A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer (2024)

A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer (1)

Cinzia Cuneo August 20, 2011 Drinks/Beverages

Contrary to what its name suggests, spruce beer is a fir-flavoured, non-alcoholic fizzy drink. Native Americans were already brewing a coniferous decoction that they thought had medicinal properties, when Jacques Cartier borrowed the recipe from them in 1536 to treat his sailors who were suffering from a mysterious disease. This was, in all likelihood, scurvy, a disease resulting from a vitamin C deficiency.

The traditional recipe still uses spruce bark, cones or twigs that are actually very rich in vitamin C. These items are mixed with water and sugar and then left to ferment. This drink is called beer because beer wort was originally used for making it. Although yeast is used nowadays, the name beer has remained. The fizziness of the drink is in fact due to the presence of yeast and soda bicarbonate.

These days, spruce beer is made in a semi-artisan way by a handful of small producers in Quebec and Newfoundland. Their products are marketed in some grocery stores, convenience stores and traditional restaurants.

A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer (2)

Originally published in the Journal de Montréal on August 20, 2011.

Author

Cinzia Cuneo, founder of SOSCuisine.com, never wanted to neglect the quality of her food. She shares her special expertise to make good food quickly and without complications!

4 comments to“A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer”

A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer (10)

January 31, 2023 lawrence pratt said:

so happy to find your page…am looking for my favorite pop..(soda) spruce beer…please tell me that you make, carry, ship to michigan…will be eagerly waiting for reply.. thank you…im originally from montreal and been looking for this for years…thanks…lwpratt

Reply

A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer (11)

February 7, 2023 Cinzia Cuneo said:

Hi Lawrence, We do not make nor sell spruce beer. I suggest you contact this spruce beer maker: http://www.bieredepinette.ca/

Reply

A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer (12)

June 28, 2023 Neal MacDonald said:

I want to buy non-alcoholic spruce beer in B C
How do I get some

Reply

A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer (13)

June 30, 2023 Cinzia Cuneo said:

Hi Neal,
I recommend you google “spruce beer” for your area.

Reply

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A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer (2024)

FAQs

A non-alcoholic beer called spruce beer? ›

Soft drinks

What is a nickname for non-alcoholic beer? ›

One of the most popular terms for non-alcoholic beer is "nonny". This term is a playful take on the word "non-alcoholic" and is often used by those in the industry. It's a great way to refer to non-alcoholic beer without sounding too serious. Another popular term is "na beer".

What does spruce beer soda taste like? ›

Unlike the molasses- and hops-tinged versions that craft brewers have returned to lately, this one's a non-alcoholic soda. The closest approximation in taste is a piney ginger ale or 7-Up: it's got strong juniper overtones with a pure sugar-sweet finish.

What is the alcohol content of Spruce beer? ›

It was a joy to drink. It also was 7.5% alcohol content, so unwise to drink too many… I had never heard of Spruce Beer previously and was amazed to find it has a rich local history.

Where did spruce beer come from? ›

First developed by Canada's indigenous peoples, spruce beer was commonly used to prevent scurvy, even by French navigator Jacques Cartier.

What is a fancy name for a non-alcoholic drink? ›

A non-alcoholic mixed drink (also known as virgin co*cktail, temperance drink, "zero proof" drink or mocktail) is a co*cktail-style beverage made without alcohol.

What is slang for non-alcoholic drink? ›

As Clark points out, “mocktail” can sound like it's mocking something. “Zero proof” has adherents in some regions, while “free spirits” (which is actually a brand name) and “spirit-free” are used for N/A mixed drinks elsewhere.

Is spruce beer non-alcoholic? ›

Spruce beer is a beverage flavored with the buds, needles, or essence of spruce trees. Spruce beer can refer to either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.

What are the benefits of spruce beer? ›

Spruce contains Vitamin C (as do hemlock, pine, juniper, and lots of other evergreens). Spruce beer was introduced to America by the colonial military, as a practical and economic means to keep soldiers happy and scurvy-free.

What flavor is spruce? ›

Their flavor is reminiscent of Christmas, with a distinct element of citrus and all the vitality of a forest bursting forth in springtime. Spruce is not the only edible conifer.

What does spruce tip beer taste like? ›

Typically harvested in the spring, spruce tips are said to contribute a number of characteristics to beer ranging from citrus and floral to cinnamon and pine, making it a nice compliment to many styles.

What beer is 28% alcohol? ›

Samuel Adams' "Utopias" beer has 28% alcohol by volume, or ABV. Typical IPA's have an ABV of less than 7%. Experts say it tastes more like a cognac or port rather than beer. Utopias are meant to be consumed in small servings at room temperature.

What popular beer has the lowest alcohol content? ›

10 of the best low-alcohol beers in America
  • Athletic Brewing: Cerveza Atletica. ...
  • Brooklyn Brewery: Special Effects Hoppy Amber. ...
  • Athletic Brewing Company: Run Wild. ...
  • Dogfish Head Brewery: Lemon Quest. ...
  • Goose Island: So-Lo. ...
  • Clausthaler: Dry Hopped. ...
  • Samuel Adams: Just The Haze. ...
  • Athletic Brewing Company: Free Wave.
Sep 7, 2023

What is the oldest beer in America? ›

Yuengling brewing

What is the name of the oldest beer brewery in the world? ›

Weihenstephan was a Benedictine monastery in Weihenstephan, now part of the district of Freising, in Bavaria, Germany. This Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan is located at the monastery site since at least 1040. It is the world's oldest continuously operating brewery.

What was the original name of Schlitz beer? ›

He emigrated to the U.S. in 1850. In 1856, he assumed management of the Krug Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1858, when he married George August Krug's widow, Anna Maria Krug, he changed the name of the company to the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company.

Is there anything called non-alcoholic beer? ›

What is non-alcoholic beer? Non-alcoholic beer is beer that contains very little to no alcohol. By law, non-alcoholic beers sold in the United States can contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV), but many brands claim to offer 0.0% ABV ( 1 ).

What is slang for not drinking? ›

not partaking of alcohol (adjective as in on the wagon) Weak matches. abstaining abstemious abstinent cold sober dry drying out free of alcohol nonindulgent not drinking not drunk period of abstinence restrained sober stone cold sober sworn off took the pledge unintoxicated.

What is the term for a non-alcoholic drinker? ›

Teetotalism is the practice or promotion of total personal abstinence from the consumption of alcohol, specifically in alcoholic drinks. A person who practices (and possibly advocates) teetotalism is called a teetotaler or teetotaller, or is simply said to be teetotal.

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