Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by Nico
Juniper berry tea has a cozy, piney flavour that sort of feels like sipping the forest in a cup! Let’s go through how to make it.
If you’ve ever walked past a juniper tree, you may have picked up a fresh, woodsy scent. Juniper berries are best known for being used in flavouring gin or as a seasoning for hearty meat dishes. But the berries also make a surprisingly delicious tea.
Juniper berry tea has a warm, slightly piney taste I find quite grounding. It has also been used for centuries as a natural remedy by native peoples in the Americas. I also like to make juniper berry tincture and extract to make consuming the medicinal benefits easier.
What is juniper berry tea?
Juniper berry tea is made by steeping the dried berries of the juniper plant (Juniperus communis) in hot water. These small, deep purple berries grow on juniper trees in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and have long been used for food, drink, and even decoration.
In my experience, the taste is unlike other herbal teas; it’s piney, slightly citrusy, and earthy all at once. I like to use it in a tea blend with nettle and red raspberry leaf!
Why make it?
Flavour: It has a unique flavour that’s crisp and woodsy and definitely worth trying!
Health benefits: Juniper berries are a natural source of vitamin C and can help boost your immune system in the wintertime. They also contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help cleanse your body of harmful free radicals.
How to make juniper berry tea
Making juniper tea is super simple, and you only need a small amount of berries to get started.
What you need
Supplies
Mug
Tea strainer
Ingredients
Dried high-quality organic juniper berries, lightly crushed – Here’s an organic source
Boiling water
Instructions
Crush the berries gently to release their flavor.
Add them to a mug or teapot and pour over boiling water.
Let steep for 10–12 minutes.
Strain and sip slowly.
Tip: The flavor can be quite bold, so if you want something softer, try adding a little mint or chamomile. I also like it with nettle and red raspberry leaf.
Variation ideas
- Add a cinnamon stick or fresh ginger for extra warmth.
- Mix with dried orange peel for a citrus/wintery spin.
- Blend with rosemary or sage for an earthy, forest-inspired tea.
How long will it last?
Dried juniper berries keep well if stored properly. Just pop them in a sealed jar, keep them in a cool place away from direct sunlight, and they’ll stay fresh for about a year.
Is juniper berry tea safe for everyone?
Juniper tea has been connected to old herbal traditions and used to help with urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or even stimulate uterine contractions. Because of that, it’s best to drink in moderation and check with a healthcare provider if you have any health conditions or are pregnant.
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your health care provider before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medication.
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How To Make Juniper Berry Tea
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Crush the berries gently to release their flavor.
- Add them to a mug or teapot and pour over boiling water.
- Let steep for 10–12 minutes.
- Strain and sip slowly.
- Tip: The flavor can be quite bold, so if you want something softer, try adding a little mint or chamomile LINK. I also like it with nettle and red raspberry leaf.
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