The Best Japanese Drinks for Summer

During the summer, a nice refreshing drink can be just what you need! Japan is home to a variety of delicious, quirky drinks that are perfect for cooling you down in the summer heat. Of course, most of these drinks can be enjoyed all year round, but they taste best when paired with an atmosphere of summer fun and hot afternoons. Our online Japanese supermarket is host to a variety of drinks and other authentic snacks. To inspire your taste buds we’ve compiled a quick list of some of our favourite Japanese summer drinks. Why not treat yourself to one of these tasty beverages while the sun is still shining!

Bubble Tea

This is a popular Japanese drink not only enjoyed in the summer. However, it is especially enjoyable and refreshing in the hotter months of the year. The tea itself can be either fruit or milk-based and is accompanied by flavoured tapioca balls. These chewy balls give your drink an extra sense of fun, and the flavours can be customised. Traditionally, the balls in bubble tea are black tapioca, but many tea shops will let you choose which flavours of tapioca and tea you want to combine. The great thing about bubble tea is that it comes in so many flavours. There is sure to be something for everyone out there! Flavours range from wacky to wholesome and traditional, including but definitely not limited to: • Mango • Lychee • Strawberry • Avocado • Lavender • Caramel • Chocolate • Mocha This selection of flavours barely even scratched the surface; you’re bound to find a new favourite amongst all the possibilities!

Calpis

Yoghurt and milk-based drinks are popular across East Asia and are often considered a beneficial health drink as well as being a cooling summer treat. With additions of lactic acid and bacterium, Calpis helps maintain a healthy digestive system. In other countries, the drink may be called ‘Calpico’, but the actual product is exactly the same. Calpis is a dairy-based drink that is available in a variety of flavours. The flavours will often reflect the fruit that is locally-grown and most popular in particular areas. Each Japanese prefecture may have a speciality flavour that is less widely available elsewhere. The Calpis you buy in cartons is a concentrate and must be diluted with water. Expert Calpis drinkers say that the perfect ratio is one part Calpis to four parts water! For those looking for a more on-the-go drink, newer products like Calpis water and soda are pre-mixed and sold in bottles.

Bottled Teas

It’s no secret that many countries in East Asia are partial to tea in a variety of types and flavours. Japanese supermarkets are often stocked with diverse selections of bottled teas, to be enjoyed cold. These kinds of drinks will appeal to those who prefer a more delicate and subtle flavour. Bottled tea in Japan is usually caffeine-free and sugar-free, unlike its Western counterpart. Not only will it refresh you on a hot day, but it will also be a great option for health-conscious consumers. Like bubble tea, the flavours are endless! Just a couple of cooling bottled tea flavours include: • Green Tea • Matcha Tea • Mugicha Tea • Black tea • Lemon Tea • Hoji Tea

Japanese Sangria

This is the perfect drink to enjoy on the beach with friends. It is also very easy to make at home and can be adapted to suit a variety of preferences. Traditionally blueberries and strawberries are infused in sake to make this drink, but an assortment of different fruits will also work. If you are interested in making this alcoholic beverage at home, then the following fruits would make perfect additions. It’s up to you how to combine them! • Strawberries • Blueberries • Oranges • Pineapple • Peaches To make this drink simply soak your chosen fruits and sake in a pitcher and leave it in the fridge for at least 24 hours. Leaving the mixture for longer will ensure that the flavours blend deliciously. You’ll be sipping in the sun in no time!

Hopefully, we have inspired you to try something new this summer. Why not browse our online store to see what else the world of Japanese cuisine has to offer?