This bitter, wild plant gives an acidic flavour. Again, more familiar in gin, juniper gives a gamey taste. One of the few native plants used to make a spirit in its own right, blaeberry jelly has also been used dissolved in whisky to give it a sweet, rich edge. The content of Oxalic acid made the drink bitter and as a consequence, extremely refreshing, particularly for heat stroke or fever patients. In large quantities, however, the acid can be toxic.
Thistles give a drink with similar properties.
It was believed that thistle tea could combat melancholy and depression. The fruits were roasted and infused in boiling water. Both of these can also be made into light and pleasant wines.