Australian hosts already know the alcohol-free ask: something cold that does not taste like a diet soft drink or a second-class mocktail.
Sidekick is a New Zealand honey soda — real fruit, New Zealand honey, a splash of apple cider vinegar. No cane sugar. No stevia. No erythritol. Use it as a mixer or pour it straight.
Keep the bar simple
Stock two flavours and ice. That covers most brunches and barbecues.
Pear — dry, food-friendly, works with cheese and salad
Strawberry — bright, crowd-pleasing, works with dessert and afternoon heat
Add Mango if you want a tropical line for summer. Cherry if you want something darker after dinner.
Shop the range: Sidekick flavours.
Three hosts-only serves
Pear highball (AF) — Ice, Sidekick Pear, squeeze of lemon, optional splash of soda water. Garnish rosemary.
Strawberry lime cooler — Ice, Sidekick Strawberry, lime wedge, mint. Full recipe ideas on Recipes.
Dirty soda for dessert — Ice, Sidekick Cherry or Strawberry, a spoon of cream. The NZ dirty-soda build is here: Dirty soda, NZ edition.
What not to put on the table
Do not open with a stevia soda “for the healthy guests.” If they already dislike that aftertaste, cream and fruit syrup will not save it. Do not over-syrup a honey soda — the fruit is already there.
Where to get cans
Online from New Zealand: shop Sidekick. Want it nearer in Australia? Suggest a store or email Fiona.
Ice, two flavours, citrus. That is enough for a good AF table.
