Calpico: Japan's Beloved Milky Soft Drink

At Izakaya Juraku, we love introducing guests to the drinks that shaped Japanese food culture. One of the most nostalgic and refreshing is Calpico (known as Calpis in Japan), a sweet, tangy, milky soft drink that has been around for over a century.

A Drink with History

Calpico was first introduced in 1919 by Kaiun Mishima, the founder of Calpis Co., inspired by fermented dairy drinks he encountered in Mongolia. He wanted to create something that was both refreshing and good for digestion. The result was Calpis, Japan's first commercially produced lactic acid beverage.

Its flavor is slightly tart, creamy, and subtly sweet, almost like a mix between yogurt and lemonade. Because of its unique taste, it quickly became a household staple and remains one of Japan's most beloved soft drinks to this day.

Why "Calpico" in the U.S.?

In Japan, the drink is still called Calpis, but when it was exported to English-speaking countries, the name was changed to Calpico for marketing reasons. The flavor, however, remains exactly the same.

How It's Enjoyed in Japan

Diluted with water — traditionally, Calpis concentrate is mixed with cold water to make a light, refreshing drink. Mixed with milk for extra creaminess and sweetness. With soda water — a sparkling Calpis soda is especially popular in the summer. As a mixer — Calpico is a common cocktail base in Japan, pairing beautifully with shochu, sake, and even vodka.

Calpico at Izakaya Juraku

We offer Calpico as a refreshing non-alcoholic option and as a mixer in cocktails. Its balance of sweetness and tang pairs perfectly with Japanese izakaya fare, cutting through savory dishes while adding a nostalgic Japanese touch.