BrambleCocktail recipe
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The Bramble is a modern gin sour that’s become a contemporary classic thanks to its simple build and instantly recognisable berry-citrus snap. You’ll most often see it associated with London’s late-20th-century cocktail revival, where bartenders leaned into fresh juice, clean spirits, and bold fruit liqueurs to create drinks that felt both new and timeless. It sits comfortably alongside other gin-led sours, but stands out for the way it layers dark fruit over a bright, refreshing base.
On the palate, gin brings crisp botanical backbone while lemon juice drives a sharp, mouthwatering tartness. Sugar or simple syrup smooths the edges, rounding the acidity into a balanced, easy-drinking sweet-sour frame. Blackberry liqueur adds a deep, jammy berry sweetness that plays against the lemon’s bite, giving you a finish that feels both juicy and slightly darker than a typical gin sour.
Served in a lowball glass, this is a great choice when you want something refreshing but not too light—ideal for aperitif moments, summer evenings, or anytime you’re craving a fruit-forward gin drink that still tastes grown-up. If you like sours, bracing citrus, and berry notes that linger, you’ll find it hits the spot without feeling heavy.
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Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Gin leads with crisp botanicals, sharpened by lemon juice and rounded by simple syrup, while blackberry liqueur floods in with dark berry sweetness that lingers through the finish. It works because the lemon’s acidity keeps the sugar and liqueur from turning jammy, and the gin’s dryness gives structure; ideal for sour lovers who want a fruit-forward edge without losing spirit character.
Method
How to make a Bramble
- Gin 40ml, Blackberry liqueur 15ml, Lemon juice 15ml, Sugar / simple syrup 10ml
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- Add gin, lemon juice and syrup to a rocks glass over ice
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- Stir, then pour the blackberry liqueur over the top of the drink in a circular fashion
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- Garnish with a lemon slice, and two blackberries, and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use crushed ice instead of large ice cubes to allow the flavors to meld more quickly and create a smoother sipping experience.
- Rub a lemon twist around the rim of the glass before serving to add a burst of citrus aroma as you sip.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the origin of the Bramble cocktail?
The Bramble cocktail was created in the 1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell. It's often credited as one of the most significant cocktail inventions during the British cocktail renaissance of the late 20th century. Inspired by his childhood memories of picking blackberries in the Isle of Wight, the cocktail encapsulates the flavors of the English countryside.
What type of gin is best to use in a Bramble?
A Bramble cocktail is best made with a dry gin that has a prominent juniper flavor, as it balances well with the sweetness of the blackberry liqueur and the tartness of the lemon juice. London Dry Gin is a popular choice for Brambles due to its clean, crisp profile which complements the cocktail's other ingredients perfectly.
Can I make a Bramble without blackberry liqueur?
While blackberry liqueur is a key ingredient of the Bramble, you can create a similar flavor profile by using fresh muddled blackberries or blackberry syrup combined with a bit of neutral spirit or extra gin. However, the result might be slightly different in taste and strength compared to using traditional blackberry liqueur.
Is the Bramble a suitable cocktail for year-round enjoyment, or is it seasonal?
The Bramble is versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. Its refreshing taste makes it particularly popular in warm weather, but because its ingredients are not strictly seasonal, you can enjoy a Bramble anytime you're in the mood for a fruity, gin-based cocktail.
What is the best way to garnish a Bramble?
A classic Bramble is traditionally garnished with a slice of lemon and a fresh blackberry to enhance its visual appeal and to add a touch of freshness that complements the cocktail's flavors. Optionally, a sprig of mint can also be added for an additional burst of color and a fresh aroma.
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