Suntory Bikkle drink: This tastes exactly like Yakult, the Asian yogurt i had growing up in miniature plastic milk jug contained. It's very sweet and doesn't taste of plain yogurt - I think e have comes more from the milky opaque color thank any flavor profile. Purchased at a vending machine in Tokyo. 3.0/5.0
drinks vendingmachine japan suntory bikkel drink 3.0
Suntory Melon Pop Soda: I'm not sure what I expected from this atomic green soda, somehow even more neon green than Surge, the height of artificial soda in America. But I think I was craving some variety after not drinking any interesting beverages for some time. I purchased the bottle from a 100¥ discount vending machine. It tastes just as you would expect: super sweet, but not actually tasting that much of melon; more like liquid fruit gummy candy. I've actually just realized that I believe this is the melon ... (read more) 1.5/5.0
avoid drinks japanese suntory melon pop soda 1.5
Suntory Grape Gokuri Juice: I expected this drink to be carbonated, but it's more like a grape juice that contains pulpy bits of grape. It comes in a thin aluminum bottle with a screw top, which is pretty convenient because the drink is too sweet to want to drink in a single serving. Overall, it was a largely average drink, not something I would purchase again. 2.5/5.0
drinks japanese suntory grape gokuri juice 2.5
Superbee sparkling honey and ginger soda: The final drink I purchased in Australia was another ginger soda I had never seen before. Incorporating Australian honey, the champagne-colored drink comes in a long, frosted glass bottle. The bubbles are small and delicate. Beyond this, though, the flavor was underwhelming, like a Canada Dry flavored with honey. There was very little spiced ginger aftertaste, and the honey dominated the drink. 3.0/5.0
drinks soda superbee australian ginger gingerbeer honey 3.0 sparkling
Sweet Blossom rose petal soda: A light and refreshing drink, floral aftertaste is sweet and not overpowering 4.0/5.0
recommended drinks sweetblossom rose petal soda 4.0
Sweetgreens Iced Chai: Up to this point, I had been resistant to the ~$15 salads at Sweetgreens, but after returning to Berkeley after traveling, I often crave fresh fruit and vegetables. I caved in and stopped by Sweetgreens for a salad (which was actually filling and quite tasty) and purchased a cup of iced chai to accompany my greens. I really enjoyed this calorie and sugar-free option, with its warming blend of fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamon, and cloves. A surprisingly concentrated flavor. Very re... (read more) 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks berkeley sweetgreens iced chai 3.5 tea