Coolish is a brand of “drinkable ice cream” sold at Japanese convenience stores. With an abundance of flavors to pick from, here are my top 5!
1. Vanilla (The Classic)
The one that started it all. Coolish Vanilla is the “OG” of Japanese drinkable ice cream flavors. Before trying any other flavor, I recommend vanilla to understand what Coolish is all about!
The first time you try Coolish might surprise you, as the packs are typically frozen solid at first and you’ll struggle to suck anything out of it. Give it a few minutes out of the freezer and it’ll slowly melt to the optimal squeezing temperature, kind of like a rich creamy vanilla slushy.
2. Melon Soda Float (Most Refreshing)
Melon soda is one of the most iconic flavors of soda to come out of Japan, offering the sweet taste of muskmelon (or “cantaloupe”). A popular beverage at local Japanese cafés is melon soda float, which consists of sweet fizzy melon soda topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Coolish Melon Soda Float brilliantly captures this dynamic flavor combination by bringing out the fizzy flavor of melon soda and somehow also delivering a cool and creamy vanilla ice cream aftertaste! It’s definitely the most refreshing flavor of Coolish in my books!
3. Cappuccino (Class & Elegance)
For a cold winter’s night at home, Coolish Cappuccino is the ideal choice. It offers the harmonious taste of coffee ice cream to bring a balance of relaxation and vitality to your day. While not a complete replacement for a cup of coffee, I’d say it’s a good choice for a delicious dessert and caffeine hit!
4. Calpis (Exotic Choice)
Calpis is a popular drink in Japan which consists of carbonated fermented milk and is designed to ease digestion. It has a light and “yogurt-like” flavor and can typically be found in Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores.
Indeed, it’s one of the more exotic flavors of Japanese beverages, and I’d recommend you try the drink first before giving Coolish Calpis a go (so you’re not weirded out by it!). In any case, this flavor of Coolish is likely to be the most unique of the lot, offering a milky yogurt taste that is sweet and slightly sour.
5. Peach (Summer Classic)
An absolute summer classic of the Coolish flavors, Coolish Peach offers a refreshing fruity taste that quite literally resembles the essence of the fruit itself. Available during Japan’s peach season i.e. the summer months of June, July, and August, it’s the perfect choice for those scorching hot days!
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