistakably nostalgic — just updated for modern summer drinking.
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Halfy Ultra-Low Carb Lager, Better Beer
From The Inspired Unemployed's beer brand, Halfy delivers half-strength refreshment at just 2.1 percent ABV. Brewed light and crisp with the same hop profile as the original, it's made for long days and steady pacing.
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Saltbush & Olive Vodka, Fellow
Distilled with olive leaf, saltbush and pink grapefruit, this coastal-leaning vodka delivers savoury aromatics and clean texture. At 37 percent ABV, it shines in simple serves with grapefruit soda and fresh herbs.
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Australian Aperitif, Tanica
Founded on Sydney's Northern Beaches, Tanica uses native botanicals like Davidson's plum and strawberry gum leaf to create a distinctly local aperitif. Tart, vibrant and designed for spritz-style drinking in warm weather.
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Sparkling Rosé NV, Red Hill Estate
This newly refreshed cool-climate sparkling rosé delivers fine bubbles with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry and gentle savoury minerality. Elegant yet easygoing, it's built for aperitivo hour and summer entertaining.
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2025 Arinto, La Chica Con Tinta
Created by the team at Hirsch Hill, this Heathcote-grown Arinto draws inspiration from Portuguese whites while staying firmly rooted in Australian soil. Bright citrus, melon and stone fruit meet a textured, refreshing finish.
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Unico Mando, Unico Zelo
Made by Riverland winemakers Brendan and Laura Carter, this vibrant mandarin liqueur uses Dekopon mandarins — prized for their size and sweetness — sourced exclusively from South Australia. At 20 percent ABV, it's bright, juicy and designed to shine in spritzes, particularly when paired with amber wine and soda.
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