Fall calls for this uncomplicated Bourbon Bramble recipe! The bourbon, lemon juice, simple syrup, and blackberry liqueur blend make it a delightful cocktail.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
229
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ¾ oz blackberry Liqueur
- Ice cubes - for shaking
- Crushed ice - for serving
- Fresh blackberries and lemon wheel - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Rocks Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Straw
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside.
- Add Simple Syrup: Pour ½ oz simple syrup into the shaker.
- Add Lemon Juice: Add 1 oz fresh lemon juice.
- Add Bourbon: Finally, add 2 oz Bourbon to the mix.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Take the Old Fashioned glass and discard the ice. Then, using the cocktail strainer, strain the shaken drink into the chilled glass.
- Add Ice and Blackberry Liqueur: Fill the glass with crushed ice and add a straw. Once you’re done, measure ¾ oz blackberry Liqueur and pour it gently on top of the drink.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon wheel and/or fresh blackberries and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, rye whiskey y can be used as a substitute. It will give a different flavor profile but still work well in this cocktail. You can also use gin to make a classic Bramble!
- Blackberry Liqueur: If you can't find blackberry liqueur, you can use blackberry syrup as a substitute (just make sure to adjust the quantity as the syrup will likely be sweeter than the liqueur). For another fruity twist, you can also use raspberry liqueur or even Crème de Cassis to make this drink.
- Simple Syrup: If you don't have any simple syrup, you can easily make some at home by mixing together equal parts of sugar (any kind you like) and hot water. Stir well to dissolve and let it cool down before using it. In the refrigerator, this homemade simple syrup will last for about a month. Alternatively, honey or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners if you prefer not to use simple syrup.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but the flavor will be less bright and fresh. Another option is to use fresh lime juice for a slightly different citrus kick.
Making a Pitcher of Bourbon Bramble:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 8 oz of lemon juice, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 6 oz of blackberry liqueur.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Divide the mixture equally into 8 rocks glasses. Fill them with a generous amount of crushed ice, add a straw, and drizzle with blackberry liqueur (approx. ¾ oz per drink, adjust to taste). Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute. Several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own bourbon substitute by infusing together rooibos tea and a bunch of spices of your liking (vanilla and cinnamon are always a good way to start). Mix all the ingredients together, add hot water, cover, and let it infuse for at least 3h (the stronger the better, so if you have time let it infuse overnight. In that case, you can either let it rest in the fridge once the liquid has cooled down). Give it a taste, adjust the spice level if necessary, and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea-whiskey” can be kept for up to a week.
- Blackberry Liqueur Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic blackberry syrup, either store-bought or homemade.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The Bourbon Bramble cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including Bourbon, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved (some liqueur producers also use carmine, a dye derived from insects, for color). Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.What is a Bourbon Bramble?
A Bourbon Bramble is a whiskey-based cocktail made of bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and blackberry liqueur. It’s easy to make as it only requires measuring ingredients accurately and mixing them effectively. The Bourbon Bramble is an exciting twist on the classic Bramble cocktail, which traditionally uses gin instead of bourbon.
What is a Bourbon Bramble made of – The ingredients
These are the ingredients you need to create a Bourbon Bramble:
- Bourbon: This is the cocktail’s base spirit, providing a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy freshness that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Simple Syrup: This sweetener helps to mellow out the tartness of the lemon juice and enhances the bourbon’s flavors.
- Blackberry Liqueur: Gives the cocktail its signature fruity flavor and deep red color. It also adds an extra layer of sweetness.
- Lemon & Fresh Blackberries: Used as a garnish, these add a touch of elegance to the drink and hint at the blackberry flavors within.
