The Apricot Gin Bramble Cocktail is a tasty twist on a classic drink. It mixes gin, lemon juice, and apricot liqueur for a fruity and refreshing flavor. This easy recipe makes a perfect summer sipper for backyard parties or relaxing evenings.
The cocktail gets its name from the blackberry liqueur that’s drizzled on top, creating a bramble-like effect. The apricot adds a sweet note that balances the tart lemon and herbal gin. It’s a pretty drink that looks as good as it tastes.
Anyone can make this cocktail at home with just a few ingredients. It’s a great way to impress guests or treat yourself to something special. The recipe is quick to mix up, so you can enjoy it any time the mood strikes.
Apricot Gin Bramble Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Bar spoon
- Strainer
- Old-fashioned or rocks glass
- Ice
- A muddler is helpful but not required. You can use the back of a spoon to crush berries if needed.
Ingredients
For one cocktail, gather these ingredients:
- 2 oz 60 ml gin
- 1 oz 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz 15 ml simple syrup
- 1/2 oz 15 ml apricot liqueur
- 1/2 oz 15 ml crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur)
- Fresh blackberries for garnish
- Lemon twist for garnish
- Ice
Use a London Dry style gin for best results. Fresh lemon juice gives better flavor than bottled.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the cocktail:
- Fill a rocks glass with ice and set aside.
- Add gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and apricot liqueur to a shaker with ice.
- Shake hard for 10-15 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Slowly pour the crème de mûre over the back of a spoon so it floats on top.
- Garnish with 2-3 fresh blackberries and a lemon twist.
Serve right away and enjoy!
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Apricot Gin Bramble Cocktail offers a balanced mix of flavors. Its taste is sweet and tart with fruity notes from the apricot and blackberry. The gin adds a crisp, botanical backdrop.
On the nose, the drink has a fresh aroma of berries and apricot. Hints of juniper from the gin peek through. The scent is light and inviting.
The first sip reveals a smooth texture. Sweetness from the fruit liqueurs hits the tongue first. This is followed by the gin’s herbal qualities. The finish has a gentle tartness from the lemon juice.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the flavor profile:
- Sweetness: Medium
- Tartness: Low to medium
- Fruitiness: High
- Herbal notes: Subtle
The cocktail’s color is a pretty pinkish-purple. This comes from the blackberry liqueur. It looks appealing in a glass and makes for a nice presentation.
Substitute
Gin is the key spirit in an Apricot Gin Bramble. If gin isn’t available, vodka can work as a stand-in. Vodka has a neutral taste that allows the apricot and other flavors to shine through.
For a non-alcoholic version, use tonic water or soda water instead of gin. This creates a refreshing mocktail that keeps the fizzy texture.
The apricot liqueur can be swapped for peach schnapps or apricot nectar. These options maintain a similar fruity sweetness in the drink.
Fresh blackberries give the Bramble its signature look and taste. If blackberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work too. Raspberries or blueberries can also be used for a twist on the classic recipe.
Simple syrup adds sweetness to balance the tart citrus. Honey or agave nectar are good alternatives that bring their own unique flavors to the cocktail.
Lemon juice provides brightness. Meanwhile, lime juice offers a similar zesty kick and can be used if lemons aren’t on hand.