Nine out of ten gladiators recommend Posca.

These days there are easier ways to work up a sweat than fighting for your life in the Coliseum such as hitting the gym, playing sports or simply watching The Bear. But the problem of hydration has always remained, and it turns out the gladiators were on to something; a drink that uses a red wine vinegar base that they called Posca.

Now, Posca has been unearthed by unlikely hero Merrick Watts, and updated for modern tastebuds and elevated with an additional 2000 years of sports science to create Australia’s first sugar-free sparkling hypertonic drink. With zero sugar, all-natural ingredients, and no stimulants, it enhances hydration and electrolyte retention through its unique formula. Infused with red wine vinegar, Posca provides antioxidant benefits, supporting gut health, blood sugar regulation, and immune function.

“Over the past ten or so years, I’ve become a self-confessed health and fitness nut and like many of us, I have been disappointed with the lack of sugar-free, all-natural sports drink options available on the market. Aussies are increasingly becoming more health conscious and searching for a better alternative to stay hydrated – without a crash, without sugar, without stimulants, without regrets,” says Merrick.

“It was during the depths of the COVID lockdown of 2021 that I came across the original Posca recipe and its fascinating stories, buried in the (online) history books. It got me thinking that there is a thing or two we can learn about hydration and health from the ancient world. Given Posca was the drink of actual gladiators, there is no doubt it is the original sports drink.”

Backed by science that is way too complex for our little brains to understand, Posca comes in three delicious flavours that we can definitely understand: Grape, Yuzu (citrus) and Pineapple. They go down extremely smoothly after or before exercise and are your new secret weapon in the battle against hangovers.

You can find them nationwide at major and independent convenience stores, petrol stations, QSRs and select gyms and fitness centres. For those who prefer online shopping, a 12-pack can be purchased at poscahydrate.com right now.