The Blackberry Bramble is a twist on the traditional Bramble. Instead of gin, this version uses Blue Nectar’s Reposado tequila, which has a smooth oak character that’s wonderful all on its own.

Unless you’ve got something against blackberry, this is a cocktail you’re going to want to try soon. It’s a wonderful option for Cinco de Mayo – something that’s still tequila-based, but not a Margarita.

But don’t wait for a holiday to enjoy this drink. Whether you’re having a night out, or enjoying the poolside or the ski slopes, or just staying at home, this drink is a perfect fit for every occasion.

Taste Profile

This is a well-balanced cocktail that has plenty of depth with oak and citrus notes to balance out the sweet. The blackberry flavor is definite, but not overwhelming.

Because it’s made with real blackberries, it’s not just sweet. Blackberries also have some tartness, and so much natural flavor.

Gin vs. Tequila

You may never have imagined making a bramble with reposado tequila instead of gin. They have two very different flavor profiles, so they make for a distinctly different drink.

Gin has notes of juniper and sometimes floral or citrus. Reposado tequila has a hint of oak with notes like caramel, butter spice. 

When you replace gin with reposado tequila in this drink recipe, you get a flavor that’s deeper and more mellow. None of those sharp, bright edges you get with gin.

This is a great cocktail to try whether or not you love the traditional blackberry bramble with gin. You might prefer it, or you might just enjoy it now and again for a change.

Why Crushed Ice?

One of the best things about a Blackberry Bramble cocktail is the crushed ice. What? No, seriously. The crushed ice slows down your drinking and forces you to savor each sip through a straw.

And it’s reminiscent of one of those shaved ice treats you used to enjoy as a kid, which were even more thoroughly crushed ice with flavored syrups.

The crushed ice also makes this a great drink for hot weather. It keeps the drink very cold and doesn’t immediately start melting and watering it down.

You can also make it with regular ice, but it changes the drink a little. It lets you drink straight out of the glass instead of through a straw, and that means you’re always drinking from the top, where the ice is watering down the drink.

Choosing Blackberry Liqueur

For the blackberry liqueur, you want Gifford Crème de Mûre if you can get it. Sadly, it’s not available in every liquor store, but it’s the traditional ingredient for blackberry brambles.

The difference between Crème de Mûre and the generic bottle at your liquor store is complexity. You get fruit and floral notes that make it more interesting.

But if you can’t get it, then get the best quality blackberry liqueur you can find.

Preparation Tips

The lemon juice in this drink should be fresh-squeezed. That gives it a fresher, sharper taste.

Ideally, the simple syrup should be a good brand or a syrup you’ve made at home. But it’s such a small amount that it doesn’t make a huge difference in this recipe.

Serve it in a rocks glass or parfait glass. A tall glass makes it harder to get the straw around in the ice.

Food Pairings

You could definitely enjoy this drink with any kind of blackberry flavored food – muffins, ice cream, or this Wild Blackberry Bread.

But I think nothing goes better with blackberry than something smoky, like this Texas Style Oven Brisket from A Spicy Perspective.

Of course, another great option is vanilla. Any kind of vanilla dessert or food item you can think of. A vanilla cheesecake is just perfect.

Other Blackberry Cocktails

If you enjoy this drink, you might want to try some with similar profiles.

• Blackberry Margarita
• Mora Picante
• Blackberry Mint Martini
• Berry Fusion Martini drink recipe, featuring Hpnotiq

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