The Bramble

The Bramble is a modern classic created in London during the 1980s, known for its refreshing mix of gin, citrus, and blackberry liqueur. It’s a drink that looks as striking as it tastes, with a cascade of deep purple crème de mûre weaving through crushed ice. The base of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup brings balance bright, crisp, and lightly sweet while the blackberry liqueur adds depth and a hint of tart fruitiness. Finished with a fresh blackberry and lemon wheel garnish, the Bramble is a cocktail that’s elegant yet approachable, perfect for spring and summer sipping.

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Tasting Notes

The Bramble is a modern classic that highlights the crispness of gin with the rich sweetness of blackberries. Fresh lemon juice delivers bright acidity, balancing the botanicals of the gin and the simple syrup’s smooth sweetness. Crème de mûre adds depth, layering in dark fruit flavor with a hint of tartness that seeps slowly through the crushed ice. The garnish of lemon and blackberry enhances both aroma and presentation, giving the drink a fresh, inviting finish. Each sip combines citrus, berry, and herbal notes in a cocktail that is refreshing, complex, and approachable for a wide range of palates.

Equipment and Glassware

Making the Bramble requires just a few standard bar tools. A cocktail shaker is essential for combining the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a well-chilled base. A fine strainer ensures a smooth pour over crushed ice, keeping pulp and shards out of the final glass. A bar spoon helps to drizzle the crème de mûre gently over the top, creating the drink’s signature layered effect. For presentation, a rocks glass is the traditional choice, offering enough space for ice, syrup, and garnish. These simple tools make the Bramble accessible to home bartenders and professionals alike.

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz crème de mûre
• lemon half-wheel and fresh blackberry for garnish

Instructions

• Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
• Fine-strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.
• Slowly pour the crème de mûre over the top of the drink.
• Garnish with a lemon half-wheel and a fresh blackberry.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest citrus flavor.
• A dry-style gin works best to balance the sweetness.
• Add more crème de mûre for a richer berry profile.
• Fine-strain to ensure a smooth base before layering.
• Crushed ice is essential for presentation and dilution control.
• Chill your rocks glass beforehand for longer-lasting refreshment.
• Garnish with multiple blackberries for a more dramatic look.
• Adjust simple syrup levels depending on your sweetness preference.

When to Serve

The Bramble is versatile enough to fit many occasions. Its refreshing citrus and berry notes make it ideal for spring and summer gatherings, garden parties, or daytime celebrations. Its striking layered presentation also makes it suitable for cocktail hours and more formal settings where visual appeal matters. Because of its balance of tart, sweet, and herbal flavors, it works well as a pre-dinner drink to awaken the palate. Whether enjoyed casually with friends or served as a centerpiece cocktail at events, the Bramble consistently delivers both style and flavor in a timeless package.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Gin: Bombay Sapphire, Tanqueray, Hendrick’s
• Crème de Mûre: Giffard, Lejay, Bols

Similar Cocktails

• Gin-Ger Grapefruit Fizz
• Strawberry Rose Bramble
• Limoncello Gin Fizz
• Grape 75
• Gin Violette