Every summer, drink companies release unique, limited-edition beverages. The 2020 editions have just arrived, and initial reviews are mixed.

Coca-Cola Japan¡¯s latest fruit-flavored soda isn¡¯t an original. Its Orange Vanilla Coke debuted in North America last year, but it has only just arrived in Japan¡¯s convenience store coolers (?140 per bottle before tax). The wait wasn¡¯t worth it. The orange flavor barely comes through, leaving only the vanilla. It¡¯s alright, but ultimately feels like an overly sweet waste.

Far better is the latest installment of Pokka Sapporo¡¯s Gabunomi soda series. Its new soda float (also ?140 per bottle before tax) tries to capture the taste of cider and vanilla ice cream, and does a much better job striking a balance between the two. The vanilla is subtle, and the drink is sweet, but never overly so. Go for this one when trying to beat the heat.