soda toronto

The top 5 all natural soda drinks in Toronto

Want to drink in some locally made soda free of artificial colours and corn syrup? I'm not talking about stirring pre-made syrups into fizzy water - these soda fountains and snack shops pour effervescent bevies infused with flavours from roots, herbs, blossoms and fruits, and, they sweeten the stuff with natural ingredients.

Here are my picks for the top all natural sodas in Toronto.

Thomas Lavers
The cannery and deli in Kensington Market brews and bottles its signature ginger beer on site. Featuring the flavours of fresh ginger and lime juice, this stuff is ultra refreshing as is, but also happens to make a pretty mean Dark N' Stormy.

Bean & Baker
The retro malt shop on Harbord is stirring sodas ($3.50) to order with handcrafted syrups in flavours like Root'n'Cola, Lemon-Rickey, Gramp's Ginger, Cherry Cola, and Vanilla Cream. For something less traditional, try the hibiscus soda made with steeped hibiscus flowers.

The Federal
The restaurant on Dundas West forgoes big cola in lieu of carbonated concoctions made in house. While they've previously experimented with colas and root beer ($3.50) flavoured with sassafras, sarsaparilla, and birch, and a zingy "white pop" ($3.50) made with citrus and ginger.

Babbling Brooke's Root Beer
Nickel Brook Brewing might be best known for its other suds, but this non alcoholic brew is top notch. Find it on tap at Woody's Burgers and Home of The Brave. This drink is flavoured with roots (licorice sassafras, and burdock), sweetened with brown cane sugar and demerara sugar root, and boasts notes of cinnamon, star anise, vanilla, and orange peel.

Alchemy Pickle Co.
Small batches of naturally carbonated sodas in seasonal flavours are a specialty of this regular farmers' market vendor. Sodas available in 500ml bottles (and sometimes growlers) are made with a ginger starter, and flavoured with unique combinations of foraged or locally harvested herbs, fruits, and veggies.

What did I miss? Add your favourite all natural soda drinks to the comments.


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