What are juniper berries?
Despite what the name suggests, juniper berries are not actually true berries! They’re actually seed cones from the juniper plant, an evergreen shrub found across Europe, Asia and North America.
Juniper has been used in gin for centuries. In fact, it’s what sets gin apart from other spirits. But originally these tiny, dark seeds were used for their medicinal properties throughout history. Ancient Romans believed that juniper could treat anything from toothache to indigestion, whilst doctors would fill their plague masks with the berries to mask unpleasant smells and protect themselves during the Black Death.
Fast forward to the 17th century and early distillers in the Netherlands started flavouring spirits with juniper, which eventually evolved into what we now know as gin. The Dutch word “jenever,” meaning juniper, is actually where the term “gin” originates. Over time, additional botanicals were added to enhance the flavour and complexity of the spirit, but juniper has always remained the constant.
What does juniper taste like?
The flavour of juniper berries is often described as pine-like, with a sharp, crisp edge that delivers a fresh, foresty aroma. This distinctive taste is what gives gin its characteristic “bite.” But there’s more to juniper than just pine. When distilled, the berries release complex flavours that range from herbal and floral to peppery and citrusy.
It’s this diverse flavour profile that makes juniper the foundation of gin, allowing it to pair seamlessly with other botanicals. While juniper is always the star of the show, it plays well with other herbs, spices and fruits, creating a balanced, aromatic drink.
While many types of gin exist, London Dry Gin is best known for its bold juniper profile. It’s a style that puts the berry front and centre, offering a clean, crisp flavour that’s perfect for classic gin cocktails like a Gin & Tonic or Martini.
How are juniper berries used to make gin?
Juniper berries are essential for a spirit to be classified as gin. Without juniper, it’s simply not gin!
The distillation process is where the magic happens. Juniper berries are added to a neutral grain spirit, typically alongside a blend of other botanicals. The berries are then steeped in the alcohol, allowing their oils to infuse the spirit before distillation.
During the distillation process, the alcohol is heated, and the vapours pass through the juniper and botanical mixture, picking up their unique flavours. The result is a juniper-forward spirit, but one that’s layered with other complex notes from the additional botanicals.
Juniper and botanicals
While juniper is the hero of gin, other botanicals are what give each bottle its unique twist. Common botanicals include angelica root, which adds earthy, dry notes; coriander seed, which brings spice and citrus; and citrus peels, which provide a refreshing zing. Each distiller has its own recipe, and the proportions of these ingredients can make a huge difference in the final taste.
At Beefeater, we proudly embrace the classic juniper-led style of gin. Our award-winning Beefeater London Dry Gin uses a carefully selected mix of nine botanicals, including not only juniper but also angelica root, almond, orris root, coriander seed and Seville orange peel, each adding its own layer to the overall flavour profile. These complementary ingredients help round out the sharp piney notes of juniper with earthy, sweet and zesty flavours.
Juniper berries are the essential ingredient that makes gin, well, gin. Their unique flavour brings the crisp, refreshing pine notes that gin lovers cherish, while providing a base for an exciting range of botanical blends.
Whether you prefer the bold juniper hit of Beefeater London Dry Gin or enjoy something more contemporary like one of our flavoured gin spirits, every gin pays homage to this small yet mighty berry.
Learn more about gin botanicals as well as the history of gin.
