Ramune is a popular Japanese carbonated drink that comes in a variety of flavors and a unique bottle design. The bottle is sealed by a glass marble that acts as a cap, and you need to push it down with a special device to open the drink. This may sound simple, but many people find it difficult or confusing to open ramune bottles for the first time. In this article, Trendbbq will show you how to open ramune bottles easily and safely, and also share some fun facts and tips about this refreshing beverage.
1. What is Ramune and Why is it Special?
Ramune, a Japanese term, has its origins traced back to the English word “lemonade.” It was introduced to Japan in 1884 by Alexander Cameron Sim, a British pharmacist with the intention of marketing a carbonated beverage capable of preventing cholera. Ramune gained immense popularity amongst the Japanese populace, particularly during summer festivals, where it was peddled from stalls and carts. Ramune stands out as one of the rare beverages that still employs the Codd-neck bottle, a type of glass container featuring a marble embedded in the neck to seal the beverage. This marble remains securely in place due to the pressure from the carbonation and can only be dislodged by pushing it down using a special device affixed to the cap. This results in an enjoyable and interactive experience for the consumer, who can relish the sound of the marble rattling within the bottle and the effervescence of the soda.
2. How to Open Ramune Bottles: Step by Step Instructions
Opening a ramune bottle may appear to be a bit tricky, but it’s actually quite straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Remove the plastic wrapping from the bottle and unscrew the cap. You’ll notice a green or blue plastic contraption on top of the cap, known as a plunger. This is what you’ll use to push the marble down.
- Set the bottle on a flat, steady surface, like a table or countertop. Avoid holding the bottle in your hand, as it might slip or even burst when you attempt to open it.
- Firmly grip the plunger between your thumb and index finger and pull it out from the cap. Attached to the plunger, you’ll find a small ring designed to hold the marble in place. Keep the plunger handy; you’ll need it later.
- Position the plunger on top of the bottle with the ring facing downward. Ensure that the ring aligns with the marble, and then press down firmly and swiftly. You’ll hear a popping sound as the marble is released and drops into the bottle. Be cautious not to press too hard or too slowly, as the soda may spurt out of the bottle.
Now, savor your ramune! You can either drink it directly from the bottle or pour it into a glass. The marble will remain inside the bottle and won’t interfere with the flow of the soda. If you’d like, you can gently shake the bottle to make the marble rattle or tilt the bottle to make the marble roll around.
3. Some Fun Facts and Tips about Ramune
- Ramune comes in many different flavors, such as original (lemon-lime), strawberry, melon, peach, lychee, grape, and even curry, wasabi, and takoyaki. You can try different flavors and find your favorite one.
- Ramune is also available in plastic bottles and aluminum cans, but they are not as fun or authentic as the glass bottles. The plastic bottles have a marble-shaped cap that you can twist off, and the cans have a marble-shaped button that you can press to open the drink.
- Ramune bottles are recyclable, and you can also reuse them for other purposes, such as vases, candle holders, or ornaments. You can also collect the marbles and use them for games, crafts, or jewelry.
- Ramune bottles are sometimes used as props or accessories in anime, manga, and cosplay, as they are considered to be cute and nostalgic. Some characters are even named after ramune, such as Ramune from the anime “Kemono Friends” and Ramune from the manga “Gintama”.
Ramune is a delicious and fun drink that you can enjoy anytime and anywhere. It is also a part of Japanese culture and history, and has a unique bottle design that makes it stand out from other drinks. If you want to try ramune, you can find it in many Asian grocery stores, online shops, or specialty stores. Just remember to follow the instructions on how to open ramune bottles, and you will have no problem enjoying this refreshing beverage.
4. FAQs
4.1. What is Ramune?
Ramune is a Japanese carbonated soft drink with a unique bottle sealed with a marble. The marble is held in place by pressure and must be opened in a specific way.
4.2. How do I start opening a Ramune bottle?
First, remove the plastic wrap and locate the plastic plunger on top of the bottle. Make sure the marble is securely pressed against the opening.
4.3. What’s the purpose of the plastic ring attached to the top of the bottle?
The plastic ring acts as a seal to ensure the marble doesn’t move during transport. It should be removed before opening the bottle.
4.4. How do I remove the plastic ring from the top of the bottle?
Use the small device that comes with the Ramune bottle (usually attached to the cap) or a household tool like a chopstick. Insert it into the ring and push down firmly until the ring pops off.
