Over a month ago, Coca-Cola Japan announced it was experimenting with a new alcoholic drink called, “Chu-Hi,” the first boozy beverage in Coca-Cola history. And on April 16, after reportedly testing 100 different prototypes and working on development for eight years, the company launched a first-ever Coca-Cola slushie in a pouch: Coca-Cola Frozen Lemon.
The new Coca-Cola slushie has a “sherbet-like texture” with a taste that’s perfect for summer, states a release on the Coca-Cola Japan website. And the packaging — a soft pouch for squeezing and crushing — is purposeful: it’s adjustable and easy to use (not to mention, it’s also fun). If you think about it, pouches are practical for when you’re thirsty and on the go — remember Capri Sun? (Also, wine in a pouch has proven to be a big hit, in case you forgot that existed too.)
＼?本日発売?／
世界初‼️#コカコーラ #フローズンレモン が誕生❗️?
なんと、コカ･コーラ史上初となるパウチ製品だよ❗️揉みながらシャーベット感覚で楽しめる新食感?キンキンに冷やして究極の冷たさを楽しんでね?
今日から全国のコンビニで発売開始? pic.twitter.com/uzdKZ8aQEy— コカ･コーラ (@CocaColaJapan) April 16, 2018
“The Japan business unit launches an average of 100 new products a year, and many times more are put to the test behind the scenes,” Coca-Cola Japan’s business unit president Jorge Garduño said in an interview at the time of the “Chu-Hi” news. “Experimentation is almost like a day-to-day ritual here.” So, it’s no wonder the company is dishing out more first-of-its-kind products.
The retail price of the Frozen Lemon drink is 130 yen, which is the equivalent of $1.21.
Along with this Coca-Cola slushie, the Japanese division debuted frozen Fanta in grape and orange flavors, which are hitting stores as well.
コカコーラ&ファンタ フローズン
気になってたヤツ買って来た！#コカコーラ #フローズン pic.twitter.com/78ue3E8ZLe— 8239(はつミク)松陽先生♥ (@8239Berry) April 16, 2018
Will the U.S. get the Coca-Cola slushie?
Sadly, the Coca-Cola slushie isn’t coming to the U.S. — a spokesperson from Coca-Cola North America Group told Metro it’s only for the Japanese market — but you can still hop down to the nearest 7-Eleven to purchase a Coca-Cola Slurpee. It’ll have a similar “sherbet-like texture” and keep you refreshed when temperatures (eventually, hopefully) rise.
But if you want that cool pouch — and we wouldn’t blame you if you did — consider booking a flight to Japan ASAP. You only live once, right? (And yes, we really did just bring back YOLO and Capri Sun. It’s a blast from your past.)
