Over the years, the global pre-mixed drink category has been overlooked and underappreciated, but in Australia, ready-to-drink (RTD) spirits have been flourishing. Back in 2005, a report in the Sydney Morning Herald found that  “while sales of RTDs are flat or in free-fall in markets around the world, in Australia they are booming. No other market has dark spirits-based RTDs such as those in Australia, nor is there a proliferation of drinks in cans.”

With that in mind, it’s time to dive into the best RTDs you can get your hands on. Whether it’s a cocktail, whisky or spritz, the classic flavours we’ve come to know and love, now come canned. Here is a list of the best pre-mixed drinks in Australia.

For the Whisky fans out there, try this luxuriously smooth blend of Canadian Club whisky paired with the perfect mixer, Dry Ginger. Enjoy chilled straight from the can, or pour over ice for poolside sipping on a warm summer’s day. A definite crowd-pleaser – these are a great option to always keep on hand.

Think of this Suntory can as the cooler, older (and boozy) sibling to the humble lemonade. This pre-mixed drink is a Japanese blend of shochu, vodka, soda and lemon, all made possible by innovative freeze crush infusion technology. The end result is an authentic and fresh lemon flavour that will have you buying the drink in masses.

A truly classic summer beverage is Jim Beam’s White Label Bourbon & Cola. Jim Beam’s iconic blend of premium bourbon paired with the luscious taste of cola is a crowd favourite, all in a ready-to-drink can. Created using the world’s leading bourbon, there’s not much convincing needed for this one.

Designed to elevate your afternoon drinks list, this first-of-its-kind canned range from Polish vodka icon Belvedere toes the line between convenience and indulgence. The super-premium flavoured vodkas are Belvedere’s first-ever certified organic spirit, meaning they are farmed with no artificial pesticides, additives, or chemicals. Best of all, they are impossibly tasty. The range includes Lemon & Basil with a touch of Elderflower, Blackberry & Lemongrass with a hint of Sage and Pear & Ginger with a drop of Linden Honey, each containing no sugar, sitting low carb, gluten-free and vegan. A naturally sophisticated drinking experience without the bloating, Belvedere has you covered.

A right of passage for every Australian 18-year old – the humble Vodka Cruiser. Everyone has their opinion on which is the best of their eight flavours, but no matter what you pick, you’re guaranteed a refreshing blend of triple distilled, genuine vodka and natural fruit flavours that taste seriously good. If you thought they couldn’t get better, they recently released their sugar-free cruiser range so you can enjoy the same great taste with no added sugar.

When it comes to summer drinks, it’s hard to go past the seltzer. A relatively new innovation on the RTD market, seltzers have exploded in recent times and US brand White Claw is leading the pack. The cult favourite now has four flavours available in Australia, with the recent launch of White Claw Watermelon.

Indulge in the seasonal flavours of Japan with this refreshing blend of Shochu, premium Yuzu and a finishing touch of lime. This subtly zesty highball expertly balances sweet and tangy flavours to create the most refreshing and easy drink to help you tackle the warmer weather. Pair it with some sushi, some sun, a picnic rug, and you’re good to go.

Offering an Aussie twist on an Italian classic, this blend of Australian white wine, lemon, elderflower, and sparkling water combines all your favourite summer sips into one. With a slightly bittersweet taste and refreshing finish, this SOFI spritz will quickly become your summer go-to.

There’s almost no better partner than Coca Cola to the smokiness of Jack Daniels Whisky. Enjoy the classic pairing and iconic flavour, but this time without the sugar- great if you’re keeping that summer bod in mind! Ready to drink in a pre-mixed can, you can throw these in the fridge or esky and be set for the summer.

This spiced rum and ginger beer is filled to the brim with a unique and fresh flavour. Made from authentic Australian ginger and all-natural ingredients, this pre-mixed can boasts a drink that is spicy but mild and as smooth as it is sharp – a flavour profile as intricate as this is hard to replicate.

Deliciously convenient – this perfect combo of quality, triple-distilled Glenfiddich’s Luxury 23-Year-Old ‘Grand Cru’ Single Malt is Finished in French Cuvée Casks, refreshing lime and a hint of dry ginger is ideal for any summer picnic plans. Offering a tasty twist on a classic pre-mixed drink, these are the perfect accompaniment to a summer BBQ – but we can almost guarantee everyone will be trying to pinch these from your esky.

What could be better than a Margarita on a warm summer afternoon? A sparkling margarita! Expertly mixed with Jose Cuervo, triple sec and complemented perfectly by the zesty flavour of fresh lime, this pre-mixed cocktail has been expertly crafted for sunlit afternoon sessions and summertime sipping.

Paying homage to the classic UDL, a staple of many young Aussie adults eventful nights out for years passed, their new cocktail range offers a blue lagoon featuring sweet blue lemonade and a hint of orange. Designed as a fun, flavourful twist on the classics, these will be sure to get the party started.

Espresso Martinis have been basking in the spotlight for some time now, but this salted caramel blend from Melbourne Martini takes this delicious cocktail to a new level. The classic espresso martini is mixed with organic caramelised sugar and a hint of salt for that delicious sweet and salty flavour we all know and love. If you’re looking for real “right from the bartender” quality – the team at Melbourne Martini has you covered with one of the tastiest pre-mixed drinks around.

Sometimes you just can’t beat a classic. This vodka soda is precisely that – locally made vodka, no added sugar and no added flavours so you can enjoy the good stuff without any of the fuss. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, these are a summer staple for years to come.

This Here is the World’s Best 100 Bars List combines Mancino vermouth and triple juniper gin, an expertly blended homage to classic Italian aperitifs, which perfectly complements the iconic, bitter orange Campari flavour. A premium quality cocktail packaged into the convenience of a can – crack it open, close your eyes and feel as if you’ve been transported right into the heart of Italy’s bar scene.

A sweeter and more accessible way to enjoy gin – Gordons Premium Pink Gin and Soda uses only the highest quality ingredients to create a drink that is seriously delectable and just as irresistible. Their blend of distilled pink gin with authentic berry flavours, lengthened with the crisp taste of soda, makes this a serious contender for the best pre-mixed drink of the summer.

Taking the iconic flavours and pressing them into a can, Four Pillars Rare Dy Gin & Tonic is as close to a bartender-made cocktail you can find. This delicious and refreshing elixir adds extra fresh organic oranges to the distillation to replicate the brand’s signature orange garnish.