It’s been one of my most vivid and most zesty drinks ever. The Japanese soda, with its intensely bright green color, sweet melon flavor, and fizzy bubbles, has become widely known across the globe since the 1990s. Melon soda is one of those beverages you first saw in an anime, tasted at a Japanese restaurant, or stumbled on in an Asian grocery store and which stays with you.
In this post, we’ve got a deep dive into all things melon soda. From where it came from and how it tastes to how we drink it now and where to purchase it, this guide is full of useful information and fun facts. Let’s take a delicious deep dive for all things sweet, bubbly and melon soda!
What Is Melon Soda?
Melon soda is a popular soft drink in Japan, it is typically dyed a bright green and it is actually flavored like melon in the Japanese sense. It is sweet and fruity and refreshing to the taste. Despite the name, melon soda does not taste like those melons from the West. It is based off of muskmelon, a juicy, sweet Japanese muskmelon.
Some tend a bit creamy, and some are crystal-clear green. It is usually non-alcoholic, but there are also melon-flavored drinks for adults in Japan..
The Origin of Melon Soda
Japan became the epicenter for melon soda in the ’70s and ’80s. It was a flashy and colorful product in Japan’s expanding soft drink market. It eventually achieved ubiquity in fast food restaurants, arcades, family diners, and vending machines across the country.
It became a nostalgic flavor for many Japanese people, especially people who enjoyed it with their meals while they were growing up, or getting it from soda fountains. Today, melon soda is still sold in places like Jonathan’s (something like a Japanese take on Denny’s), Denny’s Japan or Joyfull.
Why Do People Love Melon Soda?
Here are some of the reasons why melon soda is adored:
- Unique Flavour: The taste is completely different from any Western soda. It’s sweet, it’s smooth, and it’s nothing like colas or citrus sodas.
- Vibrant Appearance: The neon green color is very eye catching.
- Fun texture: And the carbonation gives it that crisp, fizzy texture.
- Delicious with Ice Cream: Melon soda is made for a float and in Japan it’s often accompanied by a big dollop of vanilla ice cream.
- Anime and Pop Culture: often featured in anime, manga, and Japanese dramas, melon soda has grown in popularity worldwide.
How Is Melon Soda Served?
Melon Soda Floats A Melon Soda float is one of the most common ways to drink the sweet refreshing creation. This is a simple, but extremely tasty treat of fizzing melon soda with a big scoop of ice cream. The result? A creamy, frothy dessert that’s enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Melon soda is available in cans, plastic bottles, vending machines and in some cases fresh from soda fountains in Japan. In cafes and restaurants, it might be served in an oversized cup with ice and a straw. It’s particularly well-liked in the summer months for its calming, cooling flavor..
Is Melon Soda Only in Japan?
No! Though it originated there, melon soda is now consumed all over the world. You can find it in:
- Asian grocery stores: Check the drink section. Melon soda is available from popular brands like Sangaria and Kimura.
- Japanese restaurants: Especially ones that do ramen or curry rice.
- Online: Purchase it at sites including Amazon, eBay or specialized Japanese food sites.
- Anime conventions or festivals: Certain events serve Japanese drinks, including melon soda, as a cultural nod.
Popular Melon Soda Brands
Some well-known names produce scrumptious melon soda:
- Sangaria: A famous Japanese beverage company. Their melon soda is , sweet, carbonated and even comes in cans most of the time.
- Kimura: Famed for its retro-style melon soda in glass bottles with a vintage label.
- Fanta Melon Soda: A Japan-only flavor from the global Fanta line. It is one of the most recognized melon sodas in the country.
Every brand is a little different, but it’s that melon taste we know and love.
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How to Make Melon Soda at Home
Can’t find melon soda near you? Try making your own! Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- Melon syrup (can be found in Japanese or Asian grocery stores)
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Ice
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream for a float
Instructions:
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of melon syrup.
- Pour in club soda or sparkling water until the glass is full.
- Stir gently and taste. Add more syrup if you want it sweeter.
- Optional: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a melon soda float.
It’s that easy! You can even adjust the sweetness and fizz to your liking.
Fun Facts About Melon Soda
- Melon soda is often used in Japanese cocktails, like a “Melon Sour.”
- Some Japanese convenience stores sell limited-edition melon soda candy and gum.
- In Japan, students sometimes use it as a reward drink after exams or club practice.
- Some cafes create fancy melon soda parfaits or mix it with jelly for unique desserts.
Is Melon Soda Healthy?
Melon soda, as with most sodas, is most delicious when enjoyed in moderation. It has sugar and artificial coloring, so it’s not a health drink. But as an occasional fun indulgence, it can offer a little bit of happiness and nostalgia.
If you’d prefer a healthier option, substitute less syrup when you make melon soda at home; or blend it with more sparkling water to dilute the sweet.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Melon Soda?
Absolutely! But if you like to drink something new and different, melon soda is a must. It’s a swig from a bottle that’s a mouthful of Japanese culture, nostalgia, and good times all at the same fizz. Whether you take it plain, as a float or as part of a dessert, this is a beverage that can bring a smile to your day.
So next time you come across an irradiated green soda in a bottle, give it a go. You may find your new favorite cocktail!
Where to Go Next
If you enjoyed learning about melon soda, here are a few other things you might like:
- This is a great first time purchase for those new to drinking Japanese soft drinks, and those who already love Ramune.
- Make a Japanese-style ice cream float yourself
- Eat Japanese snacks that go with melon soda
Don’t forget to share with others of your melon soda experiance. Stay fizzy, stay curious, and happy sipping!
