The year 2024 is coming to an end, and in December, there are many celebrations to enjoy together, such as Christmas and New Year’s.
This creates more opportunities to travel and gather with family or close friends.
During celebrations, the Japanese often consume alcoholic drinks, including beer, to warm up and enhance the mood.
If you want to try authentic Japanese beer, here are six of the most popular alcoholic drinks in 2024. Besides their beautiful cans, they also taste delicious.
You can also find exclusive winter flavors, such as apple and ponkan orange, which are only available now, as well as the special edition Coca-Cola “Lemon Hall” that’s worth trying.
1. KIRIN “Honshibori Chuhai – Winter Orange”
The alcoholic drink brand “KIRIN” is always a favorite among the Japanese during winter. This beer combines juice from five types of citrus fruits and alcohol.
Its refreshing taste makes it perfect to pair with hot and fatty winter dishes, like hot pot.
Product Information
- Japanese Name: キリン 本搾りTMチューハイ 冬柑 / Kirin Honshibori TM Chuhai Winter Orange (Limited Edition)
- Volume: 350ml/500ml
- Alcohol Concentration: 5%
2. Asahi “Zeitaku Shibori Premium – Domestic Fuji Apple”
Using sweet, sour, and juicy local Fuji apples, you can smell the tempting honey fruit aroma as it is poured into the glass.
Each sip of this beer provides a sweet taste with a slight tang at the end. This makes it perfect for a winter alcoholic drink.
Product Information
- Japanese Name: アサヒ贅沢搾りプレミアム(Asahi Zeitaku Shibori Premium)
- Volume: 350ml
- Alcohol Concentration: 4%
Read:
The Best Seasonal Fruits to Buy when Visiting Japan
3. SUNTORY “HOROYOI – Sweet Ripe Apple”
Like enjoying apple juice, this popular Japanese beer offers a sweet, light, and refreshing flavor.
The red packaging design gives a warm and cheerful impression. It wouldn’t be complete without this drink during the festive season.
Product Information
- Japanese Name: ほろよい〈聋んじゅく)りんご〉/ Horoyoi (Sweet Ripe Apple)
- Volume: 350ml
- Alcohol Concentration: 3%
4. SUNTORY “-196℃ Strong Zero – Double Apple”
For Japan fans who prefer beer with a higher alcohol content, the Double Apple variant is a great choice.
Suntory “-196℃ Strong Zero – Double Apple” uses apples soaked in alcohol, creating a layered, rich taste that isn’t too sweet. It’s delicious, but be careful not to drink too much!
Product Information
- Japanese Name: -196℃ ストロングゼロ〈林敎ダブル〉/ 196℃ Strong Zero – Double Apple
- Volume: 350ml/500ml
- Alcohol Concentration: 9%
5. SAPPORO “Otoko Ume Sour – Japanese Flavor”
By adding sake lees (sake kasu) from sake breweries in the Tohoku region, this beer has a unique and deep Japanese flavor.
Japan fans can enjoy a distinct Japanese taste in a can of beer during Christmas or New Year celebrations. Don’t miss it!
Product Information
- Japanese Name: サッポロ 男梅サワー和の志み/ SAPPORO “Otoko Ume Sour – Japanese Flavor”
- Volume: 350ml/500ml
- Alcohol Concentration: 5%
6. Coca-Cola “Lemon Hall – Special Brew”
Coca-Cola “Lemon Hall” is a special edition released only once a year. It uses the same lemon-making method as the previous version, but this time it’s based on mugi shochu (wheat alcohol).
The soft taste of mugi shochu blends with the freshness of lemon to create an unexpected combination.
Product Information
- Japanese Name: 檸檬堂 特別仕込み/ “Lemon Hall – Special Brew”
- Volume: 350ml
- Alcohol Concentration: 5%
The six beer brands mentioned above are alcoholic drinks that have been attracting much attention recently.
You can buy them at specialty Japanese product supermarkets or online through various marketplaces.
However, remember that excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health.
You should also avoid driving while intoxicated, and minors should not consume alcohol.
