The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Drinks: 25 Must-Try Beverages
How many of these Japanese drinks have you tried? If you think that sake and matcha green tea are the only two beverages in Japan, then boy, do we have the list for you! Sweet, sour, tangy, and even salty – Japan has every type of flavor you can imagine and more. Do you enjoy alcoholic drinks like plum wine or chuhai? Or perhaps you wash down your midday snack with a delicious cup of sakura tea? To list every drink in the country would take too long, so for now, we’ll introduce our pick of 25 top Japanese drinks to try when in Japan!
Comparison of Japanese Drinks
| Type of Drink | Description | Alcoholic | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sake | Rice wine, served warm or cold | Yes | Brewed from polished rice |
| Matcha | Finely ground green tea powder | No | Used in traditional tea ceremonies |
| Chuhai | Shochu mixed with soda and flavoring | Yes | Comes in a variety of flavors |
| Uroncha | Oolong tea, partially fermented | No | Floral and slightly sweet taste |
| Plum Wine | Sweet wine made from ume fruit | Yes | Distinctively sweet and fruity |
| Ramune | Carbonated soda in a unique bottle | No | Sealed with a marble |
| Genmaicha | Green tea combined with roasted brown rice | No | Nutty flavor due to roasted rice |
| Yuzu Soda | Refreshing citrus drink made from yuzu fruit | No | Unique tangy flavor |
| Tsubu Tsubu | Japanese grape soda with a thick texture | No | Unique texture |
| Calpis | A milky, slightly tangy soft drink | No | Fermented milk beverage |
Exploring Alcoholic Drinks
Sake: The National Drink
Sake, often referred to as rice wine, is made by fermenting polished rice. It’s a versatile drink enjoyed warm or cold, making it a staple in Japanese cuisine. Its flavor profile can vary significantly based on factors like the type of rice used and the brewing process. Pairing sake with sushi enhances the dining experience, making it a must-try.
Chuhai: A Refreshing Cocktail
Chuhai is a popular Japanese cocktail made from shochu and soda. It often comes in various fruity flavors, making it accessible for those who prefer lighter drinks. This beverage is especially popular during the summer months and can be found in convenience stores across Japan, showcasing the country’s love for refreshing cocktails.
Plum Wine: Sweet and Fruity
Plum wine, or umeshu, is produced by steeping ume fruits in alcohol and sugar. This drink is known for its sweet and fruity flavor, making it an excellent choice for dessert or as an aperitif. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into cocktails, providing versatility in its consumption.
Japanese Whiskey: A Rising Star
Japan has gained international acclaim for its whiskey production, with brands like Yamazaki and Nikka leading the way. Japanese whiskey is known for its smoothness and complexity, often featuring notes of fruit, honey, and spices. It’s best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, allowing the drinker to appreciate its intricate flavors.
Non-Alcoholic Japanese Drinks
Matcha: A Cultural Staple
Matcha is finely ground green tea powder that is integral to Japanese culture. Traditionally used in tea ceremonies, its distinct flavor and health benefits have made it popular worldwide. Matcha is not only enjoyed as tea but is also incorporated into sweets and other beverages.
Ramune: Iconic Soda
Ramune is a nostalgic Japanese soda known for its unique glass bottle sealed with a marble. This fizzy drink is available in numerous flavors, from traditional lemon-lime to more exotic options. Its playful packaging and refreshing taste make it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Genmaicha: The Nutty Tea
Genmaicha is a delightful blend of green tea and roasted brown rice. The roasting process imparts a unique nutty flavor, making it a cozy drink, especially during colder months. This tea is perfect for those who enjoy a lighter beverage that still offers depth and character.
Uroncha: Oolong Tea Experience
Uroncha, or oolong tea, falls between green and black tea due to its partial fermentation. It boasts a complex flavor that is both floral and slightly sweet. Uroncha is often served cold in Japan, particularly during summer, making it a refreshing choice.
Unique Japanese Sodas
Yuzu Soda: Citrus Delight
Yuzu soda is a refreshing beverage made from yuzu, a citrus fruit. Its unique tangy flavor is a favorite during hot weather, providing a thirst-quenching option for those looking to enjoy something different. This drink embodies the essence of Japanese flavors, making it a popular choice.
Tsubu Tsubu: A Textural Twist
Tsubu Tsubu is a grape soda known for its thick texture, setting it apart from other soft drinks. This unique quality makes it a fun and interesting beverage to try, especially for those who appreciate textures in their drinks.
Calpis: A Fermented Classic
Calpis is a milky soft drink that is slightly tangy due to its fermentation process. It can be enjoyed straight or diluted with water or soda. Its unique flavor has made it a popular choice in Japan, often accompanying meals or served at casual gatherings.
Seasonal and Thematic Drinks
Sakura Tea: Floral Essence
Sakura tea is made from cherry blossoms and is particularly popular during spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. This delicate tea offers a subtle floral flavor and is often enjoyed during the hanami season, where people gather to appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Seasonal Sodas and Limited Editions
Japan is known for its seasonal and limited-edition drinks, often inspired by holiday themes or regional specialties. These unique sodas can include flavors like melon, sweet potato, and even seasonal fruits, providing a fun and exciting way to experience Japanese culture.
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Conclusion
Japan offers a vast array of beverages that cater to every palate, from traditional alcoholic drinks like sake and plum wine to refreshing non-alcoholic options such as matcha and yuzu soda. Exploring these beverages not only enhances your culinary experience but also provides insight into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re sipping on a classic drink or trying a unique seasonal soda, there’s always something new to discover in Japan’s beverage landscape.
FAQ
What is sake?
Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, often enjoyed warm or cold. It’s an essential part of Japanese culture and cuisine.
What is matcha?
Matcha is finely ground green tea powder known for its rich flavor and health benefits. It’s used in tea ceremonies and can also be found in desserts.
Is chuhai alcoholic?
Yes, chuhai is an alcoholic drink made from shochu mixed with soda and various flavors, making it a popular choice in Japan.
What is the unique feature of Ramune?
Ramune is known for its distinctive glass bottle sealed with a marble, making it a fun and nostalgic drink.
How is plum wine made?
Plum wine, or umeshu, is made by steeping ume fruits in alcohol and sugar, resulting in a sweet and fruity beverage.
What makes Japanese whiskey special?
Japanese whiskey is renowned for its smoothness and complexity, often featuring a well-balanced flavor profile that includes notes of fruit and spices.
What is Genmaicha?
Genmaicha is a blend of green tea and roasted brown rice, known for its unique nutty flavor and comforting aroma.
What is Uroncha?
Uroncha, or oolong tea, is partially fermented and has a flavor profile that is floral and slightly sweet, making it a refreshing choice.
What is Yuzu soda?
Yuzu soda is a refreshing drink made from yuzu, a citrus fruit, known for its unique tangy flavor that is popular during summer.
What is Calpis?
Calpis is a fermented milk beverage that has a slightly tangy flavor. It can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other beverages for a refreshing drink.