Bramblin' Man

The Bramblin' Man is a sophisticated twist on Dick Bradsell's classic Bramble, created by bartender Michael Madrusan. It swaps the traditional gin for the spicy character of rye whiskey, creating a deeper, more complex flavor profile. The combination of whiskey, fresh lemon juice, muddled mint, and a blackberry liqueur float results in a beautifully balanced drink. This cocktail is both refreshing and warming, making it a versatile choice for any season.
Bramblin' Man

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Bramblin' Man is classified as a cocktail, specifically a "sour" style drink with an added liqueur. It falls into the category of Modern Classics, as it was created in the early 2000s during the cocktail renaissance. It is a direct and popular variation of the original Bramble.

Serving

Serve this moderately strong cocktail cold in a rocks glass filled with crushed ice to maintain its chill and provide pleasing dilution. The drink is built for sipping and enjoying its evolving flavors.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml / 5 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned / Rocks
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Created by Michael Madrusan at the legendary Milk & Honey in New York, the Bramblin' Man is a testament to the versatility of classic cocktail formulas. Madrusan sought to create a Bramble variation with more heft and spice, and rye whiskey proved to be the perfect substitute for gin. The name is a playful nod to both the original drink and the rugged, rambling character often associated with American whiskey.
Origin
Created in the early 2000s by Michael Madrusan at Milk & Honey in New York City, USA.

Bramblin' Man

The cocktail is sometimes referred to as a "Rye Bramble," a descriptive name that clearly communicates its core components: rye whiskey in the style of a classic Bramble. This alternative name is straightforward and helps those unfamiliar with the drink to understand its profile immediately. The original name, "Bramblin' Man," is a more evocative and playful nod to its inspiration.
Original name
Bramblin' Man
Alternative name
Rye Bramble

Characteristics overview

This cocktail offers a delightful balance of spicy rye and sweet-tart blackberry, with bright citrus and fresh mint aromas. It has a smooth texture and a warming, fruity finish, making it a complex yet approachable sipper.
Flavor
Fruity (blackberry), spicy (rye), citrusy (lemon), herbal (mint), sweet
Aroma
Blackberry, rye spice, fresh mint, lemon zest
Taste balance
Sweet, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Lingering blackberry, warming rye spice, clean
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep reddish-purple base bleeding into a lighter amber top, served over crushed ice
Texture
Smooth, slightly viscous, refreshing
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round, particularly suited for autumn and spring

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is robust and well-balanced, where the fruitiness of blackberry and the distinct spice of rye are prominent. This is supported by a refreshing sourness from the lemon, creating a harmonious and flavorful drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a spicy rye whiskey as its base, complemented by fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves. The signature finish is a float of crème de mûre, a rich blackberry liqueur.
  • Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality, spicy rye (e.g., Rittenhouse) works best.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste.
  • Mint Leaves8-10 leaves
    Use fresh, vibrant mint leaves.
  • Crème de Mûre15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A high-quality blackberry liqueur. Used as a float.

Ice type

  • Crushed ice for serving, cubed ice for shaking.

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and strainers. A muddler is also essential for releasing the oils from the fresh mint.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Muddler for gently pressing the mint.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice from the shaker.
  • Fine mesh strainer to remove small mint particles.

Instructions

The process involves gently muddling mint with syrup, shaking it with rye and lemon juice, and then straining over crushed ice. The drink is finished with a signature float of crème de mûre and a fresh garnish.
1. Place the mint leaves and simple syrup into your cocktail shaker.
2. Gently muddle the mint to release its aromatic oils. Do not over-muddle or shred the leaves.
3. Add the rye whiskey and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Fill an Old Fashioned or rocks glass with crushed ice.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker (using both Hawthorne and fine mesh strainers) into the prepared glass.
7. Slowly drizzle or "float" the crème de mûre over the top of the crushed ice, allowing it to cascade down into the drink.
8. Garnish with a fresh blackberry and a slapped mint sprig.

Garnishing

The drink is beautifully garnished with a fresh blackberry and a fragrant mint sprig. These garnishes complement the core flavors of the cocktail and add to its visual appeal.
  • Fresh blackberry: Place one or two fresh blackberries on top of the crushed ice.
  • Mint sprig: Gently clap a fresh mint sprig between your hands to release its aroma and place it next to the blackberry.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally caffeine-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Due to the use of rye whiskey, it is not certified gluten-free, though the distillation process removes most gluten proteins.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the simple syrup and blackberry liqueur. The exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific products used.
Calories
Approximately 220-260 kcal / 920-1090 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 18-22 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 15-19 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for a sophisticated cocktail hour or a relaxed social gathering. Its warming rye spice also makes it an excellent choice for cool autumn evenings, serving as a delightful transition from summer's lighter fare.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Social Gatherings
  • Autumn Evenings
  • After-Dinner Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Bramblin' Man pairs well with savory and slightly fatty foods that can stand up to its bold flavors. Think charcuterie, sharp cheeses, or roasted meats like duck and pork. Its fruity and spicy notes complement these pairings beautifully.
  • Charcuterie board with cured meats
  • Sharp cheeses like cheddar or gruyère
  • Grilled pork or duck dishes
  • Spiced nuts

The Bramblin' Man: A Whiskey Lover's Bramble

The Bramblin' Man is a fantastic modern classic that brilliantly reimagines the Bramble with a spicy rye whiskey base. It's a visually appealing cocktail, featuring dark crème de mûre cascading over crushed ice. The flavor is a sophisticated interplay of sweet berry, tart lemon, refreshing mint, and the warming spice of rye. This creates a complex yet approachable drink suitable for whiskey lovers and adventurous cocktail enthusiasts alike.

Original Cocktails

Bramble

The original classic uses gin as the base spirit and does not include mint.

Similar Cocktails

Whiskey Smash

A classic whiskey cocktail featuring muddled mint and lemon, but without the blackberry liqueur.

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