🍇 Loganberry: A Sweet and Local Secret of Western New York & Southern Ontario

If you’re from Western New York or Southern Ontario, you probably know the name Loganberry—but if you’re not, you might wonder why locals are so fiercely loyal to this unusual, ruby-red drink.

🫐 So, What Is Loganberry?

The loganberry itself is a hybrid fruit—a natural cross between a blackberry and a raspberry. It was first cultivated in the late 1800s by a California judge named James Harvey Logan, who was experimenting with berry varieties in his backyard. The fruit never became a huge commercial success nationwide, but it did find a second life up north… as a drink.

The iconic (and creepy) Laff in the Dark ride from Crystal Beach lives on! 🎭 Laff in the Dark—is a new rock opera film by Peter McGennis. It premiered at North Park Theatre on Sept. 13, 2024. It’s a nostalgic tribute to Crystal Beach Amusement Park, the film blends music, memory, and local history into one unforgettable ride. 👉 Read more on Buffalo Rising

🧃 The Drink That Stuck Around

In the early 20th century, loganberry juice started showing up at amusement parks and summer resorts around Western New York and Southern Ontario—especially Crystal Beach Park, a legendary lakeside destination in Fort Erie. Kids and adults alike would grab a cold cup of the tart-sweet, non-carbonated beverage while walking the boardwalk or waiting for the Comet roller coaster.

When Crystal Beach Park closed in 1989, people didn’t want to say goodbye to the loganberry flavor. Luckily, local bottlers kept the tradition alive.

🛒 Where to Find It Today

Today, you can still find Loganberry drink at grocery stores, convenience stores, and even fast-food spots like Mighty Taco all across Western New York. It’s sold under brands like Aunt Rosie’s and PJ’s Crystal Beach, and it’s a staple at summer picnics, hockey games, and backyard cookouts.

And if you’re lucky? 🍦You might even spot loganberry-flavored ice cream at local stands and specialty shops—a perfect nod to a flavor that’s as nostalgic as it is refreshing.

🏖️ Crystal Beach & Sweet Memories

Though Crystal Beach Park is long gone, the beach itself is still stunning—a stretch of golden sand with a gorgeous view of Buffalo across the water. You can walk along the edge of Lake Erie where it meets the Niagara River, and take in one of the most underrated beach views in the region.

While you’re there, grab a bite at Rizzo’s House of Parm—a beloved local spot known for its comfort food classics. And don’t miss Matty Matheson’s new restaurant, where they serve a loganberry slushy that’s as bold and refreshing as the lake breeze itself.

So next time you’re in Western New York or Southern Ontario, don’t just ask for a soda—ask for a loganberry. It’s not just a drink—it’s part of the region’s soul. 💜