Bramble Cocktail Recipe

You can make a Bramble cocktail at home! It features gin with crème de mûre, lemon juice and simple syrup. You’ll love this fruity cocktail recipe!

Bramble cocktail in tumbler with blackberry and lemon garnish

It’s a delicious sweet and tangy cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion. This classic cocktail, which combines the botanical complexity of gin with the fruity sweetness of blackberry liqueur, was invented in the mid-1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell and remains a popular favorite today. 

How to Make a Bramble Cocktail

The Bramble Cocktail is a classic cocktail with the perfect balance of sweet, sour and fruity flavors. It’s easy to make.

You start out by putting everything but the crème de mûre into a cocktail shaker full of ice. Then you shake it very well. 

Next, strain the mixture over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Finally drizzle the crème de mûre over top of the mixture and garnish your drink with fresh berries and lemon wheel.

The Origin of Bramble Cocktail Recipe

This drink was created in the mid-1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell. Bradsell initially made the cocktail as a way to showcase the flavors of blackberry liqueur.

The recipe gained popularity quickly, and soon became a staple in cocktail bars across London. With its fruity and tart taste, it was the perfect drink for those hot summer nights.

Today, it’s is considered a classic cocktail that remains popular around the world. Its origins in London’s cocktail scene have cemented its reputation as a must-try drink for anyone visiting the city.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors in Bramble Recipe

You can think of the Bramble as a sour cocktail because it hits that perfect balance of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors just right. The botanical complexity of the gin is complemented by the tartness of freshly squeezed lemon juice, while the blackberry liqueur adds a sweet and fruity finish to the cocktail.

When making this drink, use the best quality and most fresh ingredients available to you. 

Lemon Juice

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the perfect balance of sourness. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it can taste artificial and overpower the other ingredients.

Blackberry Liqueur

Opt for a blackberry liqueur with a rich and fruity flavor. Crème de Mûre for this. Some people substitute Chambord, and while black raspberry is different from blackberry, it will taste great.

Where to Get Fresh Berries for Your Bramble Cocktail

Use fresh blackberries in your cocktail for added flavor whenever possible. When you can’t get them, get frozen ones and give them plenty of time to thaw. They’re nearly as fresh and delicious tasting as the ones from the produce section.

  • Local farmers’ market: Visit your local farmers’ market for fresh, locally sourced berries. Look for vendors who specialize in berries or fruit.
  • Growing your own: If you have a green thumb, consider growing your own blackberries or raspberries. This is a great way to ensure you have fresh, organic ingredients for your cocktail. Plus, it’s a fun project to take on!
  • Frozen berries: If fresh berries are not in season, don’t fret. Frozen berries are a great option for cocktails. Simply thaw them before using and you’ll still have that delicious berry flavor.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Gin for Bramble Cocktail

The gin you choose for your Bramble Cocktail can greatly impact the overall flavor of the drink. Here are some tips to help you choose the right gin:

Choose a gin with a high ABV (alcohol by volume) for a stronger cocktail.

The alcohol content of gin can range from 30% to 50% ABV. For a stronger Bramble Cocktail, choose a gin with a higher ABV.

Look for a gin with a bold and complex flavor profile to complement the other ingredients.

The botanicals used in the gin can greatly affect the flavor and aroma of the cocktail. Choose a gin with a bold and complex flavor profile to complement the other ingredients.

Consider using a barrel-aged gin for a richer and more complex flavor.

Barrel-aged gin is aged in oak barrels, similar to whiskey, which gives it a richer, more complex flavor profile. Consider using a barrel-aged gin to add an extra layer of flavor to your drink.

Overall, the right gin can enhance the flavors of the drink and create a more enjoyable drinking experience. Choose a gin that complements the other ingredients and suits your personal taste preferences.

Tips for Serving Your Bramble Cocktail

For an impressive presentation, you can also:

  • Serve it in a short glass over ice.
  • Add a slice of lemon garnish for an added burst of citrus flavor.
  • Garnish your cocktail with a fresh blackberry or raspberry on a skewer.
  • Rim the glass with sugar or coarse salt for an added flavor and texture element.

No matter how you choose to serve it, the Bramble Cocktail is sure to impress your guests with its stunning appearance and delicious flavor. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Bramble

The Bramble Cocktail is a classic cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. With the right ingredients and techniques, it’s easy to make at home and is sure to impress your guests. 

Bramble cocktail in tumbler with blackberry and lemon garnish

Bramble Cocktail Recipe

Yield: 1 drink
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

You can make a Bramble cocktail at home! It features gin with crème de mûre, lemon juice and simple syrup. You'll love this fruity cocktail recipe!

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon simple syrup (or to taste)
  • 1/2 ounce creme de mure
  • Garnish with lemon wheel and blackberries

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the gin, simple syrup and lemon juice.
  3. Shake until well-chilled.
  4. Fill your drinking glass (rocks glass) with crushed ice.
  5. Strain the shaken mixture over the ice in the glass.
  6. Slowly pour the Crème de mûre over the top of the drink.

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Last Updated:

October 25, 2023