Snack Nation: Vinegar and Milk
It sounds like a tonic to induce projectile vomiting. But actually this grapefruit vinegar and milk concoction is a not altogether unpleasant experience
The Vinegar and Milk bottle is slimmer than the normal pet bottle, perhaps reflecting the human inability to drink vinegar in large portions.We know; Vinegar and Milk sounds utterly disgusting. And doesn't vinegar make milk curdle? Is Kirin trying to sell me a bottle of curds and whey?
First of all, don't blame this unusual combination entirely on the Japanese. The idea of Kirin's "Sekai no Kitchen kara" (From the world's kitchen) beverage series is to import recipes from other countries into the Japanese flavor lexicon. This Vinegar and Milk concoction apparently hails from the traditional cuisine of Northern Italy.
But perhaps the shocking name set our expectations too low: Vinegar and Milk is actually quite drinkable. The flavor is extremely close to a citrus-y Calpis or some manner of grapefruit yogurt. There is, however, a tiny sting of vinegar in the aftertaste that lingers for quite a while.
We are not sure if drinking straight vinegar actually has any health benefits. But if you must ingest a spoonful per day, Vinegar and Milk could be a palatable way to do so. The drink works well as a breakfast supplement. But maybe one bottle is best split over two days as to not trigger too much acid reflux. Just a few sips and my esophagus is on fire.
Kirin Beverage's Vinegar and Milk, ¥150
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