This cocktail is like summer in a glass—bright, fruity, and just the right balance of sweet and tart. The Blackberry Bramble has a gorgeous deep purple color and a refreshing citrus kick that makes it perfect for warm evenings, backyard hangs, or anytime you’re craving something crisp and berry-forward. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never disappoints. Here’s how you can make your own at home, plus a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.
Blackberry Bramble
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Old fashioned glass or rocks glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
– ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– ½ oz (15 ml) Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur)
– Crushed ice, enough to fill the glass
– Fresh blackberries, for garnish
– Slice of lemon, for garnish
Method
- Fill your glass with crushed ice. This keeps the drink cold and gives it that classic bramble look.
- Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir gently to mix.
- Slowly drizzle the Crème de Mûre over the top. It’ll trickle down through the ice and create a beautiful gradient.
- Top with a few fresh blackberries and a lemon slice for garnish.
- Give it a gentle stir before sipping to bring all the flavors together.
Tips & Tricks
– If you can’t find Crème de Mûre, use blackberry syrup or muddle a few extra blackberries with a splash of water and sugar.
– Want a stronger berry flavor? Muddle a few blackberries in the bottom of the glass before adding the ice.
– Adjust the simple syrup to your taste—less for a tarter drink, more if you like it sweeter.
– I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work routines: I keep a jar of simple syrup in the fridge so I can whip up a Bramble whenever the craving hits.
Ingredient Notes
– Gin: Choose a dry gin with citrus or floral notes. The botanicals in gin pair beautifully with the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the berries.
– Simple Syrup: You can make this at home by mixing equal parts sugar and hot water until dissolved. Let it cool before using.
– Crème de Mûre: A sweet blackberry liqueur. If you don’t have it, Chambord (raspberry liqueur) or even cassis can work in a pinch.
Make-Ahead Tip
Mix the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge. When ready to serve, just pour over ice, add the Crème de Mûre, and garnish.
Storage
You can store the pre-mixed base (gin, lemon juice, simple syrup) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Don’t add ice or liqueur until ready to serve to keep the flavors fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs really well with:
– A cheese board—especially soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese
– Grilled meats—the citrus cuts through the richness of pork or steak
– Dark chocolate desserts—berries and chocolate? Yes, please
Variations
Raspberry Bramble
– Swap the Crème de Mûre for raspberry liqueur
– Add muddled raspberries for more fruity depth
Thyme Bramble
– Muddle a sprig of thyme with the gin for a subtle herbal twist
Virgin Bramble (Mocktail)
– Replace the gin with sparkling water or lemonade
– Use blackberry syrup or juice instead of the liqueur
– Garnish with mint for a fresh finish
Common Questions
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes! Let them thaw so they’re soft and juicy. They work well for muddling or garnishing.
What’s the best gin to use?
A classic London Dry gin works great, but feel free to try floral or citrus-forward gins for a twist.
Is this cocktail very sweet?
It’s more balanced than sugary. The lemon brings a tart brightness, and you can always dial back the syrup.
Do I need a cocktail shaker?
Nope! You can mix everything right in the glass. If you want to muddle berries or herbs, a muddler or even the back of a spoon works fine.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need, mix everything but the Crème de Mûre and ice, and keep it chilled. Add ice and liqueur just before serving.
Try This With
This drink goes beautifully with light bites like:
– Smoked salmon crostini
– Herbed goat cheese dip
– Chocolate-covered strawberries
Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or sipping it on a quiet evening, the Blackberry Bramble is a reliable crowd-pleaser with a pop of color and flavor. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll want to keep blackberries on hand just for this.
