Top 5 Must-Try Limited-Edition Japanese Summer Iced Drinks

By MOOK Scenic Spots Shun

Summer is not only the peak travel season but also the perfect time to cool off with icy treats. Many well-known Japanese brands have recently launched summer seasonal exclusives—some even available only in specific regions or in limited quantities—tempting many tourists to rush and buy them. Here’s a list of five recent limited-edition brands and drinks you might want to try before they’re gone.

Starbucks
 
Starbucks launched the Matcha Chocolate Cake Frappuccino on June 14. It features a thick 2-cm layer of chocolate cake atop a milk-based frappuccino blended with almond crumbs and vanilla syrup, topped with rich Uji matcha sauce—a luxurious iced drink hard to resist. On June 23, they also released a coffee syrup version of the same frappuccino, offering a uniquely slightly bitter taste. Additionally, on June 28, Starbucks Japan’s own tea brand “TEAVANA” introduced a new summer Watermelon Fruit Iced Shaken Tea.
 
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Matcha Chocolate Cake Frappuccino
Sales period: June 14 – July 13, 2017 (Coffee syrup flavor launched on June 23)
 
TEAVANA Watermelon Fruit Iced Shaken Tea
Sales period: June 28 – August 31, 2017 (Limited quantity, while supplies last)

Coca-Cola
 
Following the craze over Coca-Cola’s cherry blossom bottles, the brand has recently launched five new regionally limited curved bottles exclusive to Japan—representing Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kyoto, Setouchi, and Kumamoto. Each bottle features designs of iconic local attractions, showcasing regional tourism appeal. The Hokkaido and Tokyo bottles went on sale first on June 19, while the Kyoto, Setouchi, and Kumamoto bottles will be available starting July 17—but only within their respective regions. They can be purchased at souvenir shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
 
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Coca-Cola Regional Curved Bottles
Sales period: (Limited quantity, while supplies last)
June 19 – Hokkaido, Tokyo
July 17 – Kyoto, Setouchi, Kumamoto

McDonald’s
 
Japanese McDonald’s also took advantage of the summer heat to launch a limited-edition McSHAKE flavored with Calpis on June 21. This marks the first collaboration between McSHAKE and the popular Japanese dairy drink brand. The creamy texture of McDonald’s milkshake blends perfectly with the tangy and refreshing taste of Calpis, winning the hearts of many visitors.
 
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Sales period: June 21 – mid-July 2017 (Limited quantity, while supplies last)