Michigan may be best known for the Great Lakes, automotive innovation, and its vibrant fall colors—but when it comes to drinks, the state offers far more than meets the eye. From craft beer brewed in Detroit’s revitalized districts to world-famous cherries turned into refreshing, sweet-tart beverages, Michigan has cultivated a drink culture that reflects its natural bounty, cultural history, and inventive spirit.
In this article, we’ll dive into the beverages that have made Michigan famous, exploring their origins, how they’re made, and why they matter. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or simply someone interested in regional American flavors, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for what Michigan pours into its glasses.
The Fruit of the North: Michigan Cherry Juice
Perhaps the most iconic liquid to come out of Michigan is cherry juice, particularly made from the state’s famous Montmorency tart cherries. These bright red fruits are Michigan’s official state fruit, and for a good reason. The region around Traverse City—the self-proclaimed “Cherry Capital of the World”—produces over 75% of the United States’ tart cherries.
Why Cherries Thrive in Michigan
Michigan’s unique geography and climate make it ideal for cherry cultivation. The cooler air from Lake Michigan moderates spring temperatures, reducing the risk of frost damage during blooming season. The sandy, well-drained soil along the western coastline provides perfect root conditions.
Harvest season typically begins in late June and runs through early August. During this time, cherries are picked, processed, and turned into juices, pies, jams, and liqueurs.
From Orchard to Bottle: How Michigan Cherry Juice is Made
The process of creating pure cherry juice begins with harvesting ripe, hand-sorted cherries. The fruit is then washed, pitted, and crushed. The pulp is pressed to extract juice, which is pasteurized to preserve freshness and flavor. Many Michigan producers, such as Todd Farm Market and Traverse City Cherry Company, offer cold-pressed or organic cherry juice options.
Some brands also blend cherry juice with other fruit juices—like apple or cranberry—to balance the tartness, making it more palatable for a wider audience. However, true connoisseurs often prefer it straight for its bold flavor and health benefits.
Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherry juice has made headlines in the wellness world. Studies have shown it can:
- Reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, making it a favorite among athletes
- Support heart health by lowering blood pressure
- Improve sleep quality due to its natural melatonin content
- Possess antioxidant properties that may support immune function
Thanks to these benefits and the drink’s delicious tang, Michigan cherry juice is not just a local favorite—it’s now found on grocery shelves across the country.
Michigan’s Craft Beer Renaissance
While cherry juice is a uniquely agricultural treasure, Michigan’s craft beer scene is where modern innovation and traditional brewing meet in remarkable ways. With over 400 craft breweries, Michigan ranks among the top states for per capita breweries—and some of the nation’s most awarded beers come from right here.
A Proud Brewing Legacy
Brewing in Michigan dates back to the 19th century, with German immigrants establishing breweries in cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo. Prohibition nearly wiped out this early scene, but the state’s beer culture experienced a powerful resurgence beginning in the 1980s.
The landmark 1990 Michigan Microbrewers Act allowed small breweries to serve samples on-site, paving the way for brewpubs and taprooms. Today, craft beer has become an essential part of Michigan’s culinary identity.
Top Breweries That Put Michigan on the Map
Here are some of the standout breweries that have gained national recognition:
| Brewery | Founded | Notable Beer | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Holland Brewing | 1997 | Dragon’s Milk (bourbon barrel-aged stout) | Holland, MI |
| Bell’s Brewery | 1985 | Two Hearted Ale (IPA) | Kalamazoo, MI |
| Founders Brewing Co. | 1997 | Centennial IPA | Grand Rapids, MI |
| Trouble Maker Brewing | 2018 | Bright and Beautiful (sour ale) | Detroit, MI |
These breweries exemplify the diversity of Michigan’s beer offerings—from hoppy IPAs and smooth lagers to experimental sour ales and barrel-aged stouts. What sets them apart isn’t just quality, but a strong sense of community, sustainability, and local collaboration.
Beer Culture and Annual Events
Michiganians don’t just drink beer—they celebrate it. Events like Michigan Beer Week and the Great American Beer Festival feature local brews and bring together brewers, beer lovers, and food vendors. Even Detroit’s Movement Music Festival includes craft beer gardens curated by Michigan brewers.
The Rise of Michigan Cider: Apple Juice Reinvented
Another drink gaining fame in Michigan is hard cider, and it fits perfectly into the state’s agricultural ecosystem. Michigan is the third-largest apple producer in the U.S., growing over 25 million bushels annually. With such a bounty, it’s no surprise that hard cider has flourished.
Why Michigan is Perfect for Cider
Much like cherry growing, Michigan’s proximity to the Great Lakes aids apple cultivation. The lakes provide a natural frost buffer and support a longer growing season, allowing for complex apple flavors to develop. Varieties like Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, and Jonathan are often used in cider recipes.
Leading Cider Producers in the State
Several Michigan-based cideries have gained critical acclaim:
- Tandem Ciders (Benton Harbor): Known for dry, artisanal ciders made from heirloom and wild-harvested apples.
- Alpenfire Organic Cider Co. (Traverse City): Focuses on regenerative farming and low-intervention cider production.
- Blake’s Hard Cider (Armada): One of the largest craft cider producers in the Midwest, offering fruit-infused ciders including blackberry and ginger.
Ciders range from traditional dry English-style blends to sweeter, fruit-forward American ciders. Many taprooms now offer flight tastings, allowing guests to explore the variety of flavors Michigan’s apple harvest can produce.
Pairing Cider with Michigan Wines and Foods
Cider in Michigan doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s often paired with local cheeses, smoked fish from Lake Michigan, and Great Lakes whitefish tacos. Some restaurants even feature cider-pairing menus, similar to wine tastings. This culinary integration has elevated cider from a seasonal novelty to a year-round staple.
Frozen Custard and the Sweet Tradition of Michigan’s Fountain Drinks
Beyond alcoholic and fruit-based beverages, Michigan is famous for its frozen custard and fountain drinks—especially the coney and ice cream culture that originated in Detroit. While not standalone drinks, these creamy, indulgent treats often come with a side of nostalgia.
The Detroit Coney Dog Experience and Its Signature Drinks
Though a coney dog is a food staple, no trip to a classic Detroit coney restaurant is complete without a refreshing fountain drink. Establishments like Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island serve up fountain sodas made with real sugar and old-fashioned dispensers.
Popular choices include:
– Cherry cola
– Grape soda
– Cream soda
– Orange Crush-style citrus sodas
These drinks are often locally bottled or made in small batches to preserve their bold flavors. They complement the rich, spicy chili on the coney dog, offering a sweet-and-savory balance.
Red’s Bar & Grill and the Purple Cow Legacy
Another Michigan institution, Red’s Bar & Grill in Grand Traverse County, is famous for its Purple Cow—a sweet, magenta-colored drink made with grape juice, ice cream, and often a splash of soda. The drink has become a regional icon, symbolizing the fun, family-friendly atmosphere of northern Michigan.
The Purple Cow is similar to a float, but with a nostalgic, almost whimsical twist. It’s particularly popular during summer months and at roadside diners near cherry orchards and apple farms.
Milk and Farm-Fresh Dairy: A Hidden Liquid Treasure
Michigan ranks among the top 10 dairy-producing states in the U.S., and that means high-quality milk, chocolate milk, and specialty dairy beverages are part of the state’s drink heritage. Though not as flashy as craft beer, Michigan’s milk is a quiet hero in many homes and schools.
The Role of Family Farms
Many Michigan milk brands come from multi-generational farms committed to humane practices and local distribution. Brands like Country Fresh and Grootemaat Dairy supply stores throughout the Midwest, emphasizing freshness and flavor.
Cold, pasteurized whole milk from Michigan cows often has a richer taste due to the cows’ high-quality feed and stress-free grazing in Michigan’s lush farmlands.
Chocolate Milk and the Wolverine State Twist
It’s not uncommon to see Wolverine-branded chocolate milk in school lunches and local diners. Some dairies even add Michigan-sourced cherry syrup to chocolate milk, creating a hybrid drink that tastes like the state in a bottle.
Michigan’s Emerging Coffee Culture
While not a native crop, coffee culture has taken root in Michigan—especially in college towns and urban centers. Local roasters such as Birdman Coffee Haus in Detroit and Overture Coffee in Grand Rapids focus on ethically sourced beans and small-batch roasting.
These cafes often serve drinks infused with Michigan flavors:
– Maple lavender lattes (using Michigan maple syrup)
– Cherry cold brew infusions
– Cider-spiced mochas in the fall
This fusion of local ingredients with global coffee traditions reflects Michigan’s evolving palate and creative spirit.
Mixed Drinks and Cocktails with a Michigan Flair
Michigan’s bars and restaurants have also embraced mixology using homegrown ingredients. Craft cocktails featuring Michigan spirits, fruit juices, and syrups are now common.
Cherry-Infused Spirits and Cocktails
Cherry brandy and cherry liqueurs—often called “cherry bounce”—are homemade favorites throughout northern Michigan. Commercial versions, like Grand Traverse Distillery’s Cherry Spirit, can be found in stores and used in cocktails like the Cherry Old Fashioned or Traverse City Martini.
One popular drink is the Cherry Whiskey Sour, made with:
- Michigan bourbon
- Fresh tart cherry juice
- Lemon juice
- A touch of honey or maple syrup
- An egg white for a creamy texture (optional)
The result is a tart, slightly sweet cocktail that captures the essence of summer in northern Michigan.
Cider Juleps and Beer Mosaics
In the fall, mixologists in Grand Rapids and Traverse City serve up cider juleps—mint, bourbon, and Michigan hard cider—offering a seasonal spin on the classic Southern cocktail.
For brunch lovers, the “Michigan Mosaic” is a rising trend: a mimosa variation made with chilled cherry juice and sparkling wine or prosecco. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and uniquely tied to the state’s agricultural output.
Why Michigan’s Drinks Are More Than Just Beverages
Beyond taste and craftsmanship, Michigan’s favorite drinks tell a story. They reflect:
– A deep connection to agriculture—cherries, apples, and dairy are not just products but part of Michigan’s identity.
– Resilience and revival—craft beer’s comeback after Prohibition mirrors the broader reinvention of cities like Detroit.
– Seasonality and sustainability—many producers emphasize local sourcing, seasonal harvesting, and low-waste practices.
– Community and tradition—from cider pressing festivals to brewery tours, drinks bring people together.
Tips for Experiencing Michigan’s Drink Culture
Want to explore Michigan’s liquid legacy firsthand? Here’s how:
- Visit the Traverse Wine & Beer Trail—It includes cideries, breweries, and distilleries along Grand Traverse Bay.
- Attend the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City every July, where cherry juice tastings and cherry slushies are everywhere.
- Dine at a historic coney restaurant in Detroit and order a fountain soda to complete the experience.
- Take a brewery tour in Grand Rapids—the “Beer City USA” has won national awards for its vibrant beer culture.
- Try a cherry-infused cocktail at a waterfront bar in Petoskey or Charlevoix during late summer.
Final Thoughts: Michigan’s Drink Scene is Rich, Diverse, and Authentic
So, what drink is Michigan famous for? While there isn’t just one, the clear front-runner is tart cherry juice, a natural elixir born from the orchards around Traverse City. But that’s only the beginning. Michigan’s reputation also rests on its award-winning craft beer, innovative hard cider, nostalgic fountain sodas, and rich dairy offerings.
Together, these drinks paint a picture of a state deeply connected to its land, seasons, and communities. Whether you’re sipping a glass of cold cherry juice while watching a sunset over Lake Michigan or enjoying a bold IPA in a Detroit taproom, you’re experiencing the heart of Michigan’s culture—one drink at a time.
Next time you think of Michigan, don’t just picture snowy winters or dune-lined beaches. Imagine the buzz of a brewery, the tang of a fresh cherry, the fizz of a vintage soda—all part of the delicious, diverse world of what Michigan pours.
What drink is Michigan most famous for?
Michigan is most famously known for Vernors, a golden ginger ale that was first created in 1866 by pharmacist James Vernor in Detroit. Often touted as America’s oldest soda, Vernors has a distinctively bold, spicy ginger flavor that sets it apart from other ginger ales. Its creation story claims that the ginger mixture aged in an oak barrel for several years during the Civil War, resulting in a unique taste that became wildly popular once it was finally bottled and sold. The drink’s legacy is deeply rooted in Detroit’s history, contributing to a strong regional pride among Michigan residents.
Over the years, Vernors became not just a soft drink but a cultural staple in the state, often used in holiday floats, classic cocktails like the “Ginger Mule,” and the beloved “Detroit-style” float made with vanilla ice cream. Its green bottle and distinctive logo are instantly recognizable to locals, and seasonal promotions—especially around St. Patrick’s Day—keep the brand vibrant. Though now owned by a larger beverage company, Vernors maintains its Michigan-centric identity, with many residents still considering it a symbol of homegrown pride and an essential representation of the state’s beverage heritage.
Is sparkling cider a popular drink in Michigan?
Yes, sparkling cider is a popular and seasonal favorite in Michigan, particularly in the fall and around Thanksgiving. The state’s rich apple-growing regions, especially around Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula, produce a vast variety of high-quality apples ideal for cider-making. Local orchards and cideries craft both sweet and dry sparkling ciders, often using traditional methods to ferment fresh-pressed juice. These beverages are enjoyed across Michigan and have gained popularity at farmers markets, farm stands, and regional festivals.
Michigan’s growing craft beverage scene has further elevated the status of sparkling cider, with many small producers experimenting with barrel-aging, fruit infusions, and complex blends. Brands like Alpenview Cider, Liberty Ciderworks, and Blake’s Hard Cider have built loyal followings for their innovative takes on this classic drink. With its refreshing fizz and connection to Michigan’s agricultural heritage, sparkling cider stands out as both a seasonal treat and a year-round symbol of the state’s dedication to locally sourced and artisanal beverages.
What role does craft beer play in Michigan’s drink culture?
Craft beer is a cornerstone of Michigan’s modern beverage identity, with the state consistently ranking among the top in the nation for breweries per capita. This thriving industry began gaining momentum in the 1980s and exploded in the 2000s, thanks to supportive legislation and a community passionate about local flavors. From Kalamazoo’s Bell’s Brewery, one of the pioneers of the craft movement, to Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids, Michigan breweries are renowned for bold stouts, innovative IPAs, and seasonal specialties that reflect regional tastes and ingredients.
Michigan’s commitment to quality and creativity is evident in events like the Michigan Brewers Guild’s annual beer festivals, which draw tens of thousands of visitors. Locally brewed beers are widely available in bars, restaurants, and grocery stores across the state, and many breweries offer tours and taprooms to engage directly with customers. The integration of local hops, fruits like cherries and apples, and even Great Lakes water into brewing recipes further cements craft beer as a true representation of Michigan’s natural resources and spirited community-driven culture.
Are cherry-based drinks significant in Michigan?
Cherry-based drinks hold a special place in Michigan’s beverage tradition, thanks to the state’s status as a leading producer of tart cherries. Traverse Bay, located in the northwestern Lower Peninsula, hosts vast cherry orchards that yield millions of pounds of cherries annually—many of which are turned into juices, ciders, liqueurs, and syrups. Pure cherry juice, often blended with other fruit juices for balance, is a popular health drink and is marketed both locally and nationally for its antioxidant properties.
Beyond juice, Michigan’s distilleries and wineries produce cherry wine, cherry brandy, and cherry-infused spirits that showcase the fruit’s rich, tangy flavor. Local companies like Cherry Republic offer cherry sodas and specialty beverages that attract tourists and residents alike. Cherry-themed drinks are especially prominent during the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, drawing attention to the state’s agricultural pride and culinary innovation. These beverages not only highlight Michigan’s bounty but also contribute to its unique food and drink tourism appeal.
Does Michigan have any famous coffee traditions?
While not nationally recognized for a specific coffee drink, Michigan has a vibrant coffee culture anchored by locally owned roasteries and independent cafes that emphasize quality and community. Cities like Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Detroit are home to renowned coffee shops such as Roasting Plant, Sparrow Coffee, and Corvus Coffee Roasters, which source premium beans and offer expertly crafted espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brews. These establishments often take a sustainable and transparent approach to sourcing, building relationships with global farms while supporting local economies.
Michigan’s harsh winters make coffee a daily staple for many residents, and cafes frequently double as cultural hubs for art, live music, and community gatherings. Seasonal offerings, such as maple latte blends or cherry mochas, incorporate local flavors into traditional coffee formats. As appreciation for specialty coffee grows, Michigan continues to develop a distinct identity in the national coffee scene—not defined by one single drink, but by a commitment to craftsmanship, warmth, and innovation reflective of the state’s broader character.
What is a Michigan mule, and is it a traditional beverage?
The Michigan Mule is a regional twist on the classic Moscow Mule, substituting the traditional vodka with Michigan-made spirits such as locally distilled gin or even cherry vodka, and often using Vernors instead of ginger beer. This variation pays homage to the state’s iconic ginger ale while showcasing its thriving craft distillery scene. Served in the signature copper mug and garnished with lime and mint, the Michigan Mule offers a zesty, refreshing flavor that perfectly highlights local ingredients and innovative spirit.
While not an ancient tradition, the Michigan Mule has become a popular cocktail at bars and restaurants throughout the state, particularly in urban centers like Detroit and Grand Rapids. Some establishments craft their own ginger syrups or infuse spirits with local fruits to further customize the drink. As a symbol of Michigan’s blend of heritage beverages and modern mixology, the Michigan Mule represents a delicious fusion of regional pride and contemporary cocktail culture that continues to grow in popularity.
Are there any notable non-alcoholic beverages unique to Michigan?
Beyond Vernors, Michigan boasts several unique non-alcoholic beverages rooted in local agriculture and tradition. One notable example is maple sap water, harvested in early spring from sugar maple trees across the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Lighter than maple syrup and naturally sweet, this drink is gaining attention for its hydrating properties and eco-friendly production process. Some farms and brands, like Standish Farms and Cedar Circle Maple, bottle and sell maple water as a niche, sustainable alternative to sports drinks.
Another distinctive option is fruit shrubs—drinking vinegars made with local berries, cherries, or apples—offered by Michigan’s artisanal producers and craft beverage shops. These tangy, sweet syrups are mixed with sparkling water to create refreshing, complex drinks without alcohol. School Kids Soda, a Grand Rapids-based company, also produces small-batch sodas with natural ingredients and nostalgic flavors, contributing to a wave of handcrafted non-alcoholic beverages. These innovative drinks reflect a growing demand for authentic, locally inspired refreshments that celebrate Michigan’s rich natural offerings.