Ramune is basically the "National Summer Soda of Japan" if there ever was such a thing. (There's not, last I checked.) It's important to drink them extra cold! Ramune is considered to be ultra-refreshing when the summer is at its hottest and muggiest. These special-release flavors from Setouchi are only available in limited supply and once they are out we won't get more until next year. 

The Flavors

Shio (Salt) - It's not actually that salty, but more like how Gatorade is a little salty. Overall the flavor reminds me of 7-up mixed with cream soda. Consuming a little extra salt is a Japanese summertime tactic that can keep the body cool, and retaining water when temperatures are at their sweatiest. 

Hakuto (White Peach) - Summer  white peaches! Japan grows such good peaches, and they grow especially well in Seto, where Setouchi is from. Never have I eaten such delicious peaches as the Japanese white peach.

Muscat Grape - Muscat grape is basically a sweet, white grape with distinctive floral aroma. Yum!

Setouchi Company is from Seto, in Okayama, which is famous for its agriculture and high-quality fruits (among other crops, like sake rice). These sodas are flavored with local Seto ingredients. 

The name "Ramune" comes from the English word, 'lemonade'. These sodas are sort of like sprite or 7-up, but at the same time, the flavor is really unique and in Japan they make tons of candies flavored 'ramune'. Ramune is famous for its Codd-necked bottle, sealed with a marble. If you've never opened one before, make sure to check out the video below to learn how to open it. 

When I was a child, I was obsessed with Ramune and loooved opening the bottles. I felt so mature when I was strong enough to do it myself. I would also make my dad smash the marble out of the bottle. He'd break it with a hammer inside a paper bag, but I'm not recommending you do that.

6.76 fl oz *Drink extra cold! (that will definitely help it not foam over when you open it.)

HOW TO OPEN:

(Pro tips) Hold the plastic cap over the top until the bubbles subside so it doesn't overflow when you open it. Also, the little dents in the neck are designed to hold the marble and keep it from stopping up the mouth.