Learn how to make a classic Bramble cocktail for your summer gatherings. The Bramble is a crisp, blackberry-forward gin cocktail that’s an elegant and refreshing choice for parties and warm evenings.
We love summer cocktails, and this Bramble recipe is a great addition to any warm-weather drink list.
The Bramble Cocktail
The Bramble is a modern classic inspired by the blackberry bush that gives the drink its name. Created by London bartender Dick Bradsell in 1984, the Bramble is traditionally served in a rock (Old Fashioned) glass over crushed ice and finished with fresh blackberries and a lemon slice for garnish.
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The Bramble highlights gin’s botanical profile while adding fruity depth from crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur). If you enjoy gin cocktails, consider trying other seasonal gin recipes alongside this one.
Ingredients for a Bramble
- 2 oz London Dry gin
- 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (sugar syrup)
- 1 oz blackberry liqueur (Crème de mûre)
- Lemon slices and fresh blackberries for garnish
Helpful Kitchen Tools:
- Cocktail shaker
- Rock glasses (Old Fashioned glasses)
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Paring knife for slicing lemons
How to Mix a Bramble Cocktail
- Fill a rock glass with crushed ice.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Secure the lid and shake for about 10 seconds.
- Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared rock glass over the crushed ice.
- Pour or drizzle the blackberry liqueur over the top so it sinks and creates a lovely marbled effect.
- Garnish with a half slice of lemon and two fresh blackberries.
Fun Facts & Tips
- Blackberry season typically runs July to August, which makes the Bramble especially seasonal and bright in mid-summer. Frozen or supermarket berries make the cocktail accessible year-round.
- For a traditional presentation, shake only the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, strain into the glass over crushed ice, then drizzle the crème de mûre on top. This produces the classic layered look and concentrated fruit flavor.
- Crème de mûre is a sweet blackberry liqueur made from blackberry juice and sugar. Its deep purple color gives the Bramble its signature appearance and rounded fruitiness.
More Gin Cocktails
- Pink Lady — a pretty pink gin cocktail that’s great for special occasions.
- Gimlet — a simple classic of gin and lime juice served chilled.
- French 75 — a sparkling gin cocktail that’s perfect for brunch or celebrations.
- Negroni — a bold, bitter-sweet gin cocktail built with Campari and sweet vermouth.
- White Lady — a silky sour with gin, orange liqueur, and egg white for texture.
Bramble Cocktail
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Ingredients
- 2 oz London Dry gin
- 1 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 oz blackberry liqueur (Crème de mûre)
- Lemon slices and fresh blackberries for garnish
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Fill a rock glass with crushed ice.
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake for about 10 seconds.
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Strain the mixture into the prepared rock glass.
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Drizzle the blackberry liqueur over the top, then garnish with a lemon slice and fresh blackberries.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 21g
| Sugar: 20g
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Save the recipe to your favorite board or note the method so you can recreate this refreshing summer cocktail anytime.
Recipes are tested using conventional equipment; oven and appliance performance can vary. Adjust techniques as needed for your tools.