How much alcohol is in a 196? A regional breakdown of ABV

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

First launched in Australia with a 6% ABV, the popular Suntory Minus One Nine Six drink has a different alcohol content depending on the country. This regional variance is crucial for understanding how much alcohol is in a 196, as versions in the US and Japan can have significantly different strengths, with some versions reaching as high as 9% ABV.

Quick Summary

The -196 drink's alcohol by volume (ABV) varies significantly by region, ranging from 5.5% in the US to 6% in Australia and the UK, and up to 9% in its Japanese version, Strong Zero.

Key Points

ABV Varies by Region: The alcohol content of a -196 drink is not uniform, with different percentages sold in different countries.
US Version is 5.5% ABV: In the United States, the -196 Vodka Seltzer contains 5.5% alcohol by volume.
Australian and UK Versions are 6% ABV: In Australia and the UK, the Double Lemon variety and other flavors are 6% ABV.
Japanese 'Strong Zero' is up to 9% ABV: The original Japanese product, Strong Zero, from which -196 is derived, can be as high as 9% ABV.
Freeze Crush Infusion Technology: All -196 drinks get their flavor from a process that freezes whole fruit in liquid nitrogen at -196°C before crushing and infusing it with spirits.
Not Just Vodka: The Australian and UK versions include shochu in addition to vodka, which may contribute to the different flavor profile.

Regional Breakdown of -196 ABV

When asking the question, "how much alcohol is in a 196?", the answer depends on where in the world you are buying it. The Japanese beverage company Suntory, which produces the Minus One Nine Six (-196) line, markets different variations of the drink for different international markets. The ABV, or alcohol by volume, can range from a typical seltzer strength to a much higher potency, mirroring its Japanese Strong Zero parent brand.

Alcohol content by country

In the United States: The -196 Vodka Seltzer is typically 5.5% ABV. This version is formulated with premium vodka and uses the brand's signature freeze crush infusion technology with real fruit. Flavors like Lemon, Peach, and Grapefruit are available.
In Australia and the UK: The most common version of the -196 Double Lemon contains a 6% ABV. It is a mix of shochu, vodka, and soda, infused with lemon from the freeze crush process. This has been a popular offering since its major launch in the Australian market.
In Japan: The original product line, known as Strong Zero, often features a higher alcohol content. While the parent brand has variations, some are sold with a robust 9% ABV, making them significantly stronger than their international counterparts.

The technology behind the flavor

The unique taste of -196 is not just from the alcohol content but from its innovative production process. The name, pronounced "Minus One Nine Six," comes from the Japanese proprietary technology called Freeze Crush Infusion™.

This process involves:

Freezing whole fruit in liquid nitrogen at an extremely low temperature of -196°C (-320°F).
Crushing the entire frozen fruit, including the peel and seeds, to capture its full flavor profile.
Infusing the resulting fruit essence with spirits and soda.

This technique allows the drink to achieve a bold, natural fruit flavor without relying heavily on added sugars or artificial ingredients. The result is a crisp, clean-tasting drink that balances fruitiness with a refreshing soda fizz.

How -196 compares to other drinks

Ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages and traditional cocktails offer a wide range of alcohol content. The -196 drink falls somewhere in the middle, depending on the region. Here is a comparison of different alcoholic drinks and their typical ABV.


Beverage Type	Example	Typical ABV
Light Beer	Bud Light	4.2%
-196 Seltzer (US)	Lemon	5.5%
-196 Premix (AU/UK)	Double Lemon	6.0%
Standard Mixed Drink	Vodka Soda	~8%
-196 Strong Zero (JP)	Double Lemon	9.0%
Wine	Standard Table Wine	11-14%
Hard Liquor	Vodka	40%

This table illustrates that while the US version is comparable to a standard seltzer, the Australian and Japanese versions are notably stronger, approaching the strength of some wine varieties. This difference underscores the importance of checking the label and understanding the product variation in your specific market.

The history and global expansion

The -196 brand is a child of the successful Japanese Strong Zero line by Suntory, which has been extremely popular in Japan for years. Strong Zero is known for its high ABV and bold flavors. Leveraging this success, Suntory has expanded into new markets with the -196 line, tailoring the product to local tastes and regulations. The US launch, which occurred in September 2024, followed a successful rollout in Australia and the UK. This global strategy highlights the company's commitment to adapting a popular Japanese concept for a worldwide audience.

Conclusion: A global beverage with a local twist

The alcohol content in a 196 drink is not universal but varies significantly depending on the market in which it is sold. From the 5.5% ABV US seltzer to the potent 9% Japanese Strong Zero version, consumers should always check the label to know the exact strength of their beverage. The consistent feature across all versions is the use of the unique Freeze Crush Infusion technology, which provides a full and natural fruit flavor. The regional variations in ABV and ingredients reflect Suntory's strategy of adapting its popular Japanese concept to meet different consumer preferences and regulatory standards around the world. Understanding these differences is key for any consumer looking for a specific drinking experience from this internationally recognized brand.

For more information on Suntory and their spirits, visit the Suntory Global Spirits website.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the United States, the -196 Vodka Seltzer has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.5%.

In Australia, the Suntory -196 Double Lemon typically has an alcohol content of 6% ABV.

While the ABV may vary by region, within a specific market, the alcohol content tends to be consistent across different flavors of the -196 line. For example, in Australia, both the Double Lemon and Double Grape flavors are 6% ABV.

-196 is the international version of the Japanese beverage Strong Zero. The main difference lies in the regional alcohol content, as the Japanese Strong Zero can reach up to 9% ABV, while other international versions are lower.

The -196 is a premixed alcoholic drink made with a combination of vodka, soda, and fruit concentrate. The Australian and UK versions also list shochu as an ingredient.

The alcohol content of -196 depends on the regional version. While some international versions are comparable to a standard seltzer (5.5%-6% ABV), the original Japanese Strong Zero version is considered a high-alcohol beverage at 9% ABV.

The name 'Minus One Nine Six' refers to the Freeze Crush Infusion technology used to make the drink. This process freezes whole fruit in liquid nitrogen at exactly -196°C to capture its full flavor.