A bramble cocktail takes a gin sour and makes it even better with the addition of delicious blackberries! We love the mouth-watering combo of citrusy lemon, sweet sugar and tart blackberries. Not to mention, it’s totally Instagrammable!
Well, what can I say but that this cocktail has become my new fave! This recipe pays homage to a modern fruity classic. It’s a simple gin cocktail made with fresh blackberries, simple sugar syrup, lemon juice and plenty of ice. Mix one during spring and summer when blackberries are in season and you might discover it’s your new favorite way to drink gin too.
While it looks and feels like drinkers have been enjoying this fruity concoction for ages, the real story is that it was created in 1984 by U.K. bartender Dick Bradsell. (He also invented the Espresso Martini!) It has been enjoyed by many drinkers ever since and has found it’s way on to many classic cocktail lists. It’s easy to see why. It’s just the right amount of sweet and sour!
Plus don’t the blueberries look beautiful? You know how I love a drink that infuses fruit into it! For a non-alcoholic spin on a fruit infused drink try our black cherries and blueberries infused water.
What you need to make a Bramble Cocktail
Fresh blackberries: Blackberries are what turn a gin sour into a Bramble Cocktail! You’ll need six to make the drink, plus extra to garnish. If you don’t have fresh blackberries you can use 1 ounce of crème de mure (blackberry liquor) instead.
Gin: We recommend using a dry gin with a citrus flavor, like Tanqueray Rangpur Gin. For a even fruitier taste, try Brockmans Gin, which includes blackberries and blueberries.
Simple syrup: This recipe calls for just one ounce. If you find the drink too sour, you can increase the amount of simple sugar syrup. You can use store brought or homemade simple syrup.
Lemon juice: We like to squeeze our own the freshest taste, but you can use store bought lemon juice, as well. If you prefer, you can substitute the lemon juice with lime juice.
Ice: We recommend using plenty of ice to keep your drink fresh and cold!
How to make your own simple syrup
To make a simple sugar syrup all you need is sugar and water.
- Add 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water to a saucepan set over a low heat.
- Stir continuously and when the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
Simple sugar syrup will keep fresh for about 2 weeks in a jar in the fridge.
Tips for serving your cocktail
We recommend serving this simple gin drink in a double old fashioned, but when it comes to presentation, the neon hue of a Bramble stands on its own.
Even still, it never hurts to add a little garnish! After tossing in a few blueberries, we used a sprig of fresh lavender from the garden to garnish this cocktail because we loved the tonal vibe of the drink and lavender. If you use flowers to garnish your Bramble Cocktail please ensure they are edible.
For a summery look, try swapping the lavender for a lemon wedge.
Bramble Cocktail FAQs
Why is it called a Bramble?
This answer is pretty straightforward. it’s called a Bramble because its flavors are inspired by the bush blackberries grow on – you guessed it, a bramble bush. The creator of the drink was inspired by his childhood memories of picking fresh berries on the Isle of Wight.
Can you substitute the blackberries?
You certainly could substitute the blackberries for another fruit, but then it wouldn’t be a bramble anymore!
How strong is a Bramble Cocktail?
The bramble is not the strongest nor the weakest cocktail around. Its average alcohol content is 17 percent ABV, making it just a little stronger than a gin and tonic.
Is a Bramble Cocktail the same as a Bramble Bar?
No they are completely different drinks, but both make fantastic summertime cocktails! A Bramble Bar is made of scotch, apple juice, and elderflower.
How to make a Bramble Cocktail
Step 1
Put 6 blackberries into a glass and muddle.
Step 2
Pour in the gin and simple syrup.
Step 3
Add lemon juice.
Step 4
Add ice and mix.
Step 5
Add blackberries to garnish.
After this becomes your go-to gin cocktail, please come back to share using my 5-star rating in the comments below! Then share your concoction with us on Instagram!
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More Recipes for Your Next Gathering
How to Make Fruit Infused Water
Pineapple Guacamole
Bramble Cocktail
Ingredients
- 6 fresh blackberries plus extra to garnish
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce simple sugar syrup
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- ice
Instructions
- Put 6 blackberries into a glass and muddle.
- Pour in the gin, simple syrup and lemon juice.
- Add ice and mix.
- Add blackberries to garnish.
Notes
- Add 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water to a saucepan set over a low heat.
- Stir continuously and when the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
