Cult Japanese tipple Strong Zero is finally coming to Australia
We’ve all heard the saying “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. The Japanese brewmasters at Suntory must have interpreted this a little differently when they created cult sip Strong Zero – a boozy beverage beloved by both locals and rowdy tourists alike. Instead of making it our first mission to get our grubby hands on the good stuff as soon as our feet hit international soil, Suntory is bringing the beverage to us. Say hello to -196 Double Lemon, a sour mouthful of goodness that will transport your tastebuds straight to Tokyo.
Anyone who has holidayed in Japan and tasted the sweet nectar that is Strong Zero knows it needs no introduction but, alas, let us paint you a pretty picture. The sinfully good sip is a pre-mix potion of shochu, vodka, soda and lemon and can be compared to sucking on a sweet, booze-infused lemon drop. The Aus-friendly version, -196 Double Lemon, is made a little differently to its popular predecessor and actually flash freezes a whole lemon with liquid nitrogen to get that particular bite before it’s smashed and soaked in alcohol. The other notable difference – which is a bonus for our livers – is that the new sip is lower in alcohol, sitting at a humble 6 percent instead of the 9-percent ABV of the OG drink.
Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long to wrap our lips around a can of this citrusy concoction. You’re able to snag -196 Double Lemon at independent retailers now and these bad boys will be rolling out at leading liquor stores soon. A four pack will cost you just $22 or go all out and rip in to a ten-tin slab for $47 – there’s no harm in securing a few extras.
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