How do you drink craft cola?

Hello! This is Koreeda from The SUZUTIMES editorial department.

It's hot every day, isn't it...!

While I feel the "abnormality" in the heat that is a mix of scorching and humid, I find myself a little chilled these days by the fact that what was "abnormal" a little while ago has become within the range of "better" this year...

In summer, you want to drink something crisp and cold with carbonation, don't you?

There are various carbonated drinks lined up in supermarkets and convenience stores, but I feel that it has recently become common for "craft cola" to be lined up among them.

Today, I would like to introduce the craft cola sold at SUZU GROUP and share some recommended ways to enjoy it this summer!

What is craft cola?

Craft cola refers to cola syrup made by combining spices, citrus, herbs, and the like.

The interesting thing is that this is actually a manufacturing method that returns to the "origin" of cola.

Originally, cola was born as a medicine.
The crisp and punchy taste we have today was created when it became popular as a luxury item.

In craft cola, various scents such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cola nuts overlap, allowing you to enjoy a complex expression that changes with every sip.

This is a way of making it that is close to the original manufacturing method.

How to enjoy craft cola

When you think of cola, I think the general image is to mix it with carbonated water...

Of course, we also recommend drinking craft cola mixed with carbonated water!

However.

There are also ways to enjoy it by mixing it with drinks other than carbonated water, such as mixing it with hot water or milk...

Not only that, but you can pour it over ice cream, combine it with alcohol, or use it as a secret ingredient in cooking.

Actually, it is a very versatile drink with endless ways to enjoy it!

SUZU365 Craft Cola

Settaya Saffron Cola from the Town of Brewing

This product, which is also SUZU's first craft cola, is here.

It is a craft cola syrup made using a liqueur born in Settaya called "Saffron Sake."

Saffron Sake is a medicinal liquor said to have once taken Niigata by storm.
Today, it continues to be sold as a liqueur to preserve its history and tradition.

We created a blend that highlights the aroma of Saffron Sake so that you can experience its original spiciness and richness in a cola style.

My personal recommendation is to pair it with dairy products.
The chai-like flavor is perfect not only for summer but also for when you want to relax and take a break in winter.

Nagaoka Ginger Soy Sauce Ramen Cola

When I introduce it, people often ask, "Is the ramen actually in the cola?!" It is that kind of item (laughs).

But please rest assured, it is not actually ramen...!

Ginger Soy Sauce Ramen is something that could be called the soul food of Nagaoka citizens.

Hidden within its nostalgic, old-fashioned flavor are the umami produced by fermentation and the unique spiciness and depth of ginger.

Rather than "recreating the specialty as it is," the idea is to enjoy the culture of that combination easily in the form of a drink.

It is an item born from that concept.

We recommend enjoying it with crisp sparkling water!

The fresh aroma, which comes from using freshly grated ginger, brings out the rich and deep flavor of the soy sauce brewed in Nagaoka.

Soy Sauce Craft Cola from the Town of Brewing

This is the second craft cola syrup in the Town of Brewing series.

This one is also not the taste of soy sauce itself, but a drinkable cola that incorporates the richness, fragrance, and umami of soy sauce into the cola.

It luxuriously uses double-brewed soy sauce made by Koshinomurasaki, located in the brewing town of Settaya.
We developed it with the desire for you to easily enjoy its time-honored flavor and charm.

It is a popular drink year-round at "Omusubi to Shiru to Cha 6SUBI," a rest stop in Settaya.

We recommend pouring it over ice cream.

You might be a little wary when you hear "pour it over ice cream," but it's like a "mitarashi dango" (sweet soy glaze dumpling) experience...!!

The umami of the soy sauce and the aroma of the blended spices pair perfectly with simple ice cream like milk or vanilla.

It is also recommended for replenishing energy during the hot season.

A cup to taste the region

We did not create this craft cola as a "rare drink."

We created it as a way for people to more casually enjoy the culture rooted in Settaya and Nagaoka.

In fact, I think one reason why craft cola is becoming popular and mainstream is that many products reflect the flavors and characteristics of various regions, carrying local identity.

If a conversation like "Wait, why ginger soy sauce ramen?!" starts, that alone can be a trigger for people to talk about Nagaoka's culture and the region.

Feeling the region in familiar places.

From a single drink, getting people interested in that land.

That kind of enjoyment is also part of the charm of craft cola.

Finally...

On a hot day, have some cold carbonated water.

But this summer, why not choose a "cup to taste the region" instead of your usual drink?

A craft cola packed with the culture of Nagaoka. Please find your favorite way to enjoy it!

Koreeda