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Juniper – The Heart of a G&T, Rooted In Scottish Soil

 

At the very core of every great G&T lies one small but mighty botanical: juniper. This piney, slightly resinous berry is what legally defines an alcoholic gin — and it’s what gives immaculate® alcohol-free G&T its unmistakable, bold backbone.

But juniper isn’t just a flavour note. It’s a symbol. Of clarity, of heritage and of nature’s quiet power.

Let’s take a closer look at the heart of our alcohol-free G&T.

 

The Botanical That Started It All

Juniper has been used in drinks for centuries — long before gin became the cultural icon it is today. With its clean, sharp flavour and subtle citrus-pepper notes, juniper was first used for its medicinal and spiritual properties. Across Europe and Asia, it was burned to purify the air, brewed to aid digestion, and even worn for protection.

In our modern world, it still offers a sense of grounding. It brings depth, complexity and a bracing freshness that lifts the spirit — even without alcohol.


Made in Scotland, Rooted in Nature

Here’s something you may not know: juniper is native to the Scottish Highlands. In fact, it's one of the UK’s most ancient and rare plants. Hardy and slow-growing, wild juniper thrives in windswept glens and heathlands, clinging to rocky soil with quiet resilience.

Whilst it used to be widespread, juniper is sadly rare in Scotland now, due to historic over-harvesting…but one of immaculate’s key partners who developed the original recipe for immaculate® is doing a lot of work to re-establish ancient juniper forests!

At immaculate®, we celebrate that Scottish provenance — not just because we’re based here, but because we believe in honouring local ingredients and the stories they carry. Our Classic G&T is juniper-heavy by design – it’s what gives the mouth-feel similar to what you get in a traditional gin – and it’s a nod to gin tradition, and to the wild, rugged landscapes that inspire us.


A Clearer Mind, in Every Sip

There’s something deeply refreshing about juniper. It cleanses the palate and sharpens the senses. That’s also why it’s at the heart of our ‘clearer mind’ promise. immaculate® isn’t just about what’s not in your glass — it’s about what is. A drink that invigorates, enlivens, and keeps you in the moment.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or raising a glass at a celebration, juniper sets the tone — confident, grounded, and unmistakably grown-up.

Did You Know?

Juniper berries aren’t actually berries at all — they’re cones (one of three native conifer species in Scotland, sitting alongside Scots pine and yew)! Technically speaking, they’re the female seed cones of the juniper plant, with soft, scale-like leaves that look like berries. A little nerdy, a lot cool.

At immaculate®, we’re proud to use juniper in a way that respects both tradition and innovation. It’s the botanical soul of our drink — and one of nature’s most perfect offerings.

So next time you sip, savour the spirit of Scotland in every drop.

#CleanerTaste #ClearerMind #JuniperJoy