If you’ve visited Japan but don’t really remember it too well, chances are you discovered the country’s number one premix, Strong Zero, while you were there.

The super-popular RTD is famous for its strong taste and even stronger ABV, not to mention, the fact that you can buy them 24 hours-a-day from vending machines across Japan.

And now they’re available in Australia! Last year, Suntory introduced -196 Double Lemon Down Under and this month they’re following up with a fresh new flavour.

The new -196 Double Grape utilises the same Freeze Crush Infusion method as its sister shochu. Essentially, whole grapes are frozen in liquid nitrogen (hence the -196°C) and then pulverised into a powder, which is soaked in vodka and shochu. As you’ve probably guessed, it’s a pretty extreme drink.

“The launch of -196 Double Lemon was last year’s most successful premix* launch in Australia and we know this new flavour is going to excite both those familiar with the original brand in Japan as well as our new local -196 fans,” says Beam Suntory Marketing Director, Trent Chapman.

“Grabbing a pack of -196 Double Grape should feel like you’re reaching straight into the fridge of a convenience store in Tokyo. Unmistakably Japanese, we can’t wait for this next-level refreshment to hit Aussie shelves.”

The new -196 Double Grape will be priced at $23 for a four-pack and $49 for a 10-pack when it hits Aussie shelves in late October 2022

Related news: Brace yourself, Japan’s super-charged shochu bevvy Strong Zero is launching Down Under