11 Japanese Drinks You Need an Acquired Taste to Enjoy

Japan is known for its wide variety of beverages that highlight its rich food traditions. These drinks, ranging from sweet to savory, offer flavors and ingredients that may be new to many people.

Trying these Japanese beverages provides insight into the country's creative approach to drink-making. Though some flavors might seem intense at first, they offer a chance to explore unique and intriguing tastes.

Here are 11 Japanese drinks that require an acquired taste to fully enjoy!

Two people are sitting in a cozy cafe, sipping drinks from glass mugs. The person on the left is wearing a white fleece top, and the one on the right is wearing a striped sweater. The background has various art pieces on the walls. — Introduction. Photo credit: YayImages.

Ramune

Ramune is a carbonated soft drink known for its unique glass bottle sealed with marble. Originating in Japan, it comes in various flavors, including classic lemon-lime, strawberry, and even wasabi. The marble acts as a stopper, creating a fun experience when opening the bottle. The drink's fizzy texture and fruity flavors make it popular among locals and tourists alike. Many enjoy the challenge of getting the marble down into the bottle, making it a playful addition to any gathering. Ramune is often associated with summer festivals and nostalgic childhood memories, making it a beloved beverage in Japanese culture.

Calpis

A tall glass of a creamy white beverage with ice cubes, garnished with a lemon wheel on the rim. The background is a soft white, highlighting the drink. — Calpis. Photo credit: YayImages.

Calpis, known as Calpico outside Japan, is a non-carbonated soft drink with a unique, tangy flavor derived from fermented milk. This drink is often diluted with water or soda, creating a refreshing beverage that is both sweet and slightly sour. Its milky appearance and distinctive taste can surprise newcomers, but many find it addictive. Calpis is often enjoyed during hot summer days and is a staple at Japanese festivals. It also serves as a base for various cocktails and desserts, showcasing its versatility. The drink's unique flavor profile and cultural significance make it a must-try for those looking to explore Japanese beverages.

Miso Soup Drink

A person holds a brown paper cup filled with soup, garnished with green herbs, against a dark background. The person's hands are visible, but their face and surroundings are not shown. — Miso Soup Drink. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

The Miso Soup Drink is an unconventional beverage that takes the beloved Japanese soup and transforms it into a drinkable form. This savory concoction combines miso paste with water, creating a warm, umami-rich drink. Often enjoyed as a health tonic, it is packed with probiotics and nutrients. While miso soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine, sipping it as a drink may seem odd to those unfamiliar with it. However, it offers a comforting and nourishing experience, especially during colder months. The Miso Soup Drink reflects Japan's appreciation for umami flavors and showcases the country's innovative culinary spirit.

Sake

Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine with a unique brewing process, resulting in a distinct flavor profile. Made from fermented rice, water, yeast, and koji mold, sake can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on the type. Its taste ranges from sweet to dry, with fruity and floral notes. Sake is often served during special occasions and celebrations, making it a significant part of Japanese culture. While it may be familiar to some, the variety of sake types and serving methods can bewilder newcomers. Exploring sake offers a deep dive into Japan's rich culinary heritage and the artistry behind this beloved beverage.

Green Tea Soda

A mason jar filled with a minty beverage and a striped straw sits on a white surface. A halved lemon is placed beside the jar. The background features a blurred view of greenery and a pink railing. — Green Tea Soda. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

Green Tea Soda is a refreshing fusion of traditional Japanese green tea and carbonated water. This unique drink combines the health benefits of green tea with the effervescence of soda, creating a bubbly and invigorating beverage. Often lightly sweetened, it retains the distinct earthy flavor of green tea while offering a fun twist. Green Tea Soda has gained popularity among health-conscious consumers and is often enjoyed as a refreshing alternative to sugary soft drinks. Its unique combination of flavors and textures showcases Japan's innovative approach to beverages, making it a delightful option for those looking to try something different.

Sweet Potato Shochu

A rustic ceramic cup filled with a dark liquid is placed on a red surface next to a bottle. There are green leaves nearby, adding a touch of nature to the scene. — Sweet Potato Shochu. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

Sweet Potato Shochu is a distilled spirit made from sweet potatoes, primarily produced in the Kagoshima region of Japan. This unique beverage has a rich, earthy flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional rice shochu. Often enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails, sweet potato shochu offers a distinct taste experience. Its higher alcohol content and complex flavors can surprise those unfamiliar with it. This spirit is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, often accompanying meals and celebrations. Exploring sweet potato shochu provides insight into Japan's diverse drinking culture and the versatility of local ingredients.

Yogurt Drink

Two glasses of a creamy white beverage on a wooden surface. One glass is garnished with a mint leaf and a spoon, while the other is plain. — Yogurt Drink. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

Yogurt Drink, or "yogurt soda," is a popular beverage in Japan that combines yogurt and carbonated water for a fizzy, creamy experience. This drink is often flavored with fruits like peach or strawberry, making it a sweet and tangy treat. Its unique texture and taste can be surprising for those unfamiliar with the concept of a carbonated yogurt beverage. Many enjoy it as a refreshing snack or dessert alternative, especially during hot summer days. The Yogurt Drink reflects Japan's innovative approach to dairy products and showcases the country's penchant for combining flavors unexpectedly.

Melon Soda

A tall glass of green iced drink with ice cubes and a black straw, garnished with a slice of lime on the rim. The glass is on a textured table with blurred outdoor seating in the background. — Melon Soda. Photo credit: YayImages.

Melon Soda is a vibrant, sweet soft drink that is a staple in Japan, known for its bright green color and distinct melon flavor. Often served at restaurants and festivals, this soda has a unique taste that resembles the flavor of cantaloupe or honeydew. Its sweetness and effervescence make it a popular choice among children and adults alike. Melon Soda is often used as a base for floats, combining it with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. While its vibrant color and sweetness may seem unusual to some, it has become a beloved part of Japanese beverage culture.

Matcha Latte

Matcha Latte is a creamy beverage made from finely ground green tea leaves, known as matcha, and milk. This drink has gained worldwide popularity for its vibrant green color and rich, earthy flavor. In Japan, matcha lattes can be found in cafes and tea houses, often sweetened to enhance the taste. The combination of matcha and milk creates a smooth, velvety texture that is both satisfying and energizing. While matcha itself is a traditional drink, the latte variation offers a modern twist that appeals to a broader audience. Its health benefits and unique flavor make the Matcha Latte a must-try for tea enthusiasts.

Canned Coffee

A hand holding a can of Café Au Lait beverage featuring coffee beans and milk swirl graphics on the label. Japanese text is printed on the can. The background is blurred, showing an outdoor setting with stone walls and greenery. — Canned Coffee. Photo credit: DepositPhotos.

Canned Coffee is a convenient and popular beverage in Japan, available in vending machines and convenience stores. This drink comes in various flavors, including black, sweetened, and milk coffee, catering to different tastes. The unique aspect of canned coffee is its ready-to-drink convenience, making it a favorite for busy commuters and students. Japanese canned coffee often features high-quality beans and rich flavors, providing a satisfying caffeine boost. While the concept of canned coffee may seem strange to some, it reflects Japan's innovative approach to convenience and beverage culture, making it a must-try for visitors.

Wasabi Soda

Wasabi Soda is a daring and adventurous drink that captures the bold flavor of wasabi, a staple in Japanese cuisine. This unique beverage combines carbonated water with wasabi flavoring, creating a fizzy drink that offers a spicy kick. While it may sound unusual, many find the combination intriguing and refreshing. Wasabi Soda is often enjoyed as a novelty drink at specialty shops and restaurants, appealing to those looking to try something different. Its unique flavor profile reflects Japan's innovative spirit and willingness to experiment with bold tastes, making it a memorable experience for adventurous drinkers.

Around the World in 14 Teas That Are Worth Every Sip

A person in a red robe pours tea from a teapot into four small cups on a wooden table, embodying the essence of teas around the world. The scene unfolds indoors against a warm-toned background, with the dark ceramic teapot and cups adding to the global ambiance. — Introduction. Photo Credits: Pexels

Want more drinks? Here are 14 teas from all around the world. Whether you're a long-time tea lover or just starting to explore, there's always something new to discover. Each tea brings its own story, its own charm, and its own way of brightening up your day. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene hills of Darjeeling, every cup has a bit of magic brewed into it. It's the perfect way to travel without leaving your kitchen. So grab your favorite mug, get comfortable, and take a flavorful trip across the globe, one sip at a time.
Get the Recipe: Around the World in 14 Teas That Are Worth Every Sip

Learn how To Make One of Our 17 Highest Ranked Mocktails

A glass of iced coffee with a frothy top and a cinnamon stick, set on a dark wooden table against a black background. — Chai White Russian Mocktail. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Feeling adventurous and want to try more drinks with no booze? Here are 17 of our highest ranked mocktails! Discover the art of crafting our 17 most beloved mocktails, each a testament to flavor and creativity. From tropical delights to cozy classics, embark on a journey of mixology mastery and elevate your beverage game. Perfect for any occasion, these mocktails promise to delight and impress even the most discerning palates.
Get the Recipe: Learn how To Make One of Our 17 Highest Ranked Mocktails