Melbourne’s Summer of the Shrub: Bright Non-Alc Sips and Modern Cocktail Mixes

There’s a new fizz drifting across Melbourne’s cafe counters — bright, tangy, fragrant and unmistakably grown-up. Shrubs, those gently fermented fruit-and-vinegar syrups once tucked away in old recipe books, have resurfaced with a modern, quietly sophisticated edge. They offer crispness without sweetness, depth without booze, and a welcome alternative to the usual soft drink suspects.

They’re botanical. They’re refreshing. And Melbourne is embracing them with gusto.

So… what exactly is a shrub, and why is Melbourne suddenly obsessed?

At its core, a shrub is fruit steeped in vinegar with a little sugar — a simple alchemy that sharpens sweetness and creates a syrup that, once topped with soda, becomes something zesty, aromatic and wonderfully complex. Think fruit cordial with presence. A spritz’s elegant non-alc counterpart.

Despite their newfound spotlight, shrubs are far from new. They once served as a clever way to preserve fruit before refrigeration; today, they’re reimagined with fresher twists — stone fruits, sharp citrus, berries, herbs, even tea. Old-world method, entirely modern mood.

And Melbourne? This city has always adored drinks with personality, and shrubs deliver it in spades. They’re layered without heaviness, refreshing without sugar overload, and perfectly attuned to our growing appetite for thoughtful non-alcoholic options. They play well with food, photograph beautifully, and offer cafes a creative playground that lemonade and kombucha simply can’t match.

They also speak to a broader movement: fermentation, seasonality, and low-waste thinking. Shrubs sit right at that intersection — sustainable, expressive, endlessly adaptable — which is why they’re appearing on more menus by the week.

Which brings us to the delightful part: where to sip the very best.

Where to Try Melbourne’s Standout Shrubs

Standing Room Coffee, Fitzroy North

Known for pushing the envelope, Standing Room turns shrubs into little moments of joy. Their cherry version has become a crowd-pleaser — sharp, fruity, slightly savoury — and can be topped with a silky lemon cream if you like a bit of drama. Order it neat if you want to appreciate its clarity; their menu changes often, so it’s worth checking in regularly.

And now, a fresh new take for summer. A fruity duo has landed on the menu: a summer mango shrub served two ways. Have it straight up for a bright, refreshing hit, or go all in with a vanilla-laced cream topping that transforms it into a float. Available from 12th December.

187 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North 

Masses Bagels, Fitzroy

This northside charmer is doing thoughtful things with fruit vinegars, crafting shrubs that feel small-batch and deeply intentional, often made from produce that never found its way into their jams. Think citrus, spice, orchard fruits and a spirited rhubarb-and-kumquat combination with a soft, balanced tartness. Pair one with these cult-favourite bagels, and you’ve essentially created a little moment of fermented magic.

5 Smith Street, Fitzroy

Sogumm, Cremorne

A serene space where fermentation sets the tone. Sogumm’s shrub-style drinks sit somewhere between soda and tonic, often built around citrus or wild berries. They’re soft, balanced and delicately aromatic, created to complement the food rather than compete with it. The wild berry shrub is the signature, bright and gently complex.

466 Church Street, Cremorne

Assembly, Carlton

Assembly approaches shrubs with the same thoughtful precision it brings to its brews. Each one reflects the season: sour cherries and nectarines in the warmer months, berries and pomegranate when the air cools. The result is clean, bright and beautifully understated — a gentle fizz that highlights the fruit rather than dressing it up — a sip that invites you to slow down and notice the small things.

Unit 60/62 Pelham Street, Carlton

Billy Van Creamy, Multiple Locations

Billy Van Creamy’s shrub sodas are the kind of seasonal joy you plan your week around. When they appear, small-batch blends like blood plum, strawberry or pineapple hit that perfect bright–tangy note. We’re crossing our fingers they make a return this summer.

Keep your eyes peeled here

Albert Park, Brunswick, and Fitzroy North

NQ Spritz, New Quarter, Richmond

New Quarter’s NQ Spritz is sunshine in a glass — Økar Orange Tropic, mandarin shrub, prosecco and soda weaving citrus, fizz and gentle bitterness into something irresistibly bright. The mandarin shrub brings a tangy depth that lifts every sip, making this Richmond favourite a natural warm-weather go-to.

Ground Level/79 Swan Street, Richmond 

Shrubs are Melbourne’s warm-weather mood: bright without sweetness, complex without weight, affordable, sustainable and endlessly adaptable. They offer something to savour — a drink that feels considered, crafted and ideal for cutting through the heat with real character. If you’re searching for your next warm-weather ritual, start here, then wander through the city’s best coffee shops and matcha spots for the full non-alc route.

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

11 December 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.