Sake breweries win over nondrinkers with specialty colas

TOKYO -- As more Japanese pooh-pooh alcohol, craft colas are giving sake breweries a new beverage to sell.

Some sake makers began developing original colas after the pandemic prevented them from selling their mainstay tipple to the dining industry. Made with spices and locally produced ingredients -- and brewed with time-honored sake-crafting techniques -- craft colas have become so popular supplies often dry up.