Japanese summers are hot, humid, and sweaty. It's no wonder, then, that Japan has developed a unique beverage culture: from aromatic teas to isotonic refreshers and iconic sodas. Many of these drinks are pleasantly refreshing, often less sweet than Western soft drinks, and ideal thirst quenchers on hot days. Some, like the popular sports drink Pocari Sweat, also help to replenish fluid and electrolyte balance after sweating. Discover our favorites for hot summer days.
Mugicha (Japanese Barley Tea)
Mugicha (麦茶) is a tea made from roasted barley. Unlike green or black tea, it naturally contains no caffeine and is particularly popular in summer, enjoyed at any time of day. In many Japanese households, mugicha is freshly brewed daily and then chilled in the refrigerator.
How does Mugicha taste?
Mugicha has a mild, slightly nutty, and pleasantly roasted flavor. It is unsweetened, refreshing, and has hardly any bitter notes.
How to serve Mugicha
Mugicha tastes best well-chilled or with ice cubes in tall glasses. It pairs wonderfully with summer dishes, barbecues, or simply as a refreshment in between.
Calpis
Calpis (カルピス) is a classic summer beverage that has been produced for over 100 years. Calpis is based on fermented milk and is characterized by its distinctive sweet-sour taste. Traditionally, Calpis is sold as a concentrate and mixed with water or sparkling water. Today, it is also available as a ready-to-drink version in bottles and cans.
How does Calpis taste?
Calpis has a mild, creamy taste with a pleasant sweetness and a slightly tart note. Despite its milky base, Calpis feels surprisingly light and refreshing.
How to serve Calpis
Calpis tastes best well-chilled with ice cubes, served in a medium-height, clear glass – this highlights its milky appearance beautifully. Depending on preference, it is diluted with still water or mineral water.
For the cocktail version, about 30 ml of shochu are mixed with 80 ml of Calpis, topped with soda, and served over ice.
Cold Green Tea
Green tea (緑茶) is part of everyday life in Japan and is one of the country's most famous beverages. It is drunk not only hot but also cold, especially in summer. Often, Sencha is brewed and then chilled. The so-called cold brew method is also popular, where tea leaves slowly steep in cold water, developing a particularly mild, slightly sweet aroma. Chilled green tea can also be found in every konbini, supermarket, and at numerous vending machines.
How does cold green tea taste?
Cold-brewed green tea has a fresh, slightly grassy taste. Due to the cold preparation, it is particularly mild and less bitter than hot-brewed tea. It is pleasantly light and a perfect refreshment for those who appreciate the natural taste of tea.
How to serve cold green tea
Cold green tea tastes best well-chilled or served with ice cubes. Its natural green color is particularly well displayed in clear glasses.
Ramune (Japanese Lemonade)
Ramune (ラムネ), originally derived from the Japanese word for "lemonade," is a classic Japanese soda primarily known for its characteristic glass bottle with a marble stopper. To open it, the marble is pushed into the bottle with the plastic opener in the cap. It's a special experience that for many Japanese is associated with summer festivals and nostalgic childhood memories. This sparkling summer drink comes in many flavors, from classic lemon to strawberry and melon.
How does Ramune taste?
Classic Ramune flavor is sweet, fizzy, and refreshing with a slight lemon-lime note. Besides the original, there are numerous other varieties such as yuzu, orange, melon, strawberry, blueberry, pineapple, and lychee, as well as seasonal special editions.
How to serve Ramune
Ramune tastes best ice-cold directly from the bottle.
Pocari Sweat
Pocari Sweat (ポカリスエット) is one of Japan's best-known sports drinks. This ionic beverage was developed in 1980 by the Japanese company Otsuka Pharmaceutical to replenish fluids and electrolytes in the body after sweating. Despite its somewhat unusual name, Pocari Sweat is a true classic in Japan and indispensable during the hot summer months.
How does Pocari Sweat taste?
Pocari Sweat has a mild, slightly sweet taste with a subtle grapefruit note. It is less sweet and less intense than many comparable sports drinks, making it particularly refreshing and light.
How to serve Pocari Sweat
Pocari Sweat tastes best well-chilled directly from the bottle.
