These woodsy berries are very popular in European cuisines, especially in Scandinavia. First thing’s first, juniper berries are not actually berries. They’re actually a cone (think pinecone) from the juniper tree. It’s probably why they impart such strong, cozy winter vibes. If you like gin, then you probably like juniper! It’s what gives gin that citrusy, pine flavor. And those notes work fantastically in so many dishes! Just remember that a little goes a long way with juniper. That’s great for you because one package will last you through many delicious dishes. From beef to vegetables to cocktails to desserts, these 10 tantalizing recipes prove juniper’s versatility.
1. Juniper Berries Salmon
To me, there’s nothing better than when dinner is easy, healthy, and delicious. Well, this juniper berries salmon checks all of those boxes. This salmon dish is so simple. It only requires five ingredients and it’s done in 25 minutes. You can’t beat that! This salmon is oven-steamed in a delicious lime, butter, and juniper sauce. The result is fresh, flaky, and buttery salmon with a wonderful citrus tang. This is delicious with roasted potatoes and green beans. A simple salad would be lovely, too.
2. Chicken with Tarragon and Juniper Berries
This succulent chicken dinner will be a hit with your guests. It tastes and feels like a fancy, restaurant-quality meal. But no one will be able to tell how easy it is to make. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender with crispy, flavorful skin. It’s braised and served in a creamy, herb wine sauce. Juniper and tarragon add elements of licorice, citrus, and pine. It’s savory as heck and super delicious. I guarantee there won’t be any leftovers!
3. Slow-Cooked Juniper Beef Stew
There’s a reason you see juniper berries featured in meat dishes throughout Scandinavia. Juniper just works with meat. I particularly love the combo of juniper and beef. I think the sharpness of the juniper helps balance the fatty, umami-laden beef. Whatever it is, it’s delicious. And this beef stew proves my point perfectly. This stew is rich and filling with a slightly sweet, but totally savory profile. It features thick chunks of tender beef and hearty veggies in a robust broth. The best part is that the slow-cooker does all of the work!
4. Juniper Berry Spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these addicting chocolate hazelnut cookies. They’re a rollercoaster of flavors and textures, and I think you’ll love them. You start your ride with a soft, fudgy, super chocolatey bite. Then, you corkscrew and get the crunchy, nutty sweetness of hazelnuts and raw sugar. Finally, you end with the slightly bitter but pleasant notes of juniper. These cookies are unexpected but amazing.
5. German Braised Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)
If flavors were on the color wheel, sweet and sour would be complementary colors. They’re completely distinct flavors that are great on their own. But together, they make magic. So, it’s safe to say that this German rotkohl is food magic. It’s sweet and sour, soft and crunchy. Rotkohl is perplexing but really yummy at the same time.
6. Berry Juniper Fizz
Prepare to party with this delicious berry juniper fizz. Oh, and it’s alcohol-free, so everyone can enjoy this party. It’s absolutely perfect for your next holiday event. This bubbly beverage features some of winter’s best tart-sweet flavors. It bursts with pomegranate, orange, and cranberry. But juniper is the star of the show. You taste juniper in every sip with a non-alcoholic gin substitute and a juniper syrup. This drink is bright, citrusy, and whimsical.
7. Easy Instant Pot Juniper Syrup with Rosemary and Orange for Coffee or Cocktails
Make everything you drink taste like Christmas in a glass with this tasty syrup. I love simple syrup because you can do so many things with it. You can use it in coffee, tea, cocktails, mocktails, and even desserts. Simple syrup is super easy to make (thus the name) but it can be time-consuming. It’s a lot of stirring and watching sugar, so it doesn’t burn. The Instant Pot method is much easier. Simply dump all ingredients into the pot and cook for 10 minutes. When it’s done, strain out the solids. Now, you have a fabulous woodsy syrup for all of your drinks. This simple syrup is sweet and bright. It’s perfect for warm beverages on cool days.
8. Sour Cherry Gin Ice Cream Floats
Adult ice cream floats? Sign me up! If you love the gin daisy cocktail, you’ll love this, too! This fantastic float features three liqueurs: sour cherry gin, citrus-rhubarb aperitivo, and another cherry liqueur. It’s bursting with fruity booze. This float also has lemon juice, a juniper-lemon simple syrup, cherries, and soda water. It’s lip-puckering tart in the best way. But it’s not too tart, thanks to sweet vanilla ice cream. Just be careful, as this stuff is dangerously delicious!
9. Homemade Starbucks Juniper Latte
Sometimes, Starbucks is jokingly called “Fourbucks.” That’s because the drinks, though delicious, can be a bit pricey. But their specialty drinks are so creative and tasty. Now, you get the best of both worlds with this fantastic copycat recipe. You start by making a delicious juniper simple syrup. This one uses orange, cardamom, and of course, juniper. Then, make your favorite espresso. If you don’t have an espresso machine, fear not! You can use regular coffee. Just be sure to make it REALLY strong. Next, steam some of your favorite milk. I don’t have a milk steamer, so I warm my milk in the microwave. Then, I use a tiny electric whisk for that fabulous foam. Finally, it’s time to assemble. Grab a mug, add your syrup and espresso, then add your steamed milk. Enjoy!
10. Creamy Cheesy Ham Tomato Sauce
If you want to make an impression the next time you cook, make this sauce. It’s so luxurious, I could bathe in it. Ok, bathing might be a stretch, but I could definitely eat this straight from the pan. I t’s ooey-gooey, creamy, and seriously savory. Wine, sherry vinegar, juniper, chicken stock, aromatics, tomatoes, and ham impart tempting flavors. The heavy cream and two types of cheese make it even more irresistible. Serve it over pasta or potatoes, or even just eat it with a spoon! Click on a star to rate it!
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