Red Juniper or Black Juniper
Red vs black juniper explained. Discover why Conrad uses organic Bulgarian red junipers for softer pine, pepper lift and refined gin balance.
Conrad Mediterranean Gin & Tonic finds its perfect partner in charcoal-grilled prawns layered with smoked paprika, white wine, garlic, and fresh herbs. The botanicals in the gin — bright citrus, soft juniper, and subtle spice — lift the natural sweetness of the prawns while cutting beautifully through the richness of Greek feta.
Prepare the Tomatoes and Prawns
Prepare a charcoal grill or BBQ for high direct heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper over the prawns and tomatoes . Grill the tomatoes, until slightly charred on both sides and soft, about 2 minutes each side.
Make the Sauce
Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Cook the garlic and shallots until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the grilled tomatoes, wine, paprika, cinnamon, red pepper flakes and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Crush the tomatoes with a spoon. Cook until the sauce thickens. Taste; add some honey if the tomatoes aren’t sweet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir in the mint, oregano and lemon zest.
Chargrill the Prawns
Grill the prawns until just cooked through and slightly charred, about 1 1/2 minutes each side and add to the tomato mixture.
Combine and finish
Toss the prawn just to coat and transfer to a platter. Top the prawns with the feta and basil sprigs and drizzle with olive oil.
Serve
Serve with the pitas.
Keep the pairing simple and let the flavours speak.
Serve suggestion:
Garnish with Slice of Lemon.
1. It lifts the sweetness of the prawns
Fresh prawns naturally carry delicate sweetness. The citrus peel and juniper in gin amplify that sweetness without overpowering it. The tonic’s bitterness keeps everything balanced.
2. It cuts through the feta
Greek feta is creamy, salty, and rich. The carbonation in a Gin & Tonic acts like a palate cleanser, while the botanicals slice cleanly through the fat — refreshing your mouth between bites.
3. It mirrors the herbs
If your prawns include oregano, basil, lemon zest, or garlic, those Mediterranean flavours echo the herbaceous notes in gin. It creates harmony rather than contrast.
4. Smoke meets brightness
Char from the grill adds depth and savoury intensity. A crisp G&T brings brightness and sparkle, preventing the dish from feeling heavy.
5. Texture balance
The dish is soft and rich (prawns + feta + tomato). The tonic’s effervescence introduces lightness and energy.
Sweet. Salty. Smoky. Fresh. Balanced.
Red vs black juniper explained. Discover why Conrad uses organic Bulgarian red junipers for softer pine, pepper lift and refined gin balance.
Discover a culinary adventure with our XO Café Glazed Spare Ribs, where coffee liqueur meets tender, slow-cooked perfection. This bold dish challenges the notion that coffee belongs only in cocktails and desserts, showcasing its rich, complex flavors alongside succulent pork ribs. With a glaze that combines the smooth intensity of XO Café, brown sugar, and a hint of smoked paprika, each bite is a delightful experience. Elevate your comfort food game and impress your guests with this unique pairing that promises to be a conversation starter. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Dive into the full recipe!