The Passion Fruit Bramble is a bright and refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for warm days, celebrations, or just unwinding at home. With the tropical tang of passion fruit, the smooth botanicals of gin, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a drink that feels as good as it tastes. I’ve made this countless times for friends and family, and it always gets rave reviews. Let me show you how to make it—it’s simpler than you might think, and I’ve got a few tips to make it foolproof!
Passion Fruit Bramble
Ingredients
You’ll need the following for one cocktail:
- 2 oz (60 ml) gin
- 1 oz (30 ml) passion fruit puree (fresh is best, but I’ll explain substitutions below)
- 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (or honey for a natural twist)
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) blackberry liqueur (optional but adds a lovely berry note)
- Crushed ice (enough to fill your glass)
- Fresh blackberries for garnish (or swap with raspberries if that’s what you have)
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Servings:
1 cocktail
Equipment
- Rocks glass (or a tumbler)
- Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid)
- Strainer (fine mesh or the one on your shaker)
Method
- Fill your rocks glass with crushed ice. This keeps the drink perfectly chilled and gives it a fun, frosty look.
- In your shaker, combine the gin, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add a handful of ice to the shaker, then shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Tip: Shaking helps chill and blend the flavors beautifully.
- Strain the mixture into your prepared glass, pouring it over the crushed ice.
- Gently pour the blackberry liqueur over the top. It’ll sink slightly and create a gorgeous layered effect. Tip: Pour slowly over the back of a spoon for more control.
- Garnish with a few fresh blackberries (or raspberries) on top. That’s it—you’re ready to sip and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- No passion fruit puree? Use bottled passion fruit juice, but reduce the simple syrup since juices are often sweeter.
- No shaker? A mason jar or even a sturdy water bottle with a lid works in a pinch.
- Want less sweetness? Cut the simple syrup down to 0.25 oz (7 ml) or swap it for agave syrup, which is less cloying.
Make-Ahead Notes
If you’re making these for a party, you can mix the gin, passion fruit puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher a few hours ahead. Store it in the fridge, then pour over crushed ice and add the blackberry liqueur just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
The Passion Fruit Bramble pairs beautifully with light and flavorful dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Seafood: Think shrimp ceviche, grilled fish tacos, or a simple crab salad. The cocktail’s tangy sweetness complements the delicate flavors.
- Cheese board: Soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie bring out the drink’s tropical notes. Add some honey and fresh fruit for extra flair.
- Spicy food: Spicy chicken wings or tacos are a fun match! The drink’s refreshing quality balances the heat perfectly.
Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these fun twists:
Raspberry Bramble
- Swap the passion fruit puree for raspberry puree and the blackberry liqueur for raspberry liqueur. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
Mango Bramble
- Use mango puree instead of passion fruit and lime juice instead of lemon. Garnish with a slice of fresh mango for a tropical vibe.
Blueberry Bramble
- Replace the passion fruit puree and blackberry liqueur with blueberry puree and blueberry liqueur. Top with fresh blueberries for a sweet, tangy twist.
Non-Alcoholic Version
- Skip the gin and liqueur, and replace them with sparkling water or tonic. You’ll still get all the fruity, refreshing flavors without the alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen passion fruit pulp?
Absolutely! Just thaw it first. Frozen pulp is a great alternative to fresh puree and still packs a tropical punch.
What if I don’t have blackberry liqueur?
You can leave it out or substitute with another berry liqueur, like raspberry or elderflower.
How do I make simple syrup?
It’s super easy! Just combine equal parts sugar and water in a small pot, heat until the sugar dissolves, and let it cool. Store extras in the fridge for up to a week.
What’s the best gin for this cocktail?
A London dry gin works well, but you can also try a floral gin to enhance the fruity flavors.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, mix everything but the ice and liqueur in a pitcher, and keep it chilled. Add ice and liqueur when serving.
Final Thoughts
The Passion Fruit Bramble is one of those cocktails that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation make it a hit for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do—cheers!
