Ramune

Ramune is a type of carbonated soft drink originally created and sold in Japan. The name "Ramune" is derived from the English word "lemonade" transliterated into Japanese.

History

Ramune was introduced to Japan by Alexander Cameron Sim, a Scottish pharmacist who was residing in Kobe, Japan during the late 19th century. The drink was first sold at a stall in the port of Kobe. Over time, Ramune became a popular summer drink across Japan and is often associated with the imagery of summer festivals.

Packaging

One of the distinctive features of Ramune is its Codd-neck bottle packaging. The Codd-neck bottle design was invented by Hiram Codd in 1872 for the purpose of storing carbonated drinks. The bottle is made of glass and sealed with a marble; the codd neck design holds the marble in place against a rubber seal. To open the bottle, a device to push the marble inward is provided. The marble is pushed inside the neck of the bottle where it rattles around while drinking.

Flavors

While the original flavor of Ramune is lemon-lime, there are now many different flavors available. Some of the popular flavors include strawberry, melon, grape, orange, and blueberry. In addition, there are also unique flavors such as wasabi, kimchi, bubble gum, and curry.

Cultural Significance

Ramune holds a significant place in Japanese culture. It is often seen in popular media and is a common sight at festivals, carnivals, and other summer events. The unique bottle design and the act of popping the marble to open the bottle adds to the nostalgic charm of the drink.

See Also

• Japanese cuisine
• Japanese festivals
• Codd-neck bottle