# Honey Lemon Milkshakes This Beverage from McDonald's Japan is Based on Hachimitsu Lemon Recipes By Riley von Niessen | Published 2016-11-07 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-lemon References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/02/18/mcdonalds-japan-set-to-roll-out-honey-lemon-shakes/) & [mcd-holdings.co.jp](http://www.mcd-holdings.co.jp/news/2016/promotion/promo0216a.html) Looking to expand its range, [McDonald's Japan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orange-chocolate-frappe) is launching a sub-brand called 'By McSweets,' with one of its opening menu items being a unique honey lemon milkshake. Its taste is inspired by a [popular Japanese drink](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-tsukimi) named hachimitsu lemon -- which is said to be a less sugary variation of lemonade with a more polished flavor. In order to honor this, the honey lemon milkshake will feature domestic ingredients. This includes Japanese honey and citrus fruit from the the country's Setouchi region. Helping to generate a sense of excitement among consumers and facilitate more purchases as a result, the honey lemon milkshake will only be available in domestic locations for about a month. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 1% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Japanese-inspired Beverages:** Opportunities for beverage companies to create unique, culturally inspired drink offerings similar to McDonald's Japan's honey lemon milkshake. - **Localized Ingredients:** Opportunities for food and beverage companies to utilize domestically sourced ingredients to add authenticity and appeal to their offerings. - **Limited Time Offerings:** Opportunities for companies in the food and beverage industry to create a sense of urgency and excitement among consumers through limited time product offerings. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fast Food:** Fast food chains can create new menu offerings featuring culturally inspired, unique flavors similar to McDonald's Japan's honey lemon milkshake. - **Beverage:** Beverage companies can utilize localized ingredients in their products to appeal to consumers looking for authentic, high-quality offerings. - **Hospitality:** Hotels and restaurants can create limited time drink offerings to generate customer excitement and encourage purchases. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Regional Asian Dessert Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asian-sweets-desserts.md) - [Fruit-Forward Creamy QSR Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-mccafe.md) - [Macaron-Topped Blended Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-frappe.md) - [Lemonade-Flavored QSR Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lemonade-shake.md) - [Regional Ice Cream Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-mcflurry.md) - [Puply Fruit-Flavored Lemonades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fruit-splash-beverages.md) - [Nostalgic QSR Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-kissa-mac.md) - [Blended Orange Chocolate Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orange-chocolate-frappe.md) - [Pulpy Classic Lemonade Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-lemonade.md)