12 Deliciously Unique Canadian Drinks You Need To Try

When you think of Canada, what comes to mind? Maple syrup, hockey, and stunning landscapes? But did you know that Canada also boasts a treasure trove of unique Canadian drinks?

From the sweet tang of Saskatoon berry juice to the earthy warmth of butter tea, each beverage tells a story steeped in rich culture and tradition.

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover favorites or an adventurous traveler eager to sip something new, these unique Canadian drinks are a must-try.

Get ready to explore the flavors that reflect the diverse heritage of this vast nation and elevate your culinary experience!

1. Butter Tea (Yukon-Style)

A warming tradition in the Yukon, butter tea is inspired by Tibetan and Indigenous practices.

This hearty drink blends black tea with butter (or ghee) and salt, creating a rich, savory beverage perfect for cold winters.

Its creamy texture and high-calorie content make it a favorite among those braving the chilly northern climates.

• What Makes It Canadian? The local twist often includes Canadian butter and sometimes a splash of maple syrup for sweetness.
• Cultural Anecdote: In the Yukon, butter tea often symbolizes the resilience of northern communities. It’s said that this drink keeps both the body and spirit warm during the long, dark winters.
• Where to Try It: Specialty tea shops in northern Canada, or try making it at home with authentic recipes.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of maple syrup for a Canadian-inspired twist.

2. Saskatoon Berry Juice

Bursting with vibrant flavor, Saskatoon berry juice is a true gem from the Prairies. Saskatoon berries, which resemble blueberries with a nuttier taste, are packed with antioxidants and have been a staple in Indigenous diets for centuries.

• What Makes It Canadian? The Saskatoon berry is native to Canada and is celebrated in festivals across the Prairies.
• Cultural Anecdote: Indigenous peoples used Saskatoon berries in ceremonies, believing they symbolized abundance and connection to the land.
• Where to Try It: Local producers in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba, or farmers’ markets during berry season.

3. Maple Water

A naturally sweet and hydrating drink, maple water is the sap collected from maple trees before it’s boiled into syrup.

Slightly sweet with a hint of earthy flavor, it’s a refreshing way to enjoy Canada’s most iconic export.

• What Makes It Canadian? Maple trees and syrup are synonymous with Canadian identity, and maple water is as pure as it gets.
• Cultural Anecdote: During sugar-shack season (late winter to early spring), Quebecers gather to celebrate “la cabane à sucre,” where maple water is often enjoyed fresh from the tap. Families and friends come together to enjoy traditional foods and revel in the maple harvest.
• Where to Try It: Available in Canadian grocery stores, health food shops, and online.

4. Labrador Tea

This herbal tea, made from the leaves of the Labrador tea plant, has been a part of Indigenous traditions for centuries.

Known for its earthy taste and medicinal properties, it’s a drink that connects you to Canada’s natural wilderness.

• What Makes It Canadian? The plant grows in the wilds of northern Canada and is deeply rooted in Indigenous culture.
• Cultural Anecdote: Labrador tea was traditionally brewed to treat colds, sore throats, and fatigue. It was also used in ceremonial contexts, symbolizing healing and connection to nature.
• Where to Try It: Specialty tea shops or forage it (with care!) in Canadian forests.

Did You Know? Labrador tea plants are native to Canada’s boreal forests, and they thrive in the wild, untouched landscapes of northern and eastern Canada.

5. Birch Syrup Lemonade

Move over, maple syrup—birch syrup is here to add a unique twist. This lemonade combines tart lemons with the rich, caramel-like sweetness of birch syrup, resulting in a refreshing drink with a Canadian flair.

• What Makes It Canadian? Birch syrup is produced in smaller quantities than maple syrup and is a true northern delicacy.
• Cultural Anecdote: Birch syrup production is labor-intensive—it takes between 100 – 150 liters of sap to make just 1 liter of syrup. The rarity of birch syrup makes this drink a prized specialty in northern communities.
• Where to Try It: Specialty syrup shops, or make it at home with birch syrup from northern Canada.

Pro Tip: Add fresh mint or wild berries for a refreshing summer twist.

6. Blueberry Grunt Drink

Inspired by the traditional Maritime dessert “blueberry grunt,” this drink captures the sweet and tangy essence of wild blueberries. It’s a vibrant reminder of the Maritimes’ strong connection to the land and sea.

• What Makes It Canadian? Wild blueberries are a staple of the Maritimes, and this drink captures their essence perfectly.
• Cultural Anecdote: The name “grunt” comes from the sound the blueberries make as they cook down into a syrupy base for the dessert. This drink version carries the same nostalgic flavor.
• Where to Try It: Nova Scotia cafes often offer blueberry-themed beverages, or you can make it at home with fresh wild blueberries.

7. Rhubarb Spritzer

Rhubarb is a beloved ingredient in Canadian kitchens, and this spritzer highlights its tangy flavor.

Made with rhubarb syrup, sparkling water, and a touch of mint, it’s a refreshing summer beverage.

• What Makes It Canadian? Rhubarb thrives in Canadian gardens and has become a nostalgic flavor for many.
• Cultural Anecdote: Rhubarb’s popularity surged during the Great Depression, when it was grown in abundance due to its hardiness and low cost. Many Canadian families still associate rhubarb with resilience and resourcefulness.
• Where to Try It: Farmers’ markets or homemade with fresh rhubarb.

Pro Tip: Pair with a splash of elderflower syrup for a floral upgrade.

8. Caribou Moss Tea

Caribou moss tea, made from lichen, is a specialty of northern Canada. This earthy, mild tea has historical significance as a survival drink for Indigenous communities.

It is also believed to have detoxifying properties.

• What Makes It Canadian? Caribou moss is native to the northern tundra and has historical significance in Indigenous communities.
• Cultural Anecdote: Indigenous peoples used caribou moss not only in tea but also as an ingredient in soups and stews during harsh winters, showcasing its versatility and importance as a survival food.
• Where to Try It: Indigenous-run shops or cultural events in northern Canada.

Quick Fact: Caribou moss has a high concentration of vitamins, including B12, making it a nutrient-dense choice.

9. Cloudberry Juice

Cloudberries are rare golden berries found in northern Canada. Their tart, honey-like flavor makes them a delicacy, often turned into jams, desserts, or refreshing juices.

• What Makes It Canadian? Cloudberries flourish in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Canada, making this drink a rare treat.
• Cultural Anecdote: In Inuit culture, cloudberries (known as “aqpik”) are prized for their medicinal properties. They are often gifted as a symbol of love and respect.
• Where to Try It: Specialty Arctic food stores or northern markets, particularly in Labrador and Nunavut, often carry cloudberry products.

10. Cedar Tea

Cedar tea is a traditional Indigenous drink made by steeping cedar leaves.

With its woodsy aroma and immune-boosting properties, it’s a beverage that connects drinkers to the natural world.

• What Makes It Canadian? Cedar trees are iconic to Canadian forests, and this tea reflects the country’s deep connection to nature.
• Cultural Anecdote: Cedar tea is often used in Indigenous sweat lodge ceremonies, symbolizing purification and spiritual renewal. It’s also considered a remedy for colds and respiratory issues.
• Where to Try It: Indigenous cultural centers or homemade with fresh cedar leaves (be sure to use edible varieties).

Pro Tip: Avoid over-steeping cedar leaves, as the tea can become bitter.

11. Spruce Tip Tea

Spruce tip tea is a fragrant and refreshing drink made from the young, tender tips of spruce trees.

Packed with Vitamin C and a citrusy flavor, it has been used for centuries as a natural remedy and a source of nourishment during springtime.

What Makes It Canadian? Spruce trees are abundant across Canada’s forests, and Indigenous peoples have long used their tips for tea and medicinal purposes, making it an integral part of Canada’s natural heritage.

Cultural Anecdote: Indigenous communities traditionally brewed spruce tip tea as a remedy for scurvy in the winter and as a tonic to rejuvenate the body in spring. It’s also a symbol of renewal, as the bright green tips emerge with the changing season.

Where to Try It: Forage spruce tips responsibly in spring (ensure you have permission and use edible spruce species) or look for dried spruce tips in specialty tea shops or Indigenous-run businesses.

12. Crowberry Juice

Crowberries are small, dark berries found in Canada’s northern tundra regions. Their tart, slightly earthy flavor makes them a unique ingredient for juices, jams, and other beverages.

Crowberry juice is a rare delight, often enjoyed as a refreshing and nutrient-rich drink.

• What Makes It Canadian? Crowberries thrive in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Canada, making their juice a distinctive northern specialty that highlights the country’s rugged landscapes.
• Cultural Anecdote: Inuit communities have used crowberries (known as “paqutik” in Inuktitut) for centuries as a versatile food source, often incorporating them into traditional dishes or preserving them for winter. They are also believed to have medicinal properties, particularly for reducing inflammation.
• Where to Try It: Specialty Arctic markets or Indigenous cultural events in northern Canada may offer crowberry products. Alternatively, you can forage for these berries in the wild during the late summer months.

Why These Drinks Matter

Every drink on this list carries a story—of resilience, tradition, and the deep connection Canadians have to their land.

From the wild berries of the Prairies to the cedar forests of the East, these beverages are more than just refreshments; they’re a taste of Canada’s soul.

Try Them Yourself!

Why not try making one of these unique Canadian drinks at home? Or better yet, seek them out at local cafes, markets, or cultural events.

Share your favorite Canadian beverage in the comments and celebrate the flavors that make Canada so special.

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