When it comes to spirits from Bermuda, rum is the first one that comes to mind, served in myriad tropical cocktails in restaurants and bars across the island nation. But gin also has a significant place in the region, from the island’s British ties as an overseas territory to the Bermuda Cedar, the country’s national tree.
Seeking to bring attention to gin’s historic and modern links to Bermuda, local businesses are bringing this undercover spirit to the forefront, among them Bermuda Gin Co. a family-owned distillery which launched in 2019, and luxury resort Rosewood Bermuda. Known for its philanthropic arm, the property launched The Juniper Initiative, inspired by the critically endangered Bermuda cedar, a juniper evergreen endemic to the island.
With juniper as one of the key botanicals used in crafting gin, Rosewood Bermuda’s restaurants and bars serve a Juniper & Tonic known as the “J&T,” donating $1.00 for every drink sold. For every $200 raised, the Trust will plant one Bermuda Cedar tree which will be digitally mapped for everyone to keep track of the initiative’s progress.
Cocktails for Conservation
The property’s beautiful Conservatory Bar & Lounge features an ongoing Cocktails for Conservation activation as part of the Juniper Initiative. The airy, laid back bar is completely dedicated to the quintessential British spirit, offering a library of over 40 gins from around the world and daily complimentary gin tastings.
The J&T cocktail combines a tart lime and ginger gin with a smooth melon liqueur, creating a balanced drink that pays homage to the beautifully verdant island and the Bermuda Cedar itself. The bar also serves a non-alcoholic juniper inspired cocktail, the Green Garden Cooler, which also participates in the fundraising efforts.
Rosewood Bermuda launched this initiative to support organizations that actively engage in environmental stewardship, partnering with the Bermuda National Trust to raise funds that enable planting of Bermuda Cedar trees within the nature reserves maintained throughout the island.
“Rosewood Bermuda’s Juniper Initiative embodies our commitment to sustainability by partnering with local and community organizations to protect and preserve the island’s natural environment,” says Andrew Archibald, managing director of Rosewood Bermuda.
“Rooted in our vision of place, culture, and taste, this initiative allows guests to engage in meaningful conservation efforts while enjoying a Juniper & Tonic cocktail or a Green Garden Cooler mocktail, knowing that each sip supports a greener and more sustainable Bermuda for future generations.”
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