Mint Season

In the glass before me, plenty of crushed ice makes a cool, refreshing sound. At the tip of the straw, there is vibrant, fresh mint.

I can barely drink alcohol.
Even when I'm out with friends, there is usually a soft drink placed in front of me.
However, this "mojito" is the exception.

Even though I'm not good with alcohol, I crave this overwhelming sense of refreshment, so I find myself ordering it whenever it's available. It is a small, quiet luxury for me that the arrival of early summer brings.

My preference for having no preferences

I have always liked coffee and various types of tea, and I drink them often.
That said, I don't have strong preferences regarding their origin or brewing method like a sommelier would.
For coffee, a slightly acidic, thin Americano is just right, and for tea, I brew whatever I'm in the mood for, whether it's green tea, black tea, or Chinese tea.

However, when I think about it, I am a little drawn to things with "flavor." Earl Grey or jasmine tea. Just by catching a whiff of that scent, the noise of my busy daily life seems to fade away, and I feel like my time becomes a little richer.

Herb Season

Recently, cold-brew herbal teas and flavored waters have started to line the shelves of my favorite shops and my usual supermarket.
When I see them, I feel a sense of relief at the changing scenery, thinking, "Ah, that season is approaching again this year."

I am terrible with the humid, intense heat of Japan, and I don't like summer itself at all. Even so, the reason I'm happy to see the shelves at this time of year is surely because they are overflowing with my favorite mint and refreshing drinks.

To tell the truth, I feel like I want to drink these kinds of crisp beverages all year round, even in winter.
However, these products disappear from store shelves all at once if you miss this period. You can only encounter them during this season. That is precisely why the joy of finding them on the shelf is special, and why I hold them dear.

The sweltering summer is depressing, but I toss these seasonal treats, which can only be obtained now, into my basket with a little bit of affection.

The scent of mint is a charm

This is a slight digression from drinks, but for me, that refreshing scent of mint that clears the nose is something special that instantly resets my mood.
I think it depends on the person, as some say, "I don't like it because it's like toothpaste," but I am truly saved by this scent.
Actually, I suffer from chronic headaches, and I often feel unwell due to migraines. That's why I always keep a mint flavor in my bag along with my headache medicine, like a good luck charm.
Just having a scent I can rely on at hand is reassuring in itself.

Afterword

Thank you for reading until the end. The full heat of summer is coming, but I hope you all spend your days healthy and refreshed with your favorite scents.

If you felt a little refreshed after reading this article, giving it a "Like" or a "Follow" would be a huge encouragement for my future writing.

Bonus: Recent favorites

These are the "charms" in my bag that I mentioned briefly in the text, and the favorite mint items I love to use during my relaxing time at home. Please take a look if you are interested.
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Drinks
This is a cold-brew herbal tea. The refreshing scent of mint and the berry flavor are delicious.

We also have a lineup other than mint.

This mint tea is great value for money and is delicious whether served hot or cold.

Put water and a tea bag in a thermos when you go out. Lemon adds a refreshing touch.

Aroma stick
This is a product for smelling scents. I always keep it in my bag and have been using it for years. I truly recommend it for its calming scent.

I have compiled my previous articles here.