Juniper berry Juniper berry A juniper berry is the female seed cone produced by the various species of junipers. It is not a true berry but a cone with unusually fleshy and merged scales, which give it a berry-like appearance. The cones from a handful of species, especially "Juniperus communis", are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine, and also give gin its distinctive flavour. Juniper berries may be the only spice derived from conifers. All juniper species grow berries, but some are considered too bitter to eat. In addition to "J. communis", other edible species include "Juniperus drupacea", "Juniperus phoenicea",
Damson gin Damson gin Damson gin is a liqueur, usually homemade, made from damson plums macerated in a sugar and gin syrup for eight weeks or more. Vodka is sometimes used in place of the gin. The proof will vary somewhat but generally is around 44. Damson gin is especially popular in Britain.The plums are ripe in early September and the liqueur can be used as a Christmas treat. Greengage gin is an alternative beverage. Averell Damson Gin is produced by The American Gin Co. and is an American take on the beverage. Rather than steeping the damson plums in gin, Averell