A classic cocktail from the 1980s, the Blackberry Bramble brings sweet fruit and gin together in perfect harmony. The drink combines fresh blackberries, gin, lemon juice, and crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur) over crushed ice for a refreshing summer sipper.
The recipe takes its name from wild blackberry bushes, known as brambles, which grow throughout the British countryside. Created by Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club in London, this drink helped spark the cocktail renaissance of the 1980s.
The deep purple color and fresh berry garnish make this cocktail stand out at any gathering. It tastes like summer in a glass and works well for both casual backyard parties and elegant evening events.
Blackberry Bramble Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Muddler
- Old fashioned glass
- Ice crusher or Lewis bag
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz crème de mûre blackberry liqueur
- 4-5 fresh blackberries
- Crushed ice
- Lemon wheel and blackberry for garnish
Instructions
- Add fresh blackberries to the shaker and muddle until broken down.
- Pour in gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Fill an old-fashioned glass with crushed ice. Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Drizzle crème de mûre over the top of the drink. The liqueur will sink through the crushed ice, creating a gradient effect.
- Garnish with a fresh blackberry and lemon wheel.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Blackberry Bramble cocktail greets the nose with bright, fresh berry aromas mixed with a hint of citrus. The gin’s juniper notes blend smoothly with the sweet blackberry liqueur.
Each sip starts with a tart lemon kick that quickly gives way to rich blackberry flavors. The berries taste natural and sweet without being sugary or artificial.
The gin provides a clean, crisp backbone that carries the fruit flavors. Its botanical elements add complexity without overpowering the berries.
Key flavor components:
- Fresh blackberry
- Tart lemon
- Juniper from gin
- Light floral notes
- Subtle sweetness
The texture feels silky and smooth, with just enough ice dilution to keep it refreshing. The finish leaves a pleasant berry taste that lingers briefly.
This cocktail strikes a nice balance between sweet and tart flavors. The berry and citrus elements complement each other while the gin ties everything together.
Substitute
A classic Blackberry Bramble needs blackberry liqueur, but not everyone keeps it on hand. Fresh or frozen blackberries make a tasty stand-in for the liqueur.
Replace blackberry liqueur with 4-5 muddled blackberries and 1/4 ounce simple syrup. Smash the berries in a shaker before adding other ingredients.
No blackberries around? Try these options:
- Black raspberry liqueur
- Mixed berry liqueur
- Black currant liqueur
- Raspberry liqueur
The gin base can be swapped too. Plymouth or London Dry gin work great, but vodka makes a lighter drink. For a non-alcoholic version, use alcohol-free gin with sparkling water.
Fresh lemon juice is key, but lime juice creates an interesting twist. Don’t use bottled citrus – it won’t taste the same.
Simple syrup can be replaced with:
- Honey syrup
- Agave nectar
- Sugar cube (dissolved)
- Maple syrup
Each substitute changes the flavor a bit, but keeps the drink’s bright and fruity character intact.
