This easy Bramble cocktail recipe strikes the perfect balance between refreshing and sweet. With blackberry brandy, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, it’s ideal for relaxed happy hours on the patio.
The Bramble is a delightful sipping cocktail: bright lemon and crushed ice make every mouthful tangy and lively, while the gin and blackberry liqueur add depth and a pleasant sweetness. It’s quick to prepare and satisfying to drink.
The history of the Bramble
The Bramble was created in the 1980s by bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club in London’s Soho. His simple idea—pairing gin and lemon with a splash of blackberry liqueur—produced a drink that balances tartness and fruitiness, quickly becoming a modern classic.
Helpful tips
- Mix the gin, lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker with ice, then strain over crushed ice in the glass. Building the drink directly in the glass can melt the ice too quickly.
- Serve the blackberry brandy in a small sidecar or shot glass so guests can pour it themselves over the crushed ice for a fun presentation.
- If you can’t find blackberry brandy, alternatives include crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur), cassis (blackcurrant liqueur), or a black raspberry liqueur like Chambord—each will alter the flavor slightly.
- For the gin, a good mid-level bottle (for example, Bombay Sapphire) works well—no need for top-shelf spirits in this mixed cocktail.
- Start with a sour-to-sweet ratio close to 2:1 (lemon to sweetener). If you prefer a sweeter drink, increase the simple syrup toward a 1:1 ratio.
How to make simple syrup
- Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup white sugar in a saucepan.
- Heat over medium until it comes to a boil, then lower to a simmer.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Allow to cool, then store in a sealed jar or bottle in the refrigerator.
How to make the Bramble cocktail
Pre-step
Gather a cocktail shaker, a measuring glass, and your serving glasses. Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Measure ingredients, then add them to the shaker. Cut two thin lemon wheels for garnish. Fresh blackberries are optional but make a lovely garnish when in season.
Step one
Ingredients: gin, blackberry brandy, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Step two
Measure 4 ounces of gin.
Step three
Measure 2 ounces of fresh lemon juice (about one medium lemon).
Step four
Measure 1 ounce of simple syrup.
Step five
Heap crushed ice into the serving glasses. Cap the shaker and shake for about 15 seconds. Strain the mixture evenly between the glasses.
Measure 3/4 ounce (per cocktail) of blackberry brandy.
Step six
Pour the blackberry brandy over the crushed ice in each glass and add a lemon wheel as a garnish. Serve immediately.
Enjoy this simple, refreshing Bramble cocktail. Cheers!
And as always, may all your dishes and drinks be delish!
Bramble Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces gin
- 2 ounces lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1.5 ounces blackberry brandy (divided)
Garnish
- 2 thin lemon wheels
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add gin, lemon juice and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Heap crushed ice into the serving glasses.
- Cap the shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Strain and divide the mixture between the two glasses.
- Add 3/4 ounce blackberry brandy to each glass and place a lemon wheel on each drink.
- Sip.
- Smile.
- Enjoy.
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- double old fashioned glass or rocks glass
- measuring glass
Notes
Tips for making the Bramble:
- Shake the base ingredients with ice and strain over crushed ice to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly.
- Offer the blackberry brandy separately so guests can add it themselves for a playful touch.
- Swap in crème de mûre, cassis, or Chambord if desired, but expect slight flavor differences.
- Use a mid-level gin for the best balance of flavor and value.
- Adjust sour-to-sweet ratio to taste—start at 2:1 and increase syrup if you prefer sweeter.
Simple syrup reminder:
- Combine equal parts sugar and water, bring to a simmer until sugar dissolves, cool, and store in a sealed container.
Nutrition
| Calories: 175 kcal
| Carbohydrates: 12 g
| Sodium: 9 mg
| Potassium: 29 mg
| Sugar: 11 g
| Vitamin C: 11 mg
| Iron: 0.5 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and may vary based on exact ingredients used. For precise guidance, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.