Birch Beer

Birch beer is the most common herbal soft drink out of all other varieties. It is most popular in the Northeastern United States, Newfoundland, and Canada. Traditionally, it is made from birch bark and sap, and depending on the species of the birch, it can be lighter or darker in color.

Most common colors include red, brown, blue and clear; also known as white birch beer. After the sap is collected, it is then distilled to create birch oil. The oil is then added to carbonated water to create birch beer. The alcoholic version is made by fermenting birch sap rather than using reduction, with the first recipe dating back to 1676.