Vodka Bramble

The Vodka Bramble is a modern take on a classic Bramble cocktail, swapping the traditional gin for vodka.

The Vodka Bramble combines Absolut Vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup, shaken and poured over crushed ice, then topped with a float of Crème de Mure (blackberry liqueur) for a stunning layered effect. It looks impressive and tastes even better, but best of all, it’s easy to make and approachable for beginners.

A citrusy, berry-forward cocktail with a crisp, balanced tartness. You’ll taste the bright and zesty lemon juice contrasted by the sweetness of the Créme de Mure. It’s incredible and one of my favorite vodka cocktails. Unlike the original gin version, which features herbal and botanical notes, the vodka version offers a cleaner profile, letting the lemon and berry take center stage.

The original Bramble was created in the early 1980s in London by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell who also created the Espresso Martini and the Bikini Martini among others. While the exact timing of the vodka version’s creation isn’t documented, it’s likely it emerged soon after the original, given vodka’s popularity during the 80s.

• Choosing the right ice
  In the recipe, you’ll notice both ice cubes and crushed ice listed. Ice cubes are ideal for shaking because they chill the ingredients without diluting them too quickly, ensuring a well-mixed cocktail.

  Crushed ice, on the other hand, is perfect for serving as it melts faster, rapidly chilling the drink and blending flavors smoothly. It also creates that signature layered effect with the blackberry liqueur, enhancing both the look and taste of your cocktail.

• Use fresh lemon juice
  Both the Bramble and the Vodka Bramble are elegant sipping drinks. Lemon juice is integral to the drink and, therefore, we highly recommend freshly squeezed lemon juice – not the bottled stuff. You want that brightness and tart edge from fresh lemons. Grab a citrus press and get squeezing!
• Layer your drink correctly
  To create the layered effect in your Vodka Bramble, use a bar spoon to carefully pour the Crème de Mure over the back of the spoon. Position the spoon just above the surface of the crushed ice in the glass.

  Slowly pour the liqueur onto the spoon, allowing it to gently cascade down and settle on top of the cocktail, creating a stunning visual layer without mixing into the drink too quickly.

• Bramble
  A modern classic, the original Bramble uses London Dry Gin as its base. The herbal notes from the gin work so perfectly with the lemon juice and blackberry liqueur. A quintessential British summer cocktail, discover how to make a classic Bramble cocktail.
• Wild Berri Bramble
  This variation swaps gin for Absolut Wild Berri vodka, creating an intensely berry-forward cocktail. The forest berry flavors blend seamlessly with the sweetness of Crème de Mure. Check out the recipe for the Wild Berri Bramble.
• Holidayberry Bramble
  The Holidayberry Bramble is another vodka-based variation of a Bramble, which adds a festive twist with the addition of rosemary syrup and blackberry purée. The sweet, fragrant notes from the rosemary work incredibly well with the Bramble’s berry flavors. Here’s how to make a Holidayberry Bramble.
• Bramble Mimosa
  Where the original Bramble is a summer sipper, this Bramble Mimosa is one to toast with at weddings or New Year’s Eve parties. It uses neither vodka or gin but instead is a champagne cocktail made with champagne, Créme de Mure. blackberry liqueur, and elderflower. It’s a Bramble twist like you’ve never had before. Check out the recipe for a Bramble Mimosa.

• Just like the original, we recommend serving the Vodka Bramble in a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. To garnish, we recommend a few fresh blackberries and a lemon wedge just like the gin version.
• If you want to create something even more visually captivating, you could opt for a lemon twist instead of a lemon wedge, which is a popular garnish choice for a Bramble.
• To heighten the berry flavors of your drink further, use frozen blackberries or raspberries or even cranberries to add a touch of tartness and keep the drink chilled without dilution.
• If you want to reintroduce the herbal elements that are originally found in the gin version, garnish with a sprig of mint together with a lemon wedge.