Birch Beer is a type of carbonated beverage traditionally made via the bark of a birch tree (using birch sap) and a mixture of different herbs. The drink is carbonated and, contrary to the name, is only sometimes alcoholic (hard). Though some of you may only have heard of the drink recently, birch beer was first mentioned in The Whole Art of Husbandry by John Mortimer.

Alcoholic versions of the beverage have also been known since the 18th century, and are rendered alcoholic via the fermentation of the birch sap. There is no standard amount of alcohol specific to the beverage that must present in birch beer such that it is classified as a beer proper. One other thing I feel I should mention is that the birch bark is used to create birch oil, which is then added to the carbonated drink to highlight the unique flavor.

Though there has been an explosion in popularity over the past few years, birch beer is still typically associated with the Northeastern United States and parts of Canada. As of April 2025, you can still search up birch beer and a follow up suggested search is “Is Birch Beer a PA thing?”.