I should have known the Japanese were right.
When finding it necessary to make a purchase from a vending machine (they're everywhere--no, I mean it--everywhere), I resisted the ubiquitous summer beverage for the longest time. I'd drop in my yen and select a world-dominating Coke (when I was feeling naughty) or a low-sugar vitamin/electrolyte drink (when I was feeling nice). For some reason, I thought these drinks were more refreshing than tea. It's funny, because I love tea--I drink a pot of hot black tea every morning. But I figured that for quenching my thirst, tea wasn't the way to go. Well, I was wrong--and the Japanese people all around me who always seem to have a bottle of green tea with them when they're out and about in warm weather, were right.
I stand corrected. Especially now that I've found a bitter green tea (strong teas are my preference) that I can buy in a 2-liter size at the grocery store and have on hand all day. Yes, few things beat the heat as well as cold green tea, and hey--it's good for you! When in doubt, the Japanese are right.