The story behind the Drinks shelf

The Asian drinks aisle is rarely just a row of cans and cartons. It’s a passport to a specific hour of the day, a weather system, or a national obsession. From the electric buzz of a Korean convenience store to the humid afternoon streets of Kuala Lumpur, these bottles and tins carry the taste of place. Here are three very different ways to drink your way across Asia, no plane ticket required.

The story

In South Korea, the convenience store is a cultural landmark, and the "ade" — a sparkling, fruit-forward refresher — is its crown jewel. These brightly coloured cans are the default answer to a stuffy office or a long commute, offering a quick, clean hit of flavour without the sugar crash. The ritual is simple: crack, sip, and let the fizz reset your mood.

Half a continent away, Malaysia’s tropical climate has shaped a different kind of thirst. Isotonic drinks aren't just for athletes there; they're the everyday response to the midday sun, a familiar sight at hawker stalls and football pitches alike. They represent a practical, refreshing philosophy: replace what the heat takes out of you.

And then there’s Taiwan, where tea is less a drink and more a national conversation. The Sun Moon Lake region, named for its misty, mirror-like lake, is famed for a distinctive black tea. The modern milk tea that evolved from this heritage is a daily ritual — a creamy, sweet pause in the middle of the afternoon, perfectly timed for a 3:15 PM slump.

The flavours

These three drinks map out a spectrum of refreshment. The Sweet 16 Blue Lemon Ade is a study in contrast: a vivid blue can that promises a sharp, citrusy sparkle. It delivers a clean, tangy lemon flavour with a sugar-free finish, thanks to sweeteners like E955 and E960a, making it a guilt-free pick-me-up that doesn't linger heavily on the palate.

For something with a bit more body, the 100 Plus Isotonic Drink is a Malaysian classic. It’s lightly carbonated and subtly sweet, with a mineral edge from added sodium and potassium salts. It’s not a flavour that shouts; it’s one that soothes, designed to be effortlessly drinkable when you need hydration most.

The most complex sip comes from the 3:15 PM Sun Moon Lake Milk Tea. This is a powdered mix that blends a significant 15% black tea and 4% oolong with a creamy, milk-based powder. The result is a rich, malty sweetness with a gentle tea bitterness that cuts through the cream, creating a deeply comforting and indulgent drink.

Try it at home

These aren't just for drinking straight from the container.

• The Blue Ade Spritzer: Pour the chilled Sweet 16 over ice and top with a splash of soda water for extra fizz. Garnish with a lemon wheel for a bright, zero-sugar party drink that looks as good as it tastes.
• The Post-Walk Refresher: Keep a can of 100 Plus in the fridge for after a long walk or a stuffy commute. Its balanced mineral profile makes it a more interesting alternative to plain water when you need a quick reset.
• The 3:15 PM Ritual: Whisk the Sun Moon Lake Milk Tea powder into hot water for a proper afternoon treat. For a cold version, mix with a little hot water first, then stir into a glass of ice for an instant iced milk tea that rivals any café version.

*Please note: the milk tea contains milk. Always check the individual product pages for full ingredient and allergen information before consuming.*