The Brambleberry Cocktail Recipe

A Brambleberry Cocktail brings together sweet berries and just the right amount of tart citrus, making every sip feel balanced and bright.

I find this cocktail super easy to make at home—you only need a few simple ingredients and a handful of steps.

It’s a twist on the classic bramble, but with a bit more fruit flavor. Somehow, it never ends up too sweet.

I always think this drink looks as good as it tastes. That deep berry color really pops, and honestly, I reach for this cocktail any time of year.

I’ll walk you through how I make it, what I use, and what you can expect from that first sip.

The Brambleberry Cocktail Recipe

What I love most is how tart lemon juice and sweet berry flavors play off each other.

Gin, blackberry liqueur, and crushed ice come together for a smooth, fruity cocktail that’s honestly hard to mess up.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker – I always go for one with a tight seal so nothing leaks out.
• Jigger – Makes it easy to get the right amount of gin, lemon juice, and syrup.
• Strainer – This keeps the pulp and chunky ice out of my glass.
• Rocks glass – I like a short, sturdy glass that holds a mound of crushed ice.
• Bar spoon – Perfect for that final swirl of crème de mûre.
• Citrus juicer – Fresh lemon juice just tastes better, doesn’t it?
• Muddler (optional) – Sometimes I’ll gently press a few fresh blackberries to amp up the berry flavor.

I chill and clean everything before I start.

Cold tools really do help keep the cocktail crisp.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin – I stick with a dry gin for a cleaner taste.
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice – I always squeeze it right before mixing.
• ½ oz simple syrup – This takes the edge off the lemon.
• ½ oz blackberry liqueur or crème de mûre – Adds that gorgeous color and sweetness.
• Fresh blackberries or raspberries – For garnish or muddling, depending on my mood.
• Crushed ice – Chills the drink super fast and gives it a nice texture.
• Lemon slice – Simple, but it makes the drink look fresh.

If my berries are extra tart, I’ll add a little more syrup.

Instructions

• Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with crushed ice.
• Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake hard for about 10 seconds, until the shaker gets frosty.
• Strain everything into a rocks glass packed with crushed ice.
• Pour the blackberry liqueur slowly over the top, letting it trickle through the ice.
• Top with a lemon slice and a few blackberries or raspberries.

I always pause to watch the dark liqueur swirl down—it’s honestly pretty satisfying.

Once the glass is frosty to the touch, you’re good to go.

Notes

I always reach for fresh lemon juice—the bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it for me.

If I’m out of crème de mûre, I’ll swap in another berry liqueur, like raspberry, and it still works.

Sometimes I want a lighter drink, so I use 1½ oz gin and top it off with a splash of soda water.

If I’m craving more fruit flavor, I’ll muddle a few berries before shaking.

I serve this right away so the ice doesn’t water it down.

Tasting Notes

The Brambleberry Cocktail hits me with a bright, fruity aroma right from the start. Fresh blackberries blend with the crisp, almost sharp scent of gin—it kind of brings to mind wandering through a berry patch just after it rains.

Taking a sip, I get this tart, juicy kick at first. That fades into a gentle sweetness, not over the top.

Gin gives it a dry, herbal edge that keeps the berries from taking over. It’s smooth, not at all heavy, and the chill makes it extra refreshing.

The color really pops—deep purple-red, almost jewel-like in the glass. A few crushed berries floating on top just make it look even better.

As the ice melts, I notice the taste shifting a bit. The drink lightens up, and those citrus notes start to show themselves more.

It’s a straightforward, well-balanced gin cocktail that manages to be both fruity and crisp without trying too hard.

Texture and Finish:

• Mouthfeel: Cool and silky
• Aftertaste: Slightly tart with a hint of juniper
• Sweetness level: Medium

Every sip leaves a clean finish. Honestly, it makes me want to go back for another, especially if the sun’s out.