Less Sugar, More Summer: The Drinks Taking Us from 2025 to 2026
Blue Sky Range
As Australians embrace healthier lifestyles, the search is on for drinks that capture all the summer fun without all the sugar. Don’t worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you. Here are some of our top picks, beverages that keep the flavour front and centre while cutting down on sugar. From crisp seltzers and zesty citrus blends to premium local spirits, these drinks are redefining what it means to enjoy a summer ‘Down Under’.
The Seltzer of Summer: Gravity’s Lime & Cucumber Seltzer
Leading the “Better For You” category, Gravity’s Seltzer has captured the hearts of Australian consumers with its crisp, fresh taste and natural ingredients. Brewed with high-quality Australian produce, it contains less than 1% sugar, is low in calories, gluten-free, and features all-natural flavours. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a drink without the guilt, Gravity’s Seltzer is Australia’s most engaged and loved hard seltzer online, a testament to the growing demand for lighter, cleaner options.
Gravity’s Hard Soda Lemoncello
For fans of zesty, citrus-forward beverages, Hard Soda Lemoncello is setting a new benchmark in the RTD (Ready-To-Drink) lemon category. With under 0.5g of sugar and just 114 calories per serve, it is one of the lowest-sugar lemon blends on the market. Its refreshingly crisp profile, accented with artisanal lemoncello made from the finest lemons, makes it the ultimate summer companion for those who crave flavour without excess sugar.
Grainshaker Vodka
Representing the premium end of the spectrum, Grainshaker Vodka showcases Australian craftsmanship at its finest. Founded in Melbourne in 2020, Grainshaker reimagined vodka with unmistakable local character, distilled in traditional copper pot stills and highlighting local produce. Recognised internationally, the brand was named International Vodka Producer of the Year at the 2024 IWSC, and its award-winning “True Blue” vodka is celebrated for its distinctive flavour profiles. Grainshaker proves that premium spirits can be both innovative and proudly Australian.
Act of Treason: Premium Australian Agave
Born in the Whitsundays on the largest agave farm outside of Mexico, Act of Treason crafts a truly unique Australian agave spirit. Handcrafted and double copper pot distilled, it delivers a softer, smoother profile that’s distinctly homegrown. With vibrant grassy, lime, and tropical fruit notes, this agave makes one of the best margaritas you’ll ever taste, a perfect way to enjoy a summer evening with a twist of Australian flair.
Travla Australian Lager – Mid Strength
For beer lovers, Travla Mid Strength is the ultimate all-rounder. Brewed using 100% Australian ingredients, this clean, crisp lager has a smooth bitterness that keeps you coming back for more. At 3.5% ABV and just 2.3g of carbohydrates per can, it’s a refreshingly light choice for summer, perfect to sip on arrival or enjoy throughout the evening without the heaviness of a traditional lager. Now available in 30-block packs, Travla combines flavour, sessionability, and a low-carb profile for the modern beer drinker.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, Australia’s drink scene is becoming leaner, cleaner, and more flavour-forward than ever. Whether it’s a chilled seltzer, a citrusy soda, or a locally distilled spirit, these homegrown innovations prove that “better for you” doesn’t have to mean boring. With every sip, Australians are raising a glass to balance, craftsmanship, and the unmistakable taste of summer.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
