Bramble Cocktail Drink

Bramble

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

The Bramble recipe brings together the best ingredients for a perfect drink. Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to cocktail.

Bramble Recipe

Experience the magic of our Bramble Cocktail recipe! With Gin, zesty lemon, and a touch of blackberry, it's a drink to remember.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

210 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • ½ oz blackberry Liqueur
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh blackberries, for garnish, optional
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Rocks Glass or Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Make sure your service glass is chilled by stirring some ice cubes in it.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add to the shaker ½ oz simple syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, and 2 oz Gin.
  • Ice & Shake: Fill your shaker with ice cubes and shake well.
  • Prep Glass: Empty your Rocks glass and re-fill it with crushed ice.
  • Strain: Strain the shaken mixture over the crushed ice in the glass, top up with more crushed ice afterwards to create a mountain shape.
  • Drizzle: Slowly drizzle ½ oz blackberry Liqueur over the top, letting it settle at the bottom.
  • Garnish: Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: I've turned to vodka as a straightforward replacement when I'm out of Gin. It alters the cocktail's flavor profile but remains delicious.
  • Blackberry Liqueur: No blackberry liqueur? Don't fret! A homemade blackberry syrup does the trick, or you can even try a raspberry liqueur for a fun twist.

Making a Pitcher of Bramble Cocktail:

  • Scale: To create a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. This means you'd need 16 oz of Gin, 8 oz of lemon juice, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 4 oz of blackberry liqueur.
  • Mix: Combine the Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into crushed ice-filled Rocks glasses, drizzle with blackberry liqueur, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Many non-alcoholic gin substitutes capture Gin's aromatic essence without the alcohol.
  • Blackberry Liqueur Substitute: Replace the liqueur with homemade blackberry syrup (blackberries + sugar + water). This will give you a fruity flavor without any alcohol.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps for a delightful alcohol-free Bramble Cocktail.

Making it Vegan:

Be cautious when buying or using simple syrup. Some commercial simple syrups may contain non-vegan ingredients. Opt for organic or homemade simple syrup to ensure it's vegan.
Always double-check your Gin and other ingredients to ensure no animal products or by-products are used in processing.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
9
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
16
g
18
%
Potassium
 
40
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
2
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
 
4
mg
0
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Bramble Cocktail Drink

Bramble Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Experience the magic of our Bramble Cocktail recipe! With Gin, zesty lemon, and a touch of blackberry, it's a drink to remember.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 210

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • ½ oz blackberry Liqueur
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh blackberries - for garnish, optional
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Rocks Glass or Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Make sure your service glass is chilled by stirring some ice cubes in it.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add to the shaker ½ oz simple syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, and 2 oz Gin.
  • Ice & Shake: Fill your shaker with ice cubes and shake well.
  • Prep Glass: Empty your Rocks glass and re-fill it with crushed ice.
  • Strain: Strain the shaken mixture over the crushed ice in the glass, top up with more crushed ice afterwards to create a mountain shape.
  • Drizzle: Slowly drizzle ½ oz blackberry Liqueur over the top, letting it settle at the bottom.
  • Garnish: Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: I've turned to vodka as a straightforward replacement when I'm out of Gin. It alters the cocktail's flavor profile but remains delicious.
  • Blackberry Liqueur: No blackberry liqueur? Don't fret! A homemade blackberry syrup does the trick, or you can even try a raspberry liqueur for a fun twist.

Making a Pitcher of Bramble Cocktail:

  • Scale: To create a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. This means you'd need 16 oz of Gin, 8 oz of lemon juice, 4 oz of simple syrup, and 4 oz of blackberry liqueur.
  • Mix: Combine the Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a large pitcher. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into crushed ice-filled Rocks glasses, drizzle with blackberry liqueur, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Many non-alcoholic gin substitutes capture Gin's aromatic essence without the alcohol.
  • Blackberry Liqueur Substitute: Replace the liqueur with homemade blackberry syrup (blackberries + sugar + water). This will give you a fruity flavor without any alcohol.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps for a delightful alcohol-free Bramble Cocktail.

Making it Vegan:

Be cautious when buying or using simple syrup. Some commercial simple syrups may contain non-vegan ingredients. Opt for organic or homemade simple syrup to ensure it's vegan.
Always double-check your Gin and other ingredients to ensure no animal products or by-products are used in processing.

What is a Bramble Cocktail?

A Bramble Cocktail is a refreshing gin-based drink that melds the sharpness of lemon with the sweetness of blackberry liqueur. It originated in the 1980s in London, making it a relatively modern classic in cocktails. The drink’s name, “Bramble,” is derived from the English term for wild blackberry bushes, hinting at its key flavor profile. It’s also recognized as an International Bartenders Association (IBA) official cocktail, solidifying its status in the cocktail world.

A side shot of a Bramble cocktail in rocks glass on a white table surrounded by a bar spoon, a jigger, a salmon cloth, and some cherries on a plate

What is a Bramble made of – The ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare a Bramble:

  • Gin: The base spirit, Gin, introduces aromatic botanicals and provides the core strength of the cocktail.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a zesty brightness and acidity to the drink, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients.
  • Simple Syrup: A sweetener made of sugar and water, it smoothens the drink and contrasts with the tartness of the lemon.
  • Blackberry Liqueur: Imparts a deep fruity flavor and a rich color, elevating the cocktail’s taste and appearance.
  • Fresh Blackberries (optional for garnish): While not necessary, these provide a fresh touch and visual appeal to the finished drink.
  • Lemon twist (optional for garnish): A twist of lemon peel can enhance the citrus aroma and add a decorative touch.

Gin, Blackberry Liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh blackberries laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Bramble?

Create your own Bramble masterpiece with our step-by-step guide:

1
<p>Fill your Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes and stir them a few times, or place it in the freezer a few hours before to chill the glass.</p>

Fill your Rocks glass or Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes and stir them a few times, or place it in the freezer a few hours before to chill the glass.

2
<p>Pour simple syrup into the cocktail shaker.</p>

Pour simple syrup into the cocktail shaker.

3
<p>Add lemon juice to the shaker.</p>

Add lemon juice to the shaker.

4
<p>Pour Gin into the shaker.</p>

Pour Gin into the shaker.

5
<p>Fill your shaker with ice cubes to chill the cocktail ingredients effectively.</p>

Fill your shaker with ice cubes to chill the cocktail ingredients effectively.

6
<p>Give the mixture a good shake until the exterior of the shaker feels cold.</p>

Give the mixture a good shake until the exterior of the shaker feels cold.

7
<p>Remove the ice cubes from your glass and refill it with fresh crushed ice.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from your glass and refill it with fresh crushed ice.

8
<p>Strain the shaken mixture from the shaker over the crushed ice in the glass and add some crushed ice afterwards to create a nice mountain shape.</p>

Strain the shaken mixture from the shaker over the crushed ice in the glass and add some crushed ice afterwards to create a nice mountain shape.

9
<p>Slowly drizzle the blackberry liqueur over the top of the drink, allowing it to settle at the bottom for a gradient effect.</p>

Slowly drizzle the blackberry liqueur over the top of the drink, allowing it to settle at the bottom for a gradient effect.

10
<p>Garnish the cocktail to enhance its visual appeal and aroma if desired, first by squeezing a lemon peel over the glass.</p>

Garnish the cocktail to enhance its visual appeal and aroma if desired, first by squeezing a lemon peel over the glass.

11
<p>Then, place the lemon twist over the drink.</p>

Then, place the lemon twist over the drink.

12
<p>And, as final touch, add fresh blackberries to the drink.</p>

And, as final touch, add fresh blackberries to the drink.

13
<p>Enjoy your Bramble cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Bramble cocktail!

Crème de Mûre for your Bramble

This blackberry liqueur, hailing primarily from France, is known for its deep, rich berry flavor. Unlike some fruit liqueurs that can come off as artificial or overly sweet, Crème de Mûre offers a genuine blackberry taste, capturing the essence of the fruit with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. This authenticity makes it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. When you pour Crème de Mûre into your Bramble, you’re not just adding alcohol but infusing your drink with the lush essence of summer blackberries. 

Chambord Bramble

Chambord is a game-changer in blackberry liqueurs, especially when crafting a Bramble Cocktail. Hailing from the Loire Valley in France, this liqueur is not just about blackberries. It’s a symphony of raspberries, blackcurrants, and other fruits, mixed with cognac. The result? A velvety, deep berry flavor that’s both rich and nuanced. 

Best Gin for a Bramble

The Gin you choose for your Bramble can set the tone. A good gin should complement the blackberry notes without overpowering them. Tanqueray, with its crisp juniper profile and hints of citrus, is a classic choice that never disappoints. Beefeater, another staple, offers a slightly more floral touch, which can add an interesting layer to your Bramble. For those looking to venture into craft gins, “Sipsmith” stands out with its balanced botanicals and smooth finish. But if you’re hunting for a gin that harmonizes with the Bramble’s fruity essence, “Brockmans” might be your best bet. Its unique blend of blueberries, blackberries, and botanicals makes it almost tailor-made for this cocktail.

A side shot of a Bramble cocktail in rocks glass on a white table surrounded by a bar spoon, a jigger, a salmon cloth, and some cherries on a plate

Variations

Interested in more creative spins? We’ve listed our favorites just for you.

  • Bramble Mule: Merges the classic base with ginger beer, introducing a gingery kick that refreshes and invigorates. The zing of ginger perfectly complements the tartness of the blackberries, creating a balance I find irresistibly refreshing. It’s an energizing choice that I often prefer on warm, sunny days for its vibrant flavors.
  • Bramble Smash: Features fresh blackberries and mint muddled together, enriching the concoction with a herbaceous and fruity depth. The addition of mint brightens the overall experience, making it incredibly refreshing. I love how the mint and blackberries work together; it’s like a burst of summer in every sip, offering a cooling respite.
  • Frozen Bramble: Served frozen and blended with crushed ice for a slushy texture, this selection is perfect for hot weather. The icy consistency turns it into a delightful, frosty treat, offering a cool escape from the heat. The smooth, slushy texture combined with the rich berry flavor makes it a favorite of mine for sipping poolside or at summer gatherings.

A Bramble cocktail, shot from above, in rocks glass on a white table surrounded by a bar spoon, a jigger, a salmon cloth, and some cherries on a plate.

History and Origins

The Bramble holds its roots in the vibrant 1980s cocktail scene of London. During this era, the city’s bars and pubs began experimenting with innovative mixtures, and the Bramble emerged as a standout creation.

Dick Bradsell, a prominent bartender and considered by many as the godfather of modern British cocktail culture, crafted the first Bramble in 1984 at Fred’s Club in Soho. Bradsell, always on the quest to create unique drinks that paid homage to British ingredients, sought inspiration from the fresh blackberries he used to pick during his childhood on the Isle of Wight. Wanting to create a truly British cocktail, he combined Gin, a spirit with deep ties to Britain, with blackberries’ sweet and tart flavors.

The name “Bramble” is a nod to the wild blackberry bushes found throughout the UK, known as brambles. The drink’s appearance, with the blackberry liqueur drizzled to settle at the bottom, is reminiscent of the berries hiding under the bramble bushes.

A Bramble cocktail, shot from above, in rocks glass on a white marmol table surrounded by Gin, Blackberry Liqueur, two lemons, sugar cubes, and three fresh blackberries.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Bramble Cocktail?
A typical Bramble Cocktail contains approximately 180-220 calories, but this can vary based on the specific ingredients and their quantities.
How strong is a Bramble Cocktail?
The strength largely depends on the Gin used, but on average, a Bramble Cocktail has an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of around 20-25%. This translates to 40-50 proof.
What alcohol is central to a Bramble Cocktail?
Gin is the primary alcohol in a Bramble Cocktail.
In which glass is the Bramble typically served?
A Bramble Cocktail is traditionally served in a Rocks or Old Fashioned glass.
What does a Bramble Cocktail taste like?
The Bramble Cocktail offers a refreshing blend of tart, sweet, and slightly bitter flavors, with the botanicals of gin harmonizing with the fruitiness of blackberries and the zestiness of lemon.
What's the typical ratio of ingredients in a Bramble Cocktail?
The common ratio is 2 parts gin to 1 part lemon juice, 1/2 part simple syrup, and 1/2 part blackberry liqueur.
How is the Bramble Cocktail typically served concerning ice?
The Bramble Cocktail is usually served over crushed ice.

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