Japanese Melon Soda

Why not enjoy Melon Soda in a tall glass filled with plenty of ice? With its vibrant green hue, this sweet beverage is a nostalgic favorite for many Japanese people and remains a classic menu item at coffee shops across Japan, both past and present.

Melon Soda is a Japanese carbonated beverage made by mixing club soda with melon syrup, giving it a bright green hue and a sweet flavor. Despite its name, it contains neither real melon nor the flavor of fresh melon, yet it is still called "melon soda." There is a reason why it has this name.

Several decades ago in Japan, melons were considered a luxury item and were rarely found in ordinary households. This green beverage made with syrup evoked the color and essence of melon, making it a popular alternative that provided people with a melon-like experience in an accessible way. This tradition has persisted to this day, so in Japan, melon soda specifically refers to this syrup-based beverage, not one made with actual melon.

This drink is more of a staple in coffee shops than a common beverage in Japanese homes. It lacks the aroma of fresh fruit and might even taste a bit artificial, but that is exactly what makes it so appealing. Its vibrant hue and distinctive sweetness have a unique charm that keeps you coming back for more at unexpected moments.

Some readers who have tried melon soda in Japanese coffee shops might assume it is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cherry on top. This assumption is partially correct, as melon soda with these toppings is commonly known as "cream soda" in Japan.

These toppings are added because they complement the flavor of melon soda and provide a visually appealing touch. However, outside of Japan, the term "cream soda" might refer to a different beverage, so I recommend calling it "melon cream soda" or "Japanese cream soda" to avoid confusion (the term "melon cream soda" is also occasionally used in Japan).

The recipe includes instructions for making both melon soda and melon cream soda. The only difference between the two is whether or not you add the toppings, so feel free to try either version depending on your preference.

Melon soda is made by using melon syrup. In Japan, there is a popular treat called kakigori—shaved ice topped with sweet, flavored syrup—which makes sweet melon syrup widely available. However, the syrups you find locally might not be as sweet as the Japanese version.

Therefore, if you find that your melon soda lacks sweetness, I suggest adding some simple syrup. Since simple syrup is colorless, it won’t affect the color of the melon soda and dissolves more easily than regular sugar. Try it out and see how it works for you.

Ingredients

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Instructions

🕒 Total: 2 mins mins

Step 1
Add ice cubes to a tall glass.

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Step 2
Pour melon syrup and carbonated water into the glass, then stir. Your melon soda is ready to serve.

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Step 3
For an extra treat, turn it into 'melon cream soda' by adding a scoop of ice cream and a cherry on top, if you like.

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To store

It is not suitable for storage. Be sure to drink it before it goes flat.