how to make a classic Bramble cocktail

WRITTEN BY: SCOTT VAN DORT

The Bramble cocktail is a modern classic. A tantalizing fusion of sweet, tangy, sour, and fruity flavors, this cocktail blends the delightful floral notes of Gin with the delicious Blackberry flavors from the Blackberry Liqueur, perfectly balanced by Sugar and Lemon Juice.

One of Ricardo “Rico” Dynan’s (Bartender and Absolut Global Brand Ambassador) favorite drinks, he describes this cocktail classic as “a pure British summer sipper”. However, thanks to its delicious Blackberry flavors, it also works wonderfully during the holidays.

How To Make a Bramble

What You’ll Need

• Tumbler (or Rocks Glass)
• Citrus Press
• Boston Shaker
• Jigger or Measuring Instrument
• Bar Spoon
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Peeler
• Paring Knife (for the Lemon Wedge)

Got a question about any of the tools above? Check out our article about essential home bartending tools.

How to Mix

1. Cut a Lemon in half using a Paring Knife.
2. Squeeze one Lemon half with a Citrus Press to create Lemon Juice.
3. Measure and pour Lemon Juice into a Boston Shaker.
4. Measure and pour Simple Syrup into the Shaker, followed by Gin.
5. Fill the Shaker with Ice Cubes and shake vigorously until chilled.
6. Measure and pour the Blackberry Liqueur into a Tumbler Glass.
7. Add Crushed Ice into the Glass.
8. Place a Hawthorne Strainer over the larger tin of your Boston Shaker and pour the mixture into the Glass.
9. Top up with more Crushed Ice.
10. Peel a piece of fresh Lemon Zest from your other Lemon half using a Peeler. 
11. Garnish by placing the Lemon Zest directly into the Glass, together with two fresh Blackberries.
12. Gently stir the ingredients using a Bar Spoon.
13. Sip and enjoy!
    

Got a question about Simple Syrup? Learn how to make Simple Syrup at home.

The History of the Bramble Cocktail

This cocktail was created in London in 1984 by legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell who is credited with revolutionizing the 1980s cocktail scene with creations like the Espresso Martini.

Closely resembling the Gin Fix cocktail, the story goes that ‘The King of Cocktails’ sought to craft a British cocktail, drawing inspiration from his childhood blackberry-picking adventures on the Isle of Wight. And lo and behold, the Bramble was born.

Today it’s one of the most popular cocktails amongst Gin lovers, and a contemporary classic that can be found on cocktail menus around the world.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bramble Cocktail

Layered gradient
Rico recommends pouring the Blackberry Liqueur into the Glass first before adding the mixture. This technique creates a beautiful, layered gradient effect that enhances both the visual appeal and the drinking experience. After all, we drink with more than just our mouths. 

The rich, dark hue of the Blackberry Liqueur settles at the bottom, gradually blending with the lighter mix above, making each sip as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Always use Fresh Lemon Juice
When life gives you Lemons, use them to press fresh Lemon Juice for your Bramble. You can’t compare store-bought Lemon Juice with freshly squeezed. To bring your cocktail up to bar-level standards, you need to use fresh Lemon Juice.

Variations of a Bramble Cocktail

• Vodka Bramble
  A Bramble with Vodka instead of Gin? Indeed. Substituting Vodka for Gin in this cocktail results in a cleaner and more neutral base, allowing the Blackberry Liqueur and fresh Lemon Juice to really take center stage without the herbal and botanical notes typically associated with Gin.

  This Bramble variation may appeal to those who prefer a milder and less Juniper-forward taste, or those seeking a lighter and more versatile cocktail option. Check out our delicious Vodka Bramble Recipe here.

• Wild Berri Bramble
  Is there such a thing as too much Berry? We don’t think so. It follows the same recipe but substitutes the Gin for Absolut Wild Berri Vodka and is garnished with a Lemon half-moon instead of Lemon Zest. “Perfectly balanced and great for the summer,” shares Rico. Watch the video on this page or discover our Wild Berri Vodka Bramble recipe.

• Bramble Mimosa
  You want more Berry and some bubbles? How does a mix of Black Raspberry Liqueur, Blackberry Liqueur, Elderflower Cordial and Champagne sound to you? Yeah, we thought so. Discover our recipe for a Bramble Mimosa and get mixing.

• Holidayberry Bramble
  We love this twist on the classic! Use Vodka instead of Gin, together with Rosemary Syrup, Lemon Juice, Blackberry Puree, and a sprig of Rosemary to create this festive favorite. Don’t miss our Holidayberry Bramble recipe.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for Bramble

Rico recommends using a short glass such as a Tumbler, somewhere between a Highball and a Rocks Glass. A Tumbler will perfectly accommodate the Ice Cubes or, in this case, the Crushed Ice. It also helps accentuate the cocktail’s stunning purple hues. 

Check out this article to learn more about different glass types.

Garnish your cocktail with two whole Blackberries placed on top of the ice, together with Lemon Zest, which makes the cocktail even more visually appealing and adds a beautiful aromatic accent.