How to use juniper berries
In savory dishes, juniper berries pair well with game meats like venison or wild boar, and lamb. Their slightly sweet, resinous flavor can cut through the richness of fatty meats, making them ideal for marinades, rubs, and stews. Crush the berries to release their aroma and flavor before adding them to roasts or braises. They also complement pork and duck, especially when combined with fruits like apples or prunes for a balanced, earthy sweetness.
In cocktails, juniper is the star flavor in gin, lending the spirit its distinctive taste. You can enhance gin-based cocktails by incorporating fresh or dried juniper berries. Crush a few berries into a gin and tonic or muddle them in cocktails like a Negroni to heighten the herbaceous notes. For a simple twist, infuse juniper into simple syrups to flavor gin, vodka, or even whiskey cocktails.
Juniper’s citrus profile also pairs well with botanicals like rosemary, thyme, or lemon, allowing for creative experimentation in both sweet and savory applications. Whether in a rich stew or a refreshing cocktail, juniper berries add a unique, aromatic dimension to your culinary creations.
