Bramble Cocktail Recipe

Make your next party one to remember with this radiating Bramble cocktail!

It’s a swoon-worthy modern classic featuring gin, citrus, and Crème de Mûre. And trust me, that blackberry flavor is to die for.

Better still, the color is fantastic and comes together in a flash. Even those who don’t usually go for gin cocktails will fall in love with the Bramble!

What Is a Bramble Cocktail? 

At a glance, the Bramble looks like it’s been around for centuries. But the truth is, this cocktail didn’t come onto the scene until 1984! 

Bartender Dick Bradsell of the Fred’s Club in London’s Soho district deserves all the credit. He’s also the mastermind who gave us the Espresso Martini.

The Bramble is a sweet, tangy, and very berry-forward modern cocktail. It’s commonly served with fresh blackberries over crushed ice. 

The name comes from the prickly bush that produces blackberries. 

What makes the Bramble unique is the Crème de Mûre, a lovely blackberry liqueur with a big jammy flavor. 

The trouble is, it’s not the easiest ingredient to source. So it’s best to shop for it online. 

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Bramble::

• Gin
• Lemon Juice
• Simple Syrup
• Crushed Ice
• Crème de Mûre
• Fresh Blackberries

How to Make a Bramble Cocktail 

Your friends will be so impressed when you roll out a tray of Bramble cocktails! And the good news is, it’s a stunning drink that even beginners can make. 

Here’s how to mix one up:

1. Pour and shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled.

2. Strain the cocktail into a glass with ice.

3. Drizzle the Crème de Mûre over the top. 

4. Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh blackberries. Serve and sip!

What’s a Good Substitute for Crème de Mûre? 

As mentioned, Crème de Mûre is a blackberry French liquor and the star of the Bramble.

It has plenty of robust fruity flavor that’s sweet, jammy, and tart, like blackberry candy.

Unfortunately, it’s not a very common cocktail ingredient. But don’t worry! There are some substitutes you can use. Such as:

• Chambord – A French black raspberry liqueur. It has a cognac base with a deep raspberry flavor. 

• Creme de Cassis – A blackcurrant liqueur. It, too, is sweet with a big berry flavor.

• Blackberry Brandy – As the name suggests, this is brandy flavored with blackberries. I recommend this substitution if you don’t want to lose the blackberry flavor.

How to Make Crushed Ice

For most cocktails, standard ice cubes are fine. But the Bramble isn’t most cocktails. 

Crushed ice is best because it keeps the drink super cold and gives it a slush-like texture. 

Here’s how to DIY crushed ice at home:

• Blender – Add ice to a blender and pulse until it resembles crushed ice. This only works in high-quality machines. Cheaper blenders might overheat or even break.

• Food Processor – Like the blender, you can use a top-quality food processor to crush ice. Just add the ice and pulse until you achieve the ideal size.

• Gallon-size Resealable Bag – When all else fails, turn to a bag and a rolling pin. Add ice to a zip-top plastic bag, seal it, and place it on the counter. Next, use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to crush the ice.

What’s the Best Gin to Use? 

When choosing gin for a Bramble, I recommend a mid-range bottle.

You want quality gin that has a complementary botanical profile. But you don’t want to spend too much, as the prominent flavor is blackberry.

For this reason, I recommend London Dry gin. The juniper-forward and citrusy notes pair well with the tart and fruity elements in the cocktail. 

Here are some popular options that are great for a Bramble:

• Beefeater
• Aviation
• Tanqueray
• Bombay Sapphire

Feel free to experiment too! Everyone has a different taste preference. So find one you like.

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