You may not be old enough (ahem) to remember when Sub Zero first hit nightclubs and bottle shops, but it’s been 25 long years between white spirit premix drinks for Carlton & United Breweries.

The brewing empire has just launched its first white spirit premix since the iconic alcoholic soda Sub Zero became synonymous with a good night out.

Quarantine baking has meant lots of us have started putting on our winter layer a little early, but the new Actual Vodka Seltzer hits all the right notes for those looking to indulge without the calories.

Alcoholic, low-calorie carbonated water (known as “hard seltzer”) has become the drink of choice for millions of Americans (on-premise sales grew five-fold in 2019) and we reckon it’s going to take off in Australia too.

“The hard seltzer market is the next big thing in Australia,” said Actual’s senior marketing manager Marc Lord. “Consumers now want simple, no-nonsense alcoholic drinks and that’s what Actual is. Standing in front of the ready-to-drink and craft beer fridges with thousands of flavours it’s hard to make a choice, so we’ve made it simple.”

While the drinks may be simple (and vegan), they’re also undeniably delicious.

There are two varieties – pure and lime. Pure has no sugar and only 65 calories, while lime is low in sugar and contains just 69 calories. The drinks come in sleek, slimline cans in pastel blue and green, making them pretty much an #iso Instagrammer’s dream.

As we start to emerge from our quarantine bubble, many of us are looking for drinks that are clean, crisp and refreshing. “Research has shown us that consumers are done with ingredient lists longer than your arm,” said Lord. “People are more health conscious than ever and want to know what they’re drinking.”

And you’ll know exactly what’s in your Actual Vodka Seltzer because the ingredients are boldly listed on front of the can. “Actual is a simple drink of water and vodka, which results in low calories and low or no sugar,” said Lord. “People still want to have a drink, but they don’t want the sugar or added ingredients.”

Taking your first sip of Actual, you’ll be transported to another time (okay, maybe not 25 years in the past), but one where you’re at a party, a festival or in the sunshine having a drink and some fun with friends.

Surely, raise our glass (or can) to that.

Actual is on sale now. Available at Liquorland, Independent Liquor Stores and BoozeBud.