Sowaka Kajuen Arida Mikan Satsuma Mandarin Lightly Sparkling Cider 250ml

Arida in Wakayama Prefecture has been one of Japan's most celebrated mandarin orange-growing regions for centuries, and Sowakajuen — a family-run orchard and producer based there — has built a dedicated following for their range of mikan-based products. This lightly carbonated cider uses 25% Arida mikan juice, giving it a naturally sweet, faintly citrus-tart character that is softer and more genuine-tasting than most flavoured sodas. The bubbles are gentle rather than sharp, making it easy to drink slowly and enjoy the flavour rather than rushing through it. The bottle has a charmingly retro design that makes it as appealing to look at as it is to drink, and it works just as well as a light gift or a table drink at a casual meal.