Kanpai! Summer drinks to keep you cool
Last week I wrote about 7-Eleven’s new bread range and how I was disappointed with it. This week I discovered that Family Mart has also launched a new bread range and many new products. Again, I originally planned to write about them, but I thought, hey, the summer season has started and what better time to talk about how to keep cool than discussing all the wonderful beverages you can buy at konbini [コンビニ].
So… next week I’ll focus on the Family Mart products, okay?
Good. Now that we’ve got that settled, let’s launch straight into the World of Summer Drinks… Japanese style!
Now perhaps the most well-known drink of choice in summer is the ever-popular mugicha [麦茶], or barley tea. This drink is not only caffeine free, but calorie-free (for all those diet-crazy people out there) and delicious. Yes, a healthy product that actually tastes good! WOW! This one gets a BIG thumbs-up from me! You can find it at any konbini, so pick your favourite one and chug it down baby!
I actually don’t like iced tea, but for the purpose of this column I did taste-test one for you. I know… the things I do for you people! GEEZ! J
Anyway, I tried the Lipton Lychee Tea, which again, can be found at any konbini.
My verdict: it’s okay, although it’s a little too sweet. Okay, to be honest, I thought it tasted exactly the same as the Asahi Hi Liki The Special Strong Lychee flavoured chuuhai [チューハイ], or Japanese ‘cocktail,’ which packs a massive punch and gets me super drunk.
Unfortunately though, this is totally alcohol-free and therefore a waste of time. If I’m going to drink something that tastes exactly the same as the alcohol version, why not drink that?
Anyway, I digress.
It’s also calorie-free and if you like iced tea, go for it. Otherwise, go for the Asahi chuuhai and get happy.
I have something to confess…
I did discover one iced tea I do like and the reason I tried it, was simply because I’ve challenged myself to break my normal routine and add a bit of spice to my life. I’m hoping this extends to ALL areas of my life but let’s just take it one step at a time.
The second tea I tried was the Lipton Peach Tea. My best friend had his suspicions that I just trying it because I’m a huge fan of peach flavoured alcohol, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked it. It’s refreshing and for a hot summer’s day, just the type of thing you want to indulge in. It’s not zero calories, yet it’s not as sweet as the Lychee one. Yep, I give it a gold star.
The final drink is another favourite amongst the Japanese. It’s the Kirin From The Kitchens of the World, Salt and Lychee. Again, I have this lychee thing going on. Salt, as we all know, is lost through sweat and needs to be replaced and what better way to do that, than by drinking a delicious beverage?
I really like this one and I’ve found it’s also great for hangovers. I just realized how many alcohol references are in this column… I’m not an alcoholic, I swear!
Before I finish up though, I did discover a season’s limited Kirin Strong Kiwi chuuhai just after I finished writing this week’s column so I had to sneak it in. It’s delicious! No other comment needed. TRY IT!
So folks, that’s it for this week!
Remember, next week’s column I’ll be focusing on Family Mart’s delicious new goodies, including their bread range. Please do stop by and check it out!
Mata ne! [またね！]
