The Calpis Drink (カルピス), known as Calpico in some countries, is one of Japan's most iconic and refreshing beverages. Famous for its smooth, creamy texture and sweet-tangy flavor, Calpis has been enjoyed by generations of Japanese families since 1919. Made from a fermented milk concentrate that is diluted with water, sparkling water, or milk, it offers a unique taste that's often described as a blend of yogurt, citrus, and vanilla.

Whether served over ice on a hot summer day, mixed with sparkling water for a fizzy refreshment, or used in creative mocktails and desserts, Calpis is a beloved staple of Japanese beverage culture.

What is Calpis?

Calpis is a non-carbonated fermented milk drink concentrate made by fermenting milk with lactic acid bacteria and yeast. The concentrate is then sweetened and diluted before drinking.

Despite being made from milk, the finished drink is light, refreshing, and not heavy or creamy. Its gentle sweetness and subtle tanginess make it popular with both children and adults.

Outside Japan, the drink is often sold under the name Calpico to avoid confusion with a similarly sounding English word.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Japanese summer drink
  • Sweet and refreshing
  • Creamy yet light
  • Easy to prepare in minutes
  • Customizable sweetness
  • Perfect for hot weather
  • Great for parties
  • Kid-friendly

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: None
  • Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

Classic Homemade Calpis-Style Drink

  • ½ cup plain unsweetened yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 2 cups cold water

Optional Ingredients

  • Sparkling water
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Lemon slices
  • Lime slices
  • Fresh berries
  • Yuzu juice
  • Orange slices

Kitchen Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Fine strainer (optional)
  • Serving glasses

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a mixing bowl combine:

  • Yogurt
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Sugar or honey
  • Lemon juice
  • Vanilla (optional)

Whisk until smooth.

Step 2: Add Water

Slowly pour in the cold water while whisking continuously.

Continue until the drink becomes smooth and evenly mixed.

Step 3: Chill

Refrigerate for about 15–20 minutes for the best flavor.

Alternatively, serve immediately over ice.

Step 4: Serve

Fill serving glasses with ice cubes.

Pour the chilled drink over the ice.

Garnish with lemon slices or mint leaves if desired.

Enjoy immediately.

Chef's Tips

  • Use full-fat yogurt for a creamier texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
  • Strain the drink for an extra-smooth finish.
  • Chill all ingredients before mixing.
  • Fresh lemon juice provides the best balance of sweetness and acidity.

Delicious Variations

Sparkling Calpis

Replace still water with sparkling water for a fizzy version.

Strawberry Calpis

Blend in fresh strawberries or strawberry syrup.

Peach Calpis

Mix with peach purée for a fruity summer drink.

Mango Calpis

Add ripe mango purée for a tropical twist.

Yuzu Calpis

Use fresh yuzu juice instead of lemon for an authentic Japanese citrus flavor.

Matcha Calpis

Whisk a small amount of matcha powder into the drink for an earthy, refreshing variation.

Calpis Float

Top the drink with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a Japanese café-style treat.

What Makes Calpis Special?

Calpis stands out for its distinctive balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors. The fermentation process creates a refreshing taste that is lighter than milk yet richer than fruit juice. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed plain, sparkling, or mixed into a wide variety of beverages and desserts.

Nutritional Benefits

When prepared with yogurt, this homemade Calpis-style drink provides:

  • Calcium for healthy bones
  • Protein from dairy
  • Probiotics from yogurt
  • Vitamin B12
  • Potassium
  • Hydration on warm days

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Calcium: 18% Daily Value
  • Sodium: 70 mg

Best Pairings

Calpis pairs wonderfully with:

  • Sushi
  • Onigiri (rice balls)
  • Karaage (Japanese fried chicken)
  • Yakitori
  • Takoyaki
  • Tempura
  • Japanese sandwiches (Sando)
  • Fruit desserts
  • Mochi
  • Dorayaki

Storage Tips

Refrigerator

Store the prepared drink in a sealed bottle or pitcher for up to 2 days. Shake or stir well before serving, as separation may occur naturally.

Freezer

Freeze the drink in popsicle molds or ice cube trays to make refreshing frozen treats or smoothie cubes.

Serving Tip

Serve well chilled over plenty of ice for the most refreshing flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using flavored yogurt instead of plain yogurt
  • Adding too much lemon juice, which can overpower the drink
  • Not whisking thoroughly, resulting in lumps
  • Serving the drink warm
  • Over-sweetening the mixture
  • Forgetting to stir before serving if it has been refrigerated

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Calpis and Calpico?

They are the same beverage. The name Calpico is used in some international markets to avoid confusion with an English slang term, while Calpis remains the original name in Japan.

Is Calpis carbonated?

Traditional Calpis is not carbonated, but it can be mixed with sparkling water to create a fizzy version. There are also ready-to-drink sparkling varieties available.

Is Calpis made from milk?

Yes. It is made from fermented milk using lactic acid bacteria and yeast, then diluted before drinking.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can experiment with plant-based yogurt and sweetened condensed coconut milk alternatives, though the flavor and texture will differ from the traditional recipe.

Can children drink Calpis?

Yes. It is a popular family beverage in Japan. As with any sweetened drink, it is best enjoyed in moderation.

Final Thoughts

The Calpis Drink is a refreshing symbol of Japanese beverage culture, loved for its smooth texture and unique balance of sweetness and gentle tanginess. Whether enjoyed in its classic form over ice, mixed with sparkling water, or enhanced with seasonal fruits, this versatile drink is easy to prepare and perfect for warm weather. With over a century of popularity, Calpis continues to delight people of all ages and offers a simple way to bring a taste of Japan into your home.