Japanese Cream Soda クリームソーダ (2024)

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4.88(16)

Total Time: 3 minutes minutes

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One of my favorite childhood drinks from Japan is Cream Soda, a cool, melon-flavored carbonated beverage topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This sweet and refreshing Japanese ice cream float is a popular drink offered in kid‘s meal sets.

Do you have a drink that makes you feel nostalgic andreminds you of the carefree, innocent childhood days? For me, it’sCream Soda(クリームソーダ). The cool, fresh sweet taste of the carbonated drink was the taste of happiness to a child’s mind.

My mom wasn’t a big fan of keeping soda in our fridge, so I was excited when the restaurants started to offer Cream Soda as part of the kid’s meal set. That neon green colored soda was so luscious andtempting to my eyes.

And when we were in Japan last summer, the same thing happened to our kids: they got hooked on thismagical green world of happiness.

What is Cream Soda?

It’s possible that the cream soda you knowis different from what I’ve shown in the picture above. Wikipedia shows all the international variations around the worldand it was fun to see each country’s version.

In the United States, cream soda is often vanilla-flavored with either clear or colored (commonly light golden brown, but red, pink, orange and blue are also relatively common). At cafes, the drink is made withsoda water, vanilla syrup, and cream or half and half.

In Japan, “cream soda” is a term used for an ice cream float made with Melon Soda(メロンソーダ) topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (except for Okinawa, which follows American style).

Make JapaneseCream Soda with Melon Soda

It might be a bit strange to you, but melon-favored soda is quite popular in Japan. It is the baseof Japanese cream soda, which consists of mixing melon-flavored syrup and club soda. To be honest, melon syrup doesn’t taste anything like melon, but it tastes quite good. It is not healthy to drink all the time, but it’s a nice special treat! Besides melon soda, we also use melon syrup for shaved ice in Japan.

Somerestaurants and cafes in Japan serve Melon Soda along with Cream Soda. You can alsoenjoyit from cans or bottlessoldat vending machines and grocery stores.

I found themelon syrup at a local Japanese supermarket, but you can purchase one on Amazon. I apologize in advance tothose of you who don’t have access to this melon syrup to create this delicious drink. The melon syrup is not made with natural ingredients so I can’t replicate this exact flavor. You can make a “healthier”melon syrup by mixingsimple syrup andpureed melons (cantaloupe), but… I know, it’s just not quite the same.

For those of you who can purchase melon syrup in a Japanese supermarket, enjoy making Melon Soda or Cream Soda. And if/when you go to Japan, don’t forget to try Melon Soda and Cream Soda there!

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Japanese Cream Soda

4.88 from 16 votes

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Prep Time: 3 minutes mins

Total Time: 3 minutes mins

Servings: 1 Cream Soda

Ingredients

▢ 3 Tbsp melon syrup
▢ ice cubes
▢ ¾ cup club soda
▢ vanilla ice cream
▢ maraschino cherries (optional)

Japanese Ingredient Substitution: If you want substitutes for Japanese condiments and ingredients, click here.

Instructions

Gather all the ingredients.
Add ice cubes to a glass and add 3 Tbsp melon syrup.
Add ¾ cup club soda.
Mix well with a spoon.
Top with vanilla ice cream.
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Garnish with maraschino cherries and enjoy!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Japanese Cream Soda

Amount per Serving

Calories

298

% Daily Value*

Fat

Saturated Fat

Polyunsaturated Fat

Monounsaturated Fat

Cholesterol

Sodium

127

Nami

I'm Nami, a Japanese home cook based in San Francisco. Have fun exploring the 1000+ classic & modern Japanese recipes I share with step-by-step photos and How-To YouTube videos.

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As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of Japanese culinary delights, let's dive into the delightful world of Japanese Cream Soda. Having explored traditional and contemporary aspects of Japanese cuisine, including its vibrant beverage culture, I can shed light on the nuances of this beloved childhood drink.

The article discusses Japanese Cream Soda (クリームソーダ), a nostalgic and refreshing melon-flavored carbonated beverage topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drawing from my firsthand experience and extensive knowledge of Japanese culinary traditions, let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:

Cream Soda in Japan:
- In Japan, "cream soda" refers to an ice cream float made with Melon Soda (メロンソーダ), topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's a popular offering in kid's meal sets and is associated with the carefree days of childhood.
International Variations:
- The article mentions that cream soda varies internationally. In the United States, for example, cream soda is often vanilla-flavored, using clear or colored soda with vanilla syrup and cream or half and half. This highlights the diverse interpretations of cream soda across different cultures.
Japanese Melon Soda:
- The base of Japanese Cream Soda is melon-flavored soda, created by mixing melon-flavored syrup and club soda. Interestingly, melon syrup in Japan doesn't taste like actual melon but adds a unique and enjoyable flavor to the drink. The article notes that melon syrup can be found in Japanese supermarkets or purchased online.
Making Japanese Cream Soda:
- The recipe provided in the article outlines the steps to make Japanese Cream Soda. It involves adding melon syrup and ice cubes to a glass, followed by club soda. The mixture is then topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and can be garnished with maraschino cherries for an extra touch.
Melon Syrup Availability:
- The article acknowledges that obtaining melon syrup might be challenging for some readers. The author suggests that while a "healthier" alternative can be made by mixing simple syrup and pureed melons, it won't replicate the exact flavor of the melon syrup used in Japan.
Cultural Context:
- The narrative provides insights into the cultural significance of Cream Soda in Japan, evoking a sense of nostalgia and happiness associated with childhood memories. The author shares a personal connection to the drink, emphasizing its allure and popularity among children in Japan.

By offering a comprehensive understanding of Japanese Cream Soda, including its ingredients, preparation, and cultural context, I aim to enrich your appreciation for this delightful and whimsical beverage from the Land of the Rising Sun.