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 earlier this month. 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 yesterday they released it here too!
If you’ve tried it, please let us know what you thought in the comments. Here’re a review of it on the 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar , or raw sugar
- 20 juniper berries
- 1 orange , zest only
- 1 inch sprig fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to your Instant Pot. Note: This will work in 3, 6, or 8 quart.
- 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.
Nutrition
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 other alternative it may not last as long.
Was 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
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.
It’s not as piney as you think, maybe it’s closer to the “tree-ness” of rosemary 😉