This month will see Australia’s first hard seltzer, a fruit-infused fizzy water called Quincy, hit bottle stores nationwide in what is believed to be the start of a huge new drinks trend down under.

Seltzers can be made one of two ways, either they are naturally fermented or they are made from a carbonated mix of alcohol and water.  Either way, you end up with a low-carb, low-calorie beverage that’s a whole lot better for you than its alcopop equivalents.

Innovations director at Lion, Jo Simpson said: “Quincy is made through a rice fermentation process and the alcohol is naturally occurring. We then infuse it with a hint of passionfruit or lime so there is no need for high-sugar mixers. It tastes as light and refreshing as sparkling water, only alcoholic.”

While the concept may be new in Australia, data from Nielsen shows sales in the United States have skyrocketed 193% since last year. In the first six months of 2019, Americans spent $389 million on hard seltzer, which was an increase of 210% from 2018.

Seltzers are expected to experience a similar surge in Australia, especially considering our penchant for day drinking.

“Alcoholic seltzers are perfect for the largest growing occasion – afternoons,” says Simpson. “Consumers are liking the idea of catching up with friends earlier in the day than ever before.”

Quincy seltzer will launch in Australia on November 1, 2019. The 300ml bottles retail for $19.99 for a four-pack and are available at Dan Murphy’s, BWS and all leading Independent liquor outlets.