Spreyton Hard Raspberry Lemonade began as an idea in the production area and quickly became one of our bestselling Tasmanian craft beverages. The person behind it is Shivam Tandon, our Production and Cider Manager.
When Shiv joined Spreyton Cider Co, he was never going to be satisfied simply repeating the products already on the line. A qualified chemical engineer with a fascination for how ingredients work together, he notices the details most people miss: the natural acidity of raspberry, the sharp lift of lemon, and the way sweetness evolves from the first sip to the last. His journey from homebrewing to professional craft beverage production started while he was studying chemical engineering. Today he combines that early curiosity with process engineering and flavour development.
Looking for new opportunities at Spreyton, Shiv began exploring a drink that would bring together two bold flavours, raspberry and lemonade. The concept for Hard Raspberry Lemonade sounded simple. Creating a balanced, consistent version was anything but.
Turning an Idea into a Recipe
Shiv wanted the Raspberry to hit first, bright, full and unmistakable. The lemonade needed to follow with a fresh citrus lift that cut through the sweetness and left a clean finish.
He tested different raspberry sources and lemon varieties, carefully measuring sweetness, acidity, aroma and intensity. Some combinations were too sharp. Others were too sweet. In certain trials, the lemon dominated; in others, the raspberry faded too quickly.
Each pilot batch revealed another piece of the puzzle. Shiv adjusted the recipe, retested and refined. This was never just about combining two popular flavours. It was deliberate flavour development, finding the exact point where raspberry and lemon complemented each other.
Where Science Meets Flavour
Shiv’s chemical engineering training shaped every stage of development. He monitored acidity, sugar levels, alcohol content and flavour consistency.
Batch consistency is non-negotiable in craft beverage production. Customers expect the same taste, aroma and quality every time they open a can. Yet numbers only told part of the story. The drink also had to taste right: refreshing and approachable, with enough sweetness to balance the natural tartness of raspberry, and enough lemon brightness without overpowering the fruit.
After careful testing and multiple pilot batches, the balance finally locked in. Spreyton Hard Raspberry Lemonade was ready.
A New Favourite in the Spreyton Range
The finished drink delivered exactly what Shiv had set out to create: sparkling, vivid and crisp, with bold raspberry flavour up front and a bright lemon finish. Medium-sweet, refreshing and carefully balanced.
Hard Raspberry Lemonade is different from the Tasmanian craft cider Spreyton is known for. It was developed as an alcoholic raspberry lemonade, a distinct craft RTD beverage with its own recipe and production process.
That distinction matters. Spreyton’s cider and whole-fruit cider production begin with apples. Hard Raspberry Lemonade follows a separate path. Once it reached the market, customers responded quickly. What began as an idea in the production area became one of Spreyton’s bestselling Tasmanian craft beverages.
More Than a Successful Drink
The success of Hard Raspberry Lemonade is not simply the result of choosing two popular flavours. It comes from curiosity, rigorous testing and the patience to keep refining an idea until it is right.
For Shiv, it also shows what beverage innovation looks like at Spreyton. Ideas start in the production area, but turning them into consistent, high-quality products requires knowledge, process engineering and careful work.
The same expertise used to develop this product supports the rest of the range. Process engineering allows precise control over ingredient preparation, flavour development, quality testing and packaging.
The Growth of Craft RTD Beverages in Tasmania
Hard Raspberry Lemonade has become an important part of Spreyton’s growing family of Tasmanian craft beverages. It also reflects rising interest in craft RTD drinks across Tasmania. Drinkers are looking for distinctive flavours, clear origin and reliable quality.
At Spreyton we meet that demand by taking the time to understand the ingredients and ensuring every new product earns its place. The story of Hard Raspberry Lemonade shows that the best products are rarely created by accident. They come from curiosity, scientific knowledge and the discipline to keep refining until the balance is right.
For Shiv, that balance was found in raspberry and lemon. For Spreyton, it became a bestseller.
Ready to try it? Order a 16-pack of Hard Raspberry Lemonade →
Visit Spreyton Cider Co
Come and experience Spreyton for yourself. and try a Hard Raspberry Lemonade. Enjoy seasonal Tasmanian food, cider tasting paddles, craft beer, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks and fresh apple juice beside our working family orchard.
Spreyton Cider Co is located at 6 Melrose Road, Aberdeen, Tasmania 7310. Only 10 minutes from Devonport or Latrobe.
Cellar door: Open daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and until 8.00pm on Friday nights
Kitchen: Lunch daily from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm and Friday dining from 11.30 am to 7.00 pm
Contact: Call us on (03) 6427 3664 or visit the website: spreytonciderco.com.au or email hello@spretyonciderco.com.au
Plan your visit, book a table or shop the Spreyton range online.
