Don’t you hate it when Starbucks has a great-sounding drink but it’s not available in your country? That’s how I felt when I heard about Starbuck’s Juniper Latte last year.
Today, I have my Instant Pot Juniper Syrup with Rosemary and Orange for you to use at home. It’s not exactly the same but adds a wintery touch to your coffee.
What Is a Juniper Latte?
I had never heard of one before I read about Starbucks’ version. It’s a juniper berry syrup with hints of sage and citrus that’s added to expresso with your choice of steamed milk.
I always get soy milk in my lattes, but you have the choice of almond or coconut milk too.
Can I Buy a Juniper Latte at Starbucks?
When I started writing this post it was not available in the US, but last year they eventually released it here too!
If you’ve tried it, please let us know what you thought in the comments. Here’s a review of it on the Washington Post.
My Winter Juniper Syrup uses rosemary instead of the sage that Starbucks uses. I just thought it was a better fit, but you can always switch it if you make the recipe.
What Does Juniper Taste Like Anyhow?
Juniper tastes piney and is used as the main flavor in gin. If you hate gin, this may not be the syrup for you, maybe try my Pumpkin Spice Syrup or Fall Spice Infused Maple Syrup instead.
Where Can You Buy Juniper Berries?
You can buy them online at Amazon, Spice Jungle, or even from Walmart. You may be able to find in some fancy groceries, but if you have a Penzey’s, Savory Spice Shop, or other specialty spice shop in your area you should find them there for sure.
Are Juniper and Juniper Berries the Same Thing?
Juniper is a pine-like shrub and the berries they produce are well the juniper berries.
So even though it does taste a bit like a pine tree, it’s derived from the berry of the shrub.
How Long Do Juniper Berries Last?
I encourage you to buy whole dried juniper berries instead of ground juniper. The berries last about 2 years, after that their flavor begins to fade.
What Can I Use in Place of Sugar?
If you don’t use raw or coconut sugar, you can infuse everything in maple syrup. Just follow the directions for the Fall Spice Infused Maple Syrup.
How Long Does this Instant Pot Juniper Syrup Last?
It really depends on what you use to sweeten it with. If you use raw or coconut sugar or decide to infuse maple syrup it should last 2 to 3 weeks.
If you choose to use stevia or another alternative it may not last as long.
Ways to Use Juniper Syrup
- In a latte
- If you’re like me it’s great in your cold brew
- Try a non-alcoholic g and t, by adding the syrup to tonic water
- Add to sparking water to make a spritzer
- Make a cocktail with gin (Uncle Val’s is my favorite) and a splash of fresh OJ
- It’s great in hot tea or hot chocolate too!
More Recipes to Try
- Instant Pot Vegan Tomato Soup Made Creamy with a Surprise Ingredient!
- Online Instant Pot Class – Easy Bean, Grain, and Veggie Soups
- Instant Pot Vegan Pumpkin Spice Syrup Recipe
- Vegan Instant Pot Mushroom Dirty Rice
Winter Juniper Syrup with Rosemary and Orange
Equipment
- Frontier Whole Juniper Berries
- Beehive Glass Syrup Dispenser
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
- 20 juniper berries
- 1 orange zest only
- 1 inch sprig fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and let the pressure release naturally.
- Let cool, then strain.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Alisa Fleming says
I can say with almost certainty that I’ve never tasted anything juniper! You have me intrigued but also a little apprehensive with the “piney” description. But the syrup looks lovely.
Kathy Hester says
It’s not as piney as you think, maybe it’s closer to the “tree-ness” of rosemary 😉
Sam says
Could I make this without an insta pot?
Kathy Hester says
You sure can. Just heat on the stove.
Sam says
How long do I let it steep over the stove for?
Kathy Hester says
I would simmer for about 20 minutes, then let cool with the stuff still in to infuse more flavor. Strain when cool.
I hope this helps!
Luna says
When Starbucks released their juniper latte in New York, it was seriously my favorite drink on their menue until it went out of season!
The trick was going to the right branch when you ordered it; some branches hire employees who specialize in either coffee or tea respectively, and don’t necessarily build up any skill in brewing the other. The trick was to go to a specific branch that had a rep for being better with lattes than with coffee.
Unfortunately, the branch I went to that had the most rep for their lattes were always out of it when I went in. In the end, I ended up buying it next to my school the first time I got it, and although that specific branch was best known for thir strong coffee, they knew exactly how strong it had to be for the subtle taste of the juniper to become noticeable, and I was immediately hooked. Unfortunately, they were out of it the next time I went in to order it.
Isabelle says
Disappointed:(
It doesn’t taste juniper enough.
I think the coconut sugar taste is too strong and hides the juniper/orange.
It didn’t even took as a syrup, it’s quite liquidy
Lindsay says
Very tasty!
I loved the juniper latte at Starbucks last year and was so sad it didn’t make the holiday line up this year. I guess people didn’t like coffee that tastes like a tree? Who would have guessed?
Anyway, I made this today with white sugar and sage since that’s what I have and am going to borrow my brother’s milk frother to make a latte on Christmas. In the meantime, I may need to experiment using the sugar syrup with vodka for a holiday drink 😄
Thanks for the recipe!
Windy says
The juniper drink was my all time favorite at Starbucks, I don’t know why they got rid of it.
susan says
Thank you Kathy. I really like the taste of gin, know it’s made with juniper but don’t drink alcohol. It’s intriguing to try juniper in bubbly mineral water. A really strong infusion cooled and with a hint of sugar to simulate tonic water might work. ??? Never heard of Starbucks juniper lattes, or play tennis. This is a fun idea.
Kathy Hester says
These syrups are awesome with sparkling water!
Susan says
P.S.
Maybe Starbucks could try juniper iced lattes or tea? 😉
Kathy Hester says
This syrup and even plain rosemary syrup works in iced drinks!