Blackberry and thyme create an amazing flavor combination in cocktails. The sweet, dark fruit pairs perfectly with the earthy herb notes to make something special.
This bramble cocktail recipe mixes fresh blackberries, thyme simple syrup, gin, and lemon juice for a refreshing drink that takes just 5 minutes to make.
The bramble cocktail first appeared in London during the 1980s. Created by Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club, it quickly became a modern classic. The original used blackberry liqueur, but fresh berries give a brighter, more natural taste.
A good bramble needs quality ingredients.
Fresh blackberries should be ripe but still firm. The thyme should be fresh rather than dried.
Any London dry gin works well, though brands with citrus and herbal notes complement the other flavors best.
Blackberry Thyme Bramble Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Small pot (for simple syrup)
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 6-8 fresh blackberries
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Crushed ice
- 1/4 oz crème de mûre blackberry liqueur
- Fresh blackberries and thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Make thyme simple syrup by combining 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 4-5 thyme sprigs in a pot. Heat until sugar dissolves. Cool and strain.
- Add blackberries and thyme leaves to a shaker. Muddle gently to release juices.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Fill rocks glass with crushed ice. Double strain mixture into glass.
- Float crème de mûre on top by slowly pouring over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and thyme sprig.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Blackberry Thyme Bramble delivers a perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors with each sip.
Fresh blackberries provide a rich, fruity base while fresh thyme adds subtle herbal notes.
Gin forms the cocktail’s foundation, bringing classic juniper and botanical elements that blend smoothly with the other ingredients. The lemon juice adds brightness and balances the blackberry sweetness.
The drink starts sweet on the front of the tongue, followed by herbal complexity in the middle, and ends with a crisp, clean finish. A light foam forms on top from shaking, creating an elegant texture.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Sweet blackberry
- Fresh thyme
- Crisp juniper
- Bright citrus
- Light herbal finish
The deep purple color catches the eye, while the garnish of fresh thyme sprigs and blackberries adds visual appeal. Ice dilution helps marry the flavors together as you drink.
This cocktail works well as both a summer refresher and a sophisticated evening drink. The flavors remain bold yet balanced throughout.
Substitutes
This cocktail can be made with several alternative ingredients while keeping its basic character.
Vodka or gin can replace the blackberry-flavored liqueur for a simpler drink.
Fresh or frozen blackberries work equally well.
When blackberries aren’t in season, use 2 tablespoons of blackberry jam instead.
No thyme? Try rosemary or sage as replacements.
These herbs add similar aromatic notes to the drink.
Replace the lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus twist.
The drink needs acid to balance the sweet blackberries.
Non-alcoholic version:
- Use grape juice instead of wine
- Skip the liqueur
- Add extra club soda
- Keep the berries and herbs
For a sweeter drink, swap simple syrup for honey or agave nectar.
Start with half the amount since these are sweeter than regular syrup.
Club soda can be replaced with tonic water or ginger ale.
Tonic adds bitterness while ginger ale makes it sweeter.
