Mitsuya Cider (三ツ矢サイダー Mitsuya saidā) is a Japanese carbonated soft drink, created in 1884 and now produced by Asahi Soft Drinks. While branded as a "cider", the East Asian use of "cider" refers to a very different drink – the basic flavor can be described as a cross between Sprite and Ginger Ale, though Asahi has come out with additional flavors, including grape, lemon, mikan and white peach. Occasionally, Mitsuya Cider will release its "White Cider" version with its own variations, which include "White Cider with Melon".
Mitsuya Cider used to be sold exclusively in ornately decorated metal bottles, but is now produced primarily in plastic. The old style metal bottles are still available in many vending machines and convenient store packages for customers who prefer the nostalgic packaging.
Also on the market are small hard candies marked with the same logo as the cider bottles, and a carbonation effect. The candy is made by mixing its ingredients and heating them until they melt, then exposing the mixture to pressurized carbon dioxide gas (about 600 pounds per square inch) and allowing it to cool. The process causes tiny high pressure bubbles to be trapped inside the candy. When placed in the mouth, coming into contact with saliva the candy breaks and dissolves, releasing the carbon dioxide from the tiny atmosphere bubbles, resulting in a popping and sizzling sound and leaving a slight tingling sensation. The bubbles in the candy pieces can be viewed when aided by a microscope.
Mitsuya Cider gained exposure in the West during 2008 as a result of the Rickrolling internet meme, since Rick Astley was the face of the brand during the late 1980s and early 1990s.