Armenia has a centuries-old food and drink culture. While the country is most famous for its brandy and wine, there’s a whole world of other local beverages.
They range from refreshing yogurt drink to strong fruit vodkas. Armenians have a deep-rooted tradition of crafting both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that enjoy it in everyday life and celebrations.
There are some traditional drinks that you’ll find at every family table. Most importantly, there are some unique flavors you won’t often come across in other countries.
In this blog, we will discuss what to drink in Armenia. We will highlight some of the must-try Armenian beverages, both familiar and surprising.
Armenian Alcoholic Beverages
Armenians love their brandy and wine and are famous for it. However, other drinks are also a part of the daily routine. There are homemade fruit vodkas, sparkling wines, and locally brewed beer.
Wine and Brandy
If you ask what to drink in Armenia, wine and brandy take the spotlight. Armenia has one of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world, with roots going back over 6,000 years.
That history still flows through the wine regions of Vayots Dzor and Aragatsotn, where both ancient methods and modern wineries come together. Local winemakers are focusing on native grape varieties like Areni, Voskehat, and Kangun, creating bold reds, crisp whites, and aromatic rosés.
Tourists can visit wineries, tour the bars of Saryan Street, or simply buy wine at any supermarket. The choice is yours, but there are many different producers.
One of the unique flavors is pomegranate wine. In general, pomegranate is an important symbol in Armenian culture, and the wine made of it is sweet. There are also other wines made of berries, for example, raspberry wine.
And, finally, Armenian brandy, arguably the country’s most iconic drink. Known for its rich, smooth flavor and long aging process, Armenian brandy has a legacy of impressing even global leaders (legend has it Churchill was a fan). Brands like Ararat and Noy are widely recognized, but many visitors also seek out smaller distilleries for a more authentic experience.
Beer
Craft beer culture has become popular in Armenia over the past years. The classics are Kilikia, Gyumri, and Kotayk. These brands still hold their place in bars and fridges across the country.
However, there are new local breweries that are producing craft beer. The country even celebrates its beer culture with an annual summer event, Yerevan Beer Days.
Besides, if you are a beer-lover, there are dozens of bars in Yerevan where you can taste local and foreign beer.
Homemade Vodka
Homemade vodka, or “oghi” as Armenians call it, holds a special place in local drinking culture. Families, especially in the villages, still distill their vodka using fruits like grapes, apricots, pears, and even berries. These vodkas are incredibly flavorful, but they are also seriously strong, often reaching 60–80% alcohol.
One of the most iconic types is mulberry vodka. It’s considered a premium Armenian spirit and is often compared to brandy, thanks to its smooth yet complex flavor. Made from white or black mulberries, it’s pairs with Armenian dishes.
Beyond its bold taste, mulberry vodka is also believed to have health benefits and doesn’t usually cause hangovers when made the traditional way (no added sugar or yeast). There is also factory-made apricot or mulberry vodka, so if you think about an unusual souvenir, it may be a good choice.
Armenian Soft Drinks
Armenians have a rich tradition of soft drinks made from local fruits. Juices and compotes are prepared from fresh apricots, cherries, peaches, and other fruits in summer and enjoyed all winter long.
Herbal teas are also common, brewed from wild mountain plants. And let’s not forget tan, the refreshing salty yogurt drink.
Herbal Teas
Armenians have a deep love for tea. While black tea is still around, most people prefer herbal infusions made from local plants.
You’ll find dried thyme, mint, linden, chamomile, and even pomegranate peels and flowers in many homes. These herbs are usually picked in season, dried in the sun, and stored to use throughout the year.
One of the most popular blends is thyme and mint mixed together. It can be found in almost all cafes. It’s simple, aromatic, and is a great match with tasty Armenian desserts.
Pomegranate peel or flowers are also used for tea, especially in winter, and are known for their slightly unusual taste. Locals drink herbal teas not just for the flavor, but as a remedy and its calming effect, especially after a heavy meal.
By the way, this is another great idea for a souvenir from Armenia. Herbal teas in beautiful packages are sold in all supermarkets here.
Tan
If there’s one drink you’ll find almost everywhere in Armenia, it’s tan. This refreshing, salty yogurt drink is made from matsun, a traditional Armenian fermented milk similar to yogurt.
It’s a simple recipe: just whisk matsun with a bit of salt, add cold water, and you have tan. The texture can be thick or light depending on how much water you add, and many locals prefer it nicely chilled.
You’ll also come across a twist on the classic version: tan with herbs, chopped cucumbers, and greens. It’s basically the Armenian cold soup, perfect on a summer day.
Beyond the taste, tan is surprisingly healthy. Matsun is packed with good bacteria that help digestion. Besides, locals drink it when they eat heavy food.
