Nostalgia in a can

Melon Cream Soda

Brand: Asahi

Price: 100 yen

Place of purchase: Asahi vending machine

Rating:

I didn't expect much from a canned version of the drink, but it's a real treat when it's served chilled. Cream soda is usually a vanilla-flavored soda with half-and-half to give it a nice texture and richness. The Japanese version uses melon syrup, soda water, and a scoop of ice cream. This canned version was sweet, as I expected with vanilla flavoring that hints at ice cream. Maybe it's my imagination, but the maraschino cherry on the can isn't just a tease - the drink has a hint of the tart fruit.

Sugary drinks like this aren't good for you, of course. This drink is loaded with it. Be sure to chill it in the freezer for a bit until it gets a little frosty on the outside to mimic the real version. It's a little insipid if it's not really cold. This one I got from a drink vending machine. Maybe I just hadn't noticed it in the shops before, but it was the first time I'd encountered it. I suspect that I overlooked the convenience store ones because they're in PET plastic bottles which I avoid. You're likely to find the canned version in vending machines.