This has got to be one of the cutest ramune sodas I’ve seen at Mitsukoshi in Epcot (though I have bought Hello Kitty bottles outside of WDW). Most are pretty basic, with a picture of the fruit in a color scheme that relates to the flavor it contains. This bottle of Toko Blue Hawaii Flavor Ramune Drink sports a cute coconut tree, and contains a bright blue liquid not unlike the delicious cocktail best enjoyed at Tambu Lounge. The color is more vibrant in real life.
I enjoy a fruity mixed drink every now and then, so I figured I’d give this one a try. Unlike some of our recent snacks from Japan, this one is indeed a product of Japan. Instructions on how to open the beverage are standard on these drinks…
What is “Artifificial Flavor?!”
…as are warning labels:
How does it taste? Like a bottle of blue sugar water. No hint of pineapple juice, citrus of blue Curacao, tartness of sweet and sour, and certainly no rum! When the top three ingredients are water, HFCS, and sugar, you kind of know what you’re getting yourself into. I was hoping the “artifificial” flavors might have some sort of discerning taste reminiscent of a real Blue Hawaii, but the only thing these two drinks have in common is their blue color. And as fun as ramune bottles are, they’re no tiki head! Better luck on the next bottle of ramune I buy.
I’ve only had the original flavor ramune, but I always look at the different flavors whenever I’m in Mitsukoshi (or my local World Market, for that matter). I think I’ll stay away from Blue Hawaii if I come across it.
So far, original is the best of the few flavors I’ve tried. Lychee is an interesting one as well.