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Japanese drinking vinegar has been enjoyed for centuries as a traditional beverage. Just 1–2 tablespoons before meals provides a refreshing, flavorful boost, thanks to natural acetic acid and enzymes.
Fruit-infused and black vinegars are naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them enjoyable additions to your daily routine. Incorporating drinking vinegar into a balanced diet is a simple way to enhance your overall wellness habits.
Tips on How and When to Drink Each Type of Japanese Vinegar
Different types of Japanese vinegar drinks offer unique benefits:
Fruit-infused vinegars: Rich in vitamin C and natural antioxidants. Best enjoyed in the morning or as an energizing afternoon drink.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV): Offers a tangy, refreshing taste. Ideal to enjoy as part of a meal or daily beverage routine.
Black vinegar (kurozu): Deep umami flavor with a rich, savory taste. Enjoy in the evening or alongside meals for a satisfying drink experience.
Explore our curated list of the best Japanese drinking vinegars, their flavors, and tips on how to enjoy them!
How we decided
- IngredientsWe consider ingredients like fruit extracts, rice vinegar, and amino acids that contribute to a refreshing, flavorful, and enjoyable drinking experience
- AuthenticityEach product is made in Japan using traditional fermentation or locally sourced fruits for genuine flavor
- Taste & DrinkabilityWe look for balanced acidity and pleasant flavor so it’s enjoyable to drink daily, whether diluted or premixed
- Versatility & UseThe best vinegars can be enjoyed in multiple ways: mixed with water, milk, or soda, or even used in cooking and desserts
1. Tokiwa Ume Flavored Japanese Drinking Vinegar Premix 125ml
Plum-flavored drinking vinegar comes in a convenient single-serve carton, perfect for on-the-go enjoyment. Made with premium Nanko ume plums, apple cider vinegar, and honey, it has a naturally sweet and tart flavor.
Japanese Vinegar Benefits:
- Rich in citric acid and acetic acid, offering a refreshing, flavorful drink.
- Contains oligosaccharides for a naturally sweet taste and pleasant texture.
- Provides a natural, energizing boost and supports enjoyment as part of a balanced diet.
How to Enjoy: It’s premixed, so you can drink it as is.
Pros
- Ready-to-drink convenience
- Refreshing sweet-tart plum flavor
- Has a beautifying effect
Cons
- May be too sweet for some
- Small size
2. Tokiwa Japanese Drinking Vinegar Yuzu & Ginger Flavor 200ml 
Yuzu and ginger combine for a bright, citrusy flavor with a gentle warming kick. Made from premium Japanese ingredients, including domestic sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, and the renowned “stork ginger” from Tajima, it has both a soothing aroma and a subtle spicy kick.
Benefits of Drinking Vinegar:
- Yuzu’s aromatic components create a pleasant aroma
- Probides a comforting feeling of warmth
- Contains beauty-boosting vitamin C and beneficial antioxidants
Recipe: Mix 1 part vinegar with about 5 parts water, hot water, carbonated water, milk, or soy milk. You can also drizzle it over yogurt, ice cream, or shaved ice as a tangy, refreshing syrup.
Pros
- Soothing yuzu & ginger aroma
- Gives a gentle feeling of warmth
- Contains vitamin C & antioxidants
Cons
- Needs dilution before drinking
- Ginger flavor may be strong
3. Tokiwa Japanese Drinking Vinegar Pink Grapefruit Flavor 200ml
Pink grapefruit and Japanese vinegar blend together for a refreshing, slightly tangy flavor. Made with grapefruit juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and domestic sugar, it offers a crisp and invigorating taste.
Japanese Vinegar Benefits:
- Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that people love for their beautifying benefits
- Acetic acid and grapefruit’s natural enzymes help you feel refreshed every day
- Refreshing citrus aroma gives a daily boost of energy
How to Enjoy: Mix 1 part vinegar with 5 parts water, sparkling water, milk, or soy milk. You can also pour it directly over yogurt, ice cream, or shaved ice for a tangy-sweet dessert topping.
Pros
- Rich in vitamin C and enzymes
- Refreshing citrus flavor
- Uplifting aroma for daily energy
Cons
- Must dilute before drinking
- Must dilute before drinking
4. Marushige Migaki Strawberry Premium Drinking Vinegar 500ml
Plump, juicy Migaki strawberries from Miyagi Prefecture are blended with strawberry vinegar, rice malt, strawberry juice, and rare sugar to create a naturally sweet and fruity Japanese drinking vinegar.
Japanese Drinking Vinegar Benefits:
- Made with natural vinegar and rice malt for a pleasantly tangy and fruity flavor
- Contains antioxidants from real strawberries, offering a naturally sweet and flavorful drink
- Free from artificial additives for a pure, natural beverage experience
Recipe: Dilute 1 part vinegar with 2–5 parts water or carbonated water for a refreshing beverage. It can also be used as a cocktail base or poured over yogurt and ice cream for a fruity twist.
Pros
- Made with premium Miyagi strawberries
- No artificial additives
- Supports beauty
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires dilution
5. Marushige Shine Muscat Premium Drinking Vinegar 500ml
Shine Muscat grapes are blended with traditionally brewed rice vinegar and grape vinegar from Kagoshima, naturally sweetened with concentrated muscat juice and raw sugar for a fruity, refreshing flavor.
Japanese Vinegar Drink Benefits:
- Made with natural vinegar and rice malt for a flavorful, slightly tangy taste
- Contains antioxidants from Shine Muscat grapes, offering a naturally fruity flavor
- Free from artificial additives for a clean, natural beverage experience
How to Enjoy: Dilute 1 part vinegar with 3–7 parts water or carbonated water for a refreshing drink. It can also be used as a cocktail base or poured over yogurt and ice cream for a fruity topping.
Pros
- Rich in antioxidants from Muscat grapes
- Smooth, fruity sweetness
- Free from artificial additives
Cons
- Must be diluted before drinking
- Premium cost
6. Mizkan Grape & Berry Black Vinegar Drink 1000ml
Apple, grape, and three berry juices are blended with black rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and honey to create a fruity and tangy Japanese drinking vinegar. With 60% of the mixture consisting of black vinegar, it offers a rich, flavorful, and healthy beverage.
Benefits of Drinking Fruit Vinegar:
- Made with black rice vinegar for a pleasantly tangy and flavorful drink
- Contains antioxidants from grapes and berries for a naturally fruity beverage
- Free from artificial additives for a pure, natural drinking experience
How to Enjoy: Dilute 1 part vinegar with 6 parts water for a refreshing drink. It can also be mixed with milk or soy milk, used as a cocktail base, or poured over yogurt and desserts for a fruity, tangy twist.
Pros
- High in antioxidants from berries
- Rich flavor from black vinegar blend
- No artificial additives
Cons
- Large bottle less convenient
- Strong vinegar taste for beginners
7. Marukan Pure Japanese Fuji Apple Cider Vinegar 360ml
Made from 100% Fuji apple juice sourced from Aomori Prefecture, Japan, Marukan Pure Japanese Fuji Apple Cider Vinegar delivers a naturally sweet, refreshing apple flavor with gentle acidity.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits:
- Made with natural apple cider vinegar for a pleasantly tangy and refreshing drink
- Contains antioxidants from Fuji apples for a naturally fruity beverage
- Free from artificial additives for a pure, clean drinking experience
Recipe: Use in both cooking and drinking by diluting 1–2 tablespoons in water, tea, juice, or smoothies. Or use it to add a tangy flavor to salad dressings, marinades, pickles, and sauces for fish, shellfish, and meat with a distinctive flavor profile.
Pros
- 100% Aomori Fuji apples
- Versatile for cooking, drinks
- Free from artificial additives
Cons
- Strong acidity when undiluted
- Minimal sweetness
8. Fukuyamasu Kurozu Artisan 2 Years Aged Japanese Black Rice Vinegar 500ml
Aged for over 2 years using traditional open-air clay pots, Fukuyamasu Kurozu is made from 100% Japanese brown rice with no additives or preservatives. It has a mellow, flavorful black rice vinegar rich in amino acids, perfect for both cooking and drinking.
Black Vinegar Benefits:
- May keep your digestion on track with natural amino acids
- Helps balance meals high in oil or salt
- Free from additives and preservatives
How to Enjoy: Use in cooking and drinking by diluting 1–2 tablespoons in water, tea, juice, or soda water. Or use it to add a rich, tangy flavor to dipping sauces or marinades with gyoza dumplings, grilled fish, or any other dish with a lot of oil or salt.
Pros
- Aged 2 years for deep umami flavor
- High in amino acids for digestion
- Pure, additive-free vinegar
Cons
- Very strong taste
- Higher price due to craftsmanship
Find Your Favorite Flavor to Start Your Routine
Japanese drinking vinegar is a refreshing and flavorful way to support general wellness. Packed with natural acids and antioxidants, it may help improve digestion, and support holistic health, all without artificial additives. If you want to learn more, check out our guide to Japanese drinking vinegar.
Try these Japanese drinking vinegars today and discover the one that best fits your wellness routine!
