You’re in the middle of preparing a hearty venison stew or a batch of homemade gin, and the recipe calls for juniper berries.
You reach for the jar, only to find it empty. That piney, slightly citrusy flavor you were counting on is missing.
Before you scrap the recipe, take a breath. Juniper berries’ unique flavor can be replicated with ingredients you likely already have.
Juniper berries, with their sharp, resinous taste, are a key ingredient in many dishes, from game meats to pickling brines. But whether you’re out of juniper berries, avoiding foraging, or just experimenting, these swaps deliver the same aromatic punch.
From pantry staples to creative twists, here’s how to keep your recipes on point—no last-minute store runs required.

7 Easy Substitutes for Juniper Berries
Juniper berries’ charm lies in their piney, slightly citrusy flavor. These substitutes mimic their unique taste while adding their own flair. Perfect for marinades, stews, or even cocktails, here’s how to pivot without missing a beat:
1. Rosemary + Lemon Zest: The Herbaceous Duo
Rosemary brings the piney notes, while lemon zest adds the citrusy brightness of juniper berries. Use 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried) and ½ teaspoon lemon zest to replace 1 teaspoon juniper berries.
This combo works beautifully in meat rubs or marinades. I once used it for a venison roast, and the result was so flavorful, my guests thought I’d used juniper berries. For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Pro tip: Toast the rosemary lightly to release its oils before using.
Need more rosemary ideas? Try these rosemary substitutes.
2. Bay Leaves + Black Pepper: The Savory Swap
Bay leaves offer a subtle bitterness, while black pepper adds a hint of spice. Use 2 bay leaves and ½ teaspoon black pepper to replace 1 teaspoon juniper berries.
This substitute is ideal for slow-cooked dishes like stews or braises. My grandma used this blend in her beef stew, and the depth of flavor was incredible. For extra complexity, add a pinch of thyme.
Fun twist: Crush the bay leaves slightly to release more flavor.
Explore more in our bay leaf substitutes.
3. Gin: The Boozy Alternative
Gin is essentially juniper berries in liquid form, making it a perfect substitute. Use 1 tablespoon gin to replace 1 teaspoon juniper berries. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind the signature juniper flavor.
This swap works wonders in sauces or marinades. I used gin in a pork tenderloin recipe once, and the dish had a sophisticated, restaurant-quality taste. For a non-alcoholic version, use juniper-flavored syrup.
Pro tip: Add a splash of gin at the end of cooking for a fresh burst of flavor.
Love gin? Check out these gin substitutes.
4. Caraway Seeds: The Earthy Stand-In
Caraway seeds have a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that can mimic juniper berries in a pinch. Use 1 teaspoon caraway seeds to replace 1 teaspoon juniper berries.
This substitute is great for pickling brines or cabbage dishes. My friend, a pickling enthusiast, swears by caraway seeds for her sauerkraut. For a more complex flavor, toast the seeds lightly before using.
Pro tip: Pair caraway seeds with a pinch of fennel seeds for extra depth.
Discover more in our caraway seed substitutes.
5. Cardamom + Orange Peel: The Aromatic Blend
Cardamom brings a warm, slightly citrusy flavor, while orange peel adds brightness. Use ½ teaspoon ground cardamom and ½ teaspoon dried orange peel to replace 1 teaspoon juniper berries.
This blend works well in desserts or spiced drinks. I used it in a mulled wine recipe, and the aroma was heavenly. For a savory twist, add a pinch of coriander.
Fun twist: Use fresh orange zest if you don’t have dried peel.
Love cardamom? Check out these cardamom substitutes.
6. Thyme + Lemon Juice: The Fresh Fix
Thyme offers a subtle earthiness, while lemon juice adds the citrusy tang of juniper berries. Use 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried) and 1 teaspoon lemon juice to replace 1 teaspoon juniper berries.
This substitute is perfect for poultry dishes or salad dressings. My cousin used this combo in a roasted chicken recipe, and the flavors were spot-on. For extra brightness, add a splash of white wine.
Pro tip: Use lemon zest if you want a more concentrated citrus flavor.
Explore more in our thyme substitutes.
7. Fennel Seeds: The Licorice Twist
Fennel seeds have a slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor that can stand in for juniper berries in certain recipes. Use 1 teaspoon fennel seeds to replace 1 teaspoon juniper berries.
This swap works well in sausage recipes or fish dishes. I used fennel seeds in a homemade sausage mix, and the result was deliciously aromatic. For a more complex flavor, toast the seeds before using.
Pro tip: Crush the fennel seeds slightly to release their oils.
Find more ideas in our fennel seed substitutes guide.

Kimberly Baxter is the proud owner of the food blog Eatdelights.com. A self-proclaimed foodie, Kimberly loves to cook and share her recipes with others. She has been blogging about food since 2010 and has amassed a following of loyal readers.
Her recipes are creative, delicious, and easy to follow. In addition to her blog, Kimberly also enjoys writing for other publications.