Discover the wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages found in Vietnam, from traditional and ethnic specialties to modern adaptations and innovations:
1.) Spirits from Vietnam
1.1.) Vietnamese Liquor
1. Rượu đế (Vietnamese Rice Liquor)
- Distilled rice spirit
Rượu đế is a traditional Vietnamese rice liquor with a potent flavor, often distilled in small, family-owned distilleries. This clear spirit is a staple in Vietnamese culture, celebrated for its smooth yet strong taste. It’s not just a drink; it’s a cultural symbol, enjoyed at gatherings and special occasions, embodying the spirit of Vietnamese hospitality and warmth.
2. Rượu nếp (Sticky Rice Distillate)
- Sticky rice spirit
Distilled from sticky rice, Rượu nếp stands out for its unique, slightly sweet profile. This Vietnamese liquor is more than just a drink; it’s a craft, meticulously distilled to ensure a rich and smooth taste that captures the essence of Vietnam’s rice culture. It’s perfect for those looking to explore the depth of traditional Vietnamese spirits.
3. Rượu ngô (Corn Spirit)
- Distilled corn wine
Rượu ngô, a corn spirit, is a testament to the simplicity and ingenuity of Vietnamese distillation practices. This clear, potent spirit captures the essence of corn with a clean, crisp taste. It’s a staple in rural Vietnam, reflecting the agricultural roots and communal spirit of the country.
4. Rượu bản (Homemade Ethnic Liquors)
- Ethnic minority moonshine
Rượu bản represents the diverse Vietnamese ethnic minorities’ rich heritage, typically distilled from rice or corn. Each variant tells a story, a testament to the traditions and craftsmanship passed down through generations. These homemade liquors are a window into Vietnam’s cultural mosaic, offering a taste that’s as unique as the communities that create them.
1.2.) Vietnamese Liqueurs
5. Rượu thuốc (Herbal Liqueur)
- Herb-infused spirit
Rượu thuốc is a Vietnamese herbal liqueur, traditionally infused with a variety of local herbs. This medicinal-tasting drink is not only enjoyed for its complex flavors but also for its purported health benefits. It embodies the Vietnamese philosophy of blending enjoyment with wellness, making it a unique addition to any spirit collection.
6. Rượu quế (Cinnamon Liqueur)
- Cinnamon-infused spirit
Infused with the warm, spicy essence of cinnamon, Rượu quế is a Vietnamese liqueur that comforts and invigorates. This sweet, aromatic spirit is perfect for sipping on cooler evenings, offering a taste that’s both familiar and distinctly Vietnamese.
7. Rượu hồng sâm (Ginseng Liqueur)
- Ginseng-infused spirit
Rượu hồng sâm, made by infusing ginseng, is a revered Vietnamese liqueur known for its healthful properties. Its earthy, slightly bitter taste is balanced by a subtle sweetness, making it a favored tonic among those seeking both pleasure and vitality in their spirits.
8. Rượu mơ (Apricot liqueur)
- Liqueur from apricots
Rượu mơ, an apricot spirit, is popular for its fruity and floral notes. This Vietnamese liqueur offers a unique taste experience, balancing sweetness with a subtle kick, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the finer nuances of fruit-based spirits.
2.) Cocktails & Alcoholic Mixed Drinks from Vietnam
2.1.) Vietnamese Cocktails
9. Bia cocktail (Beer Cocktail)
- Herb & fruit beer mix
The Bia cocktail is a creative Vietnamese take on beer, blending local brews with a mix of indigenous herbs and fruits. This innovative cocktail is a refreshing twist, offering a delightful blend of flavors that capture the vibrant essence of Vietnam’s local produce and culinary traditions, perfect for those looking to explore beyond traditional beer.
10. Phở cocktail (Phở-Inspired Cocktail)
- Phở-flavored alcoholic drink
The Phở cocktail, sometimes referred to as “Pho-jito”, is an imaginative boozy concoction inspired by the aromatic flavors of Vietnam’s beloved Phở soup. This cocktail combines various spirits, spices, herbs, and broth elements in a drinkable form, offering an adventurous taste experience that pays homage to the iconic Vietnamese dish.
11. Viet Mojito (Vietnamese Mojito)
- Local twist on Mojito
The Viet Mojito reinvents the classic Mojito with a distinctly Vietnamese twist, incorporating local ingredients like fresh herbs and tropical fruits. This refreshing cocktail is a fusion of Cuban and Vietnamese flavors, offering a vibrant, zesty drink that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a flavorful accompaniment to Vietnamese cuisine.
12. Saigon Sour (Vietnamese Whiskey Sour)
- Whiskey sour with local flavors
The Saigon Sour is a Vietnamese adaptation of the classic Whiskey Sour, infused with local flavors and ingredients. This cocktail blends the tangy, sweet, and sour elements with a hint of Vietnamese spices, creating a unique and sophisticated drink that pays tribute to the rich culinary heritage of Saigon.
3.) Brewed & Fermented Alcoholic Beverages from Vietnam
3.1.) Vietnamese Wines
13. Vang Đà Lạt (Dalat Wines)
- Dalat region wines
Vang Đà Lạt refers to the exquisite wines produced in the cool, misty region of Dalat, encompassing red, white, and rosé varieties. These wines are celebrated for their unique flavors, influenced by the region’s distinct climate and soil. Dalat wines offer a taste of Vietnam’s burgeoning wine scene, perfect for those seeking to explore beyond traditional wine-producing regions.
14. Vang Nho (Vietnamese Grape Wines)
- Local grape wines
Vang Nho encompasses the diverse range of grape wines produced across Vietnam, outside the Dalat region. These wines vary in taste and style, reflecting the local terroir and winemaking traditions. Vietnamese grape wines are gaining recognition for their quality and variety, offering an exciting exploration for wine enthusiasts.
3.2.) Vietnamese Beers
15. Bia Hà Nội (Hanoi Beer)
- Beer from Hanoi
Bia Hà Nội is a flagship beer of Vietnam’s capital, known for its crisp, refreshing taste. This popular brew captures the spirit of Hanoi, offering a light, enjoyable experience that pairs well with the city’s vibrant street food scene, making it a must-try for visitors and locals alike.
16. Bia Saigon (Saigon Beer)
- Saigon’s signature beer
Bia Saigon is synonymous with the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City. This widely enjoyed beer is known for its easy-drinking style, making it a staple at social gatherings and a favorite among beer lovers seeking a taste of Vietnam’s southern charm.
17. Bia 333 (333 Beer)
- Iconic Vietnamese beer
Bia 333, pronounced “Ba Ba Ba,” is an iconic Vietnamese beer with a rich history. This well-loved brew offers a smooth, balanced flavor, making it a popular choice for both casual sipping and lively celebrations across Vietnam.
18. Bia Huda
- Central Vietnam beer
Bia Huda is a celebrated beer from Central Vietnam, known for its light and refreshing taste. This beer captures the essence of the region’s laid-back lifestyle and scenic beauty, making it a favored choice for those looking to unwind and savor the moment.
19. Bia Larue
- Traditional Vietnamese beer
Bia Larue is a classic beer with deep roots in Vietnamese brewing tradition. Appreciated for its crisp, clean taste, this beer is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, well-crafted brews in Vietnam’s evolving beer landscape.
20. Bia Việt Craft (Vietnamese Craft Beers)
- Local craft beer variety
Bia Việt Craft represents the burgeoning craft beer movement in Vietnam, featuring an array of innovative brews from local breweries. These craft beers offer a diverse palette of flavors, from traditional to experimental, reflecting the creativity and passion of Vietnam’s craft beer community.
3.3.) Other Vietnamese Fermented Drinks
21. Cơm rượu (Rice Wine)
- Slightly alcoholic rice wine
Cơm rượu is a traditional Vietnamese rice wine characterized by its sweet, tangy flavor and the presence of fermented rice grains. This mildly alcoholic beverage is a cultural delicacy, often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage.
22. Rượu gạo lứt (Brown Rice Wine)
- Sweetened brown rice wine
Rượu gạo lứt is a Vietnamese brown rice wine that offers a slightly sweet, nuanced flavor profile. This wine is a gentle introduction to Vietnamese spirits, perfect for those who appreciate a milder taste while still exploring the rich tapestry of local brewing traditions.
23. Rượu táo mèo (Docynia Wine)
- Docynia fruit wine
Made from the exotic docynia fruit, Rượu táo mèo is a Vietnamese wine that stands out for its tart, refreshing taste. This lesser-known drink is a hidden gem within Vietnam’s diverse alcoholic beverage landscape, offering a taste adventure for those eager to explore beyond the conventional.
24. Rượu sim (Rose Myrtle Wine)
- Fermented rose myrtle
Rượu sim, made from the fragrant rose myrtle fruit, is a unique Vietnamese wine with a captivating floral and fruity essence. This slightly fermented beverage offers a refreshing and mildly sweet taste, making it a delightful choice for casual sipping and social gatherings.
4.) Non-Alcoholic Drinks from Vietnam
4.1.) Cold Vietnamese Non-Alcoholic Beverages
25. Bí đao nước (Winter Melon Soda)
- Refreshing winter melon lemonade
Bí đao nước, or winter melon lemonade, is a cooling beverage made from the subtly sweet winter melon. This light and refreshing drink is a favorite for its cooling properties, often enjoyed as a soothing remedy for hot weather or to aid in digestion.
26. Trà tắc (Kumquat Tea)
- Tangy, fruity iced tea
Trà tắc, often served cold, is a delightful kumquat tea that combines the tangy flavor of kumquat with the soothing qualities of tea. This beverage is both refreshing and aromatic, providing a citrusy twist to traditional tea, ideal for cooling down and revitalizing the senses.
27. Nước ép lúa mạch (Barley Grass Juice)
- Nutrient-rich barley elixir
Nước ép lúa mạch, barley grass juice, is a healthful beverage known for its vibrant green color and nutrient density. Praised for its detoxifying benefits, this juice offers a grassy, slightly sweet taste, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals.
28. Trà atiso (Cold Artichoke Tea)
- Herbal artichoke infusion
Trà atiso, or cold artichoke tea, is a unique Vietnamese drink known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and health benefits. Brewed from artichoke leaves, this tea is often consumed for its detoxifying properties, offering a gentle, refreshing beverage option.
29. Chanh muối (Salty Limeade)
- Salted lime refreshment
Chanh muối, or salty limeade, is a traditional Vietnamese drink that combines the tartness of lime with a hint of salt, creating a balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and surprising. This beverage is known for its ability to quench thirst and revitalize, making it a popular choice in Vietnam’s hot climate.
30. Sâm bổ lượng (Sweet Herbal Jelly Drink)
- Herbal jelly beverage
Sâm bổ lượng is a sweet herbal jelly drink, beloved for its cooling and medicinal properties. Packed with a variety of herbs, fruits, and jelly, this drink is a delightful concoction that’s not only tasty but also believed to have health benefits, offering a unique taste of Vietnam’s herbal drink traditions.
31. Nước mát (Cold Herbal Tea)
- Cooling herbal blend
Nước mát, literally “cool water,” is a cold herbal tea made from a blend of various herbs. This refreshing drink is valued for its cooling effects, especially in the heat of the summer, offering a soothing and aromatic beverage choice that’s steeped in Vietnamese herbal tradition.
32. Nước hồng sâm (Ginseng Drink)
- Non-alcoholic ginseng tonic
Nước hồng sâm is a non-alcoholic ginseng drink cherished for its health-promoting properties. Made from ginseng, this beverage offers a mild, earthy flavor and is consumed for its potential to boost energy and vitality, making it a popular choice among those looking for a natural pick-me-up.
33. Trà đá (Iced Tea)
- Classic Vietnamese iced tea
Trà đá is Vietnam’s answer to the ultimate thirst quencher. This simple yet refreshing iced tea is a staple at Vietnamese eateries, offering a lightly brewed taste that’s perfect for sipping throughout the day, especially during meals.
34. Cà phê sữa đá (Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk)
- Sweetened iced coffee
Cà phê sữa đá is the iconic Vietnamese iced coffee, a robust blend of strong coffee and sweet condensed milk. This rich, creamy beverage is a staple in Vietnamese coffee culture, perfect for those seeking a sweet, caffeinated boost any time of day.
35. Nước mía (Sugarcane Juice)
- Freshly pressed sugarcane
Nước mía, or sugarcane juice, is a quintessential Vietnamese refreshment, beloved for its sweet, revitalizing taste. Extracted from freshly pressed sugarcane, this drink is a natural energy booster, often enjoyed with a squeeze of lime to enhance its flavor, making it a perfect pick-me-up on hot days.
36. Nước dừa tươi (Fresh Coconut Water)
- Natural coconut hydration
Nước dừa tươi, fresh coconut water, is a staple in Vietnam, prized for its hydrating properties and natural sweetness. Sipped straight from the coconut, it’s not just a drink but an experience, offering a taste of tropical Vietnam and a refreshing escape from the heat.
4.2.) Hot Vietnamese Non-Alcoholic Beverages
4.2.1.) Vietnamese Tea
37. Trà sen (Lotus Tea)
- Fragrant lotus infusion
Trà sen, or lotus tea, is a cherished Vietnamese beverage known for its exquisite aroma and delicate flavor. Infused with the essence of lotus flowers, this tea is a symbol of purity and tranquility, offering a serene tea-drinking experience that’s deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and tradition.
38. Trà dây (Bael Fruit Tea)
- Aromatic bael fruit tea
Trà dây, made from the dried shells of bael fruit, is a traditional Vietnamese tea known for its aromatic, slightly sweet flavor. This tea is often consumed for its digestive benefits and is a comforting beverage, perfect for sipping on a quiet evening.
39. Trà gừng (Ginger Tea)
- Spicy ginger brew
Trà gừng, or ginger tea, is a warming Vietnamese beverage, revered for its spicy kick and health benefits. Made from fresh ginger, this tea is a popular remedy for colds and digestion, offering a comforting warmth that’s especially welcome during cooler weather or as a soothing end to a meal.
40. Trà xanh (Green Tea)
- Classic Vietnamese green tea
Trà xanh, or green tea, is a staple in Vietnam, appreciated for its refreshing taste and healthful properties. This lightly oxidized tea offers a clean, vibrant flavor that reflects the simplicity and natural beauty of Vietnam’s tea culture, making it a popular everyday beverage.
41. Trà ô long (Oolong Tea)
- Smooth oolong variety
Trà ô long, or oolong tea, is a partially fermented tea that strikes a balance between green and black teas. This Vietnamese version offers a unique taste with a smooth, fragrant profile, making it a favored choice for those who appreciate the subtle complexities of tea.
4.2.1.) Vietnamese Coffee
42. Cà phê trứng (Egg Coffee)
- Creamy egg-infused coffee
Cà phê trứng, or egg coffee, is a unique Vietnamese creation that combines coffee with a creamy, whipped egg topping. This rich and smooth beverage is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a decadent twist on traditional coffee that’s traditionally savored in Hanoi’s cozy cafés.
43. Cà phê đen nóng (Hot Black Coffee)
- Robust Vietnamese coffee
Cà phê đen nóng, or hot black coffee, is a testament to Vietnam’s rich coffee culture. Brewed using strong, locally grown beans, this coffee is known for its bold, intense flavor, offering a rich and energizing experience that’s integral to Vietnamese daily life.
44. Cà phê chồn (Weasel Coffee)
- Unique weasel-processed beans
Cà phê chồn, or weasel coffee, is one of Vietnam’s most intriguing beverages. Made from beans that have been ingested and naturally processed by weasels, this coffee is prized for its distinctive, smooth flavor profile, making it a sought-after delicacy among coffee connoisseurs looking to experience the unique aspects of Vietnamese coffee craftsmanship.