Random Japan: Melon Cream Soda

This is the first in what's probably going to be a series of little random observations about Japan. One of the things I discovered on our just-ended trip was this:


Yeah, I'd already drunk a little bit of it before taking the shot; no self control, I guess. Anyway, this is a melon cream soda. And it's the Japanese version of a root beer float.

Fanta sells melon flavored soda; you can get it at any convenience or grocery store, and even fast food chains like MOS Burger offer it. It's actually usually a disturbing day-glo green - my soda above is already mixed a bit. I love this stuff even straight; I don't know that it really tastes much like melon, but it's definitely got a light, crisp sweetness that's not like any soda we've got here.

Add in a scoop of ice cream and you've got a melon cream soda. And that's two great tastes that taste great together right there.

Try one the next time you're in Japan - you can get them at many restaurants, especially any that specialize in desserts.