Bramble

The Bramble is a quintessential spring and summer cocktail, visually striking with its cascade of dark blackberry liqueur over crushed ice. It is built upon a classic gin sour base, combining gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup. The final flourish of crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur) adds a layer of deep fruit complexity and a stunning color bleed effect, making it as delightful to look at as it is to drink.
Bramble

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Bramble is a contemporary cocktail, widely regarded as a modern classic due to its widespread popularity and influence since its creation. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks, balancing a spirit with citrus and a sweetener. It's enjoyed as a sophisticated yet accessible mixed drink.

Serving

The Bramble is a short drink served cold over crushed ice in an Old Fashioned or rocks glass. Its alcohol content is moderate, making it a pleasantly balanced sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 150-180 ml / 5-6 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Bramble was created in 1984 by the legendary bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred's Club in Soho, London. Bradsell wanted to create a distinctly British cocktail, drawing inspiration from his childhood memories of blackberrying on the Isle of Wight. The name "Bramble" refers to the thorny bushes on which blackberries grow, perfectly capturing the drink's essence.
Origin
London, United Kingdom, 1984.

Bramble

The drink is almost universally known by its original name, the Bramble. Some may refer to it descriptively as a Blackberry Gin Cocktail, but this is uncommon in cocktail circles. The name Bramble itself evokes the thorny shrubs on which blackberries grow.
Original name
Bramble
Alternative name
Blackberry Gin Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Bramble presents a delightful balance of sweet and sour, with pronounced berry and citrus flavors complemented by gin's botanicals. It boasts a fresh, fruity aroma and a visually appealing marbled appearance as the dark liqueur bleeds through the crushed ice.
Flavor
Fruity, citrusy, sweet, tart, botanical, berry-forward
Aroma
Blackberry, lemon, juniper, fresh
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, fruity, lingering tartness
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Clear base with a purple and red bleed effect, marbled
Texture
Smooth, light, chilled
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, spring-like

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a flavor-forward drink dominated by high fruitiness and sourness, with moderate sweetness and alcohol strength. It is not salty, spicy, bitter, creamy, or carbonated, resulting in a crisp and refreshing profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need four key ingredients: a quality London Dry Gin as the base, freshly squeezed lemon juice for acidity, simple syrup for balance, and Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur) for the signature flavor and color.
  • London Dry Gin50 ml / 1.75 oz
    A classic London Dry style works best to complement the fruit flavors.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice25 ml / 0.85 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup (1:1)12.5 ml / 0.4 oz
    Adjust quantity based on the sweetness of your liqueur and personal preference.
  • Crème de Mûre12.5 ml / 0.4 oz
    This is a blackberry liqueur. It's drizzled over the top at the end.

Ice type

  • Crushed

Mixing equipments

Essential equipment includes a cocktail shaker for mixing the gin, lemon, and syrup, along with a jigger for measuring and a strainer for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine the main ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Strainer to pour the shaken mixture without ice shards.

Instructions

The process involves shaking gin, lemon juice, and syrup, then straining the mix over crushed ice in a glass. The signature look is achieved by drizzling blackberry liqueur over the top before garnishing.
1. Fill an Old Fashioned glass with crushed ice and set it aside to chill.
2. Add the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with cubed ice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
4. Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass over the crushed ice.
5. Slowly drizzle the crème de mûre over the top of the crushed ice, allowing it to "bleed" down into the drink.
6. Garnish with a fresh blackberry and a lemon slice or wedge.
7. Serve immediately with a short straw.

Garnishing

Garnish the drink with a plump, fresh blackberry and a slice or wedge of lemon. This enhances the aroma and visually represents the core flavors of the cocktail.
  • Fresh blackberry placed on top of the ice.
  • Lemon slice or wedge placed on the rim or alongside the blackberry.

Dietary Information

The Bramble is naturally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten (assuming distilled gin). It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, provided the sugar and liqueur are processed without animal products.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A single serving of a Bramble contains a moderate amount of calories, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes from the simple syrup and the blackberry liqueur.
Calories
Averagely 210 kcal / 879 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 18 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 18 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for warm-weather occasions like garden parties and brunches. Its refreshing and sophisticated character also makes it an excellent choice for a pre-dinner cocktail hour or a casual evening with friends.
  • Summer Garden Party
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Brunch
  • Casual Get-Together

Pairing suggestions

The Bramble's tart and fruity profile pairs well with light and tangy foods. Consider serving it with appetizers like goat cheese, light salads, or smoked salmon. It also complements fruit-based desserts beautifully, echoing its own berry notes.
  • Goat cheese and crackers
  • Light salads with vinaigrette
  • Fruit tarts or berry desserts
  • Smoked salmon blinis

The Bramble: A Modern British Classic

The Bramble is a modern classic that masterfully blends the botanical notes of gin with the bright acidity of lemon and the rich sweetness of blackberry. Created in London in the 1980s, it has become a staple on cocktail menus worldwide for its refreshing taste and stunning visual appeal. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it is the perfect drink for a sunny afternoon or a sophisticated evening gathering. Its simple construction belies a complex and rewarding flavor profile that has secured its place in the cocktail hall of fame.