Made in Melbourne: Subtle Tea

Subtle Tea is for those who want their vodka clean, crisp, and real. The brainchild of Melbourne local Sammy Griggs, it started with a simple but relatable frustration—why were all the pre-mixed drinks on the market loaded with sugar and artificial flavours? On a sweltering 40-degree day, scanning a bottle shop fridge for something remotely drinkable, she had an idea. 

Sugary drinks? Pass. 

Artificial sweeteners? No thank you. 

“I literally Googled how to make a vodka soda more interesting,” Sammy laughs. “And that’s where it all started. Next thing you know, my kitchen looked like a science lab, loose-leaf tea everywhere, fresh fruit soaking in jars, bottles of vodka on every surface. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was determined to figure it out.” 

The first small batch was an instant hit. 

“People kept telling me, finally, something I can drink without the yucky aftermath!” she says. “No sugar crash, no weird aftertaste; just a clean, easy sip that actually tastes good.” 

What started as a personal experiment quickly became a full-blown business, leading her to quit her corporate job and take the leap into Subtle Tea full-time. 

This Drink Is as Melbourne as It Gets 

A city known for its quality-driven food and drink scene was the perfect backdrop for launching a beverage that values natural ingredients and clean flavour. 

“Melbourne is all about inclusivity, high-quality ingredients, and a strong drinking culture whether that’s coffee, wine, or cocktails,” says Sammy. “Subtle Tea fits right into that.” 

The flavours? Apple, Lemon, Blood Orange, and Mango—each one made with real, cold-brewed tea and fresh fruit. “People always say it tastes like real fruit,” Sammy says. “Because it is! No fake syrup, no artificial junk—just proper, natural flavour.” 

From Festival Floors to MCEC 

Subtle Tea started where Melbourne’s best ideas often do—on a festival dance floor. “I was bringing it to house parties and festivals, and people kept asking for more,” Sammy recalls. “At one festival, I had a whole esky of my homemade tea cocktails, and by the end of the night, they were gone. That’s when I thought, how do I make this easier to bring? And the can idea was born.” 

Now, that same vision and can has landed in Melbourne’s most iconic venue—MCEC. “It’s totally surreal,” she says. “Seeing Subtle Tea in a venue like MCEC, in the hands of people who are also iconic—it’s just wild. I love that MCEC supports local suppliers and heroes Melbourne brands.” 

To celebrate local and as part of our Made in Melbourne series, we had a quick chat with Sammy Griggs – Founder of Subtle Tea – about what it takes to build a brand, the surprising moments along the way, and why a festival dance floor might just be the best place for creative inspiration. 

What’s a typical day like for you right now? 

Chaos! I’m a one-woman show. Social media, stock collection, sales, event planning—you name it, I’m doing it. It’s hectic, but I love it. 

And when you finally get a second to breathe, how are you drinking Subtle Tea? 

Lemon is my go-to—over ice with a garnish if I’m feeling fancy, but honestly, straight from the can at a picnic or festival is perfect. 

Is that the most popular flavour? 

Blood Orange is, but only just! At tastings, all the flavours sell pretty evenly, which is amazing to see. 

What’s been the hardest part of getting Subtle Tea off the ground? 

Honestly? Just figuring out how to make it in a way that wasn’t totally unhinged. At first, I was making batches in my kitchen, and that was fine. But when it came to actually producing it properly, without preservatives, keeping the fresh flavours intact; it got complicated fast. There was a lot of trial and error. And some very questionable batches along the way. 

At what point did you realise this was more than just a niche idea? 

I always assumed it would be niche because most premixed drinks are super sweet. But once I started tastings, people kept telling me they loved that it wasn’t sweetened. Turns out, there are a lot of us out there! 

Was there a moment where you thought, ‘Okay, this is really happening’? 

Yeah, when I ran out of money! I wasn’t sure if I could keep going, so I launched a crowdfunding campaign before I even officially launched the product. The response blew me away; so many messages of support, pledges, and backing from people all over Australia. That’s what kept me going. 

The design is so eye-catching. Where did that come from? 

Oh, that was a full festival moment. I was on the dance floor, and suddenly, the whole vision just hit me, the branding, the logo, the colours, everything. Only problem? I didn’t have my phone on me to write it down! Somehow, it stuck in my head. I actually sketched the first version in MS Paint before handing it over to an illustrator. 

What’s next for Subtle Tea? 

Expanding across Australia first, then hopefully exporting. Asia and the UK are big goals; I’ve already had interest from both, especially since they love tea! 

A drink with personality Subtle Tea is fun, approachable, and refreshingly different. No sugar, no sweeteners, no artificial junk—just a great drink made with real ingredients. The perfect event drink. 

Next time you’re at MCEC, keep an eye out for Subtle Tea; and don’t be surprised when you’re reaching for another. 

Curious? You should be!

Find Subtle Tea on our Gala menu and here on our Cocktail menu