A refreshing drink for the summer

Jasmine Tea with Lychee and Mango

Brand: Doutor

Price: 480 yen

Place of purchase: Doutor Cafe

Rating:

Summer seems to have fully arrived here in the Kanto area, alas, and the heat can definitely feel punishing. Fortunately, there are plenty of summer menus to try and cool us off, and this drink from Doutor certainly does the job. It is basically what it says it is, jasmine tea with small slices of mango and lychee syrup. While I was a little concerned that the flavours might compete against each other, I was pleasantly surprised by how well they actually worked together. The taste is mild but distinct, none of the flavours really overpowering any of the others, and it definitely feels cool and refreshing to drink. Doutor cafes are a pretty common sight, and if you happen to be around one while craving both a cool drink and a cool place to sit, then I recommend this drink very highly.

While the mango taste is definitely a lovely part of this drink, potential consumers should be aware that the mango slices get a bit lost amongst the ice cubes. I was given a straw with a scoop on the tip (think smoothie-type straws, though this drink isn’t) and had to use it to dig out the mango. The drink also seems to be only available in M size, which could be annoying if you’re hoping for more/less than that. While I really enjoyed this drink and it turned out to be exactly what I was looking for (after maybe underestimating how how it was outside, and waiting for a train…), it would be misleading not to mention the price. 480 yen isn’t the most expensive drink around, but it certainly isn’t the cheapest. There are probably other, alternative options readily available for a lower price at your local convenience store. So, it’s not an everyday treat. However, I can imagine it becoming the sort of thing I might treat myself to after a long work day - it’s sweet without being too much and so refreshing that I think the price will be worth it sometimes, anyway.