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This Blackberry Bramble recipe is a jazzed-up version of a traditional Bramble cocktail. Made with gin, lemon juice, blackberry liqueur, blackberry simple syrup, and fresh berries, this blackberry cocktail is fruit-forward, lightly sweet, and the perfect summer sip!

Featured comment: My wife and I had a wonderful cocktail and a romantic evening. Thanks you! – T.G.S

Straight on photo of a berry bramble in a rocks glass.

Update: This post was originally published in September 2015. I made updates to the post below to include more information about making a bramble cocktail at home! 

Table of Contents

About this Blackberry Bramble

In case you have never had (or heard of) a Bramble before, traditionally, it is made with: gin, lemon juice, blackberry liqueur, and blackberries.

However, since blackberries are in season, I wanted to really spotlight their delicious flavor. Therefore, I nixed the plain simple syrup and opted to make a blackberry simple syrup, which adds the perfect touch of sweetness and fruit-forward taste to this Bramble cocktail.

Legitimately, this Blackberry Bramble cocktail recipe is so smooth that you could sip it for days! It’s fruity, slightly sweet, a touch tart, and terrifically boozy.

It’s absolutely perfect for toasting the weekend and can easily be batch made and served in a pitcher for entertaining!

Why you’ll love this bramble recipe

  • Light and refreshing! The perfect summer drink for any occasion.
  • Fresh berry flavor! Homemade blackberry simple syrup really puts this drink over the top.
  • Easily batch drinks for a crowd! Make a pitcher (or two) so guests can help themselves.
  • Unique taste! For when you’re craving something a bit more sophisticated.

Overhead close up photo of a fresh blackberry floating in a blackberry cocktail.

What is a bramble cocktail?

The Bramble is a cocktail created in 1980s London, England by Dick Bradsell.
Well balanced with sweet and sour tones, it is generally described as a spring cocktail. The traditional bramble recipe includes dry gin, lemon juice, sugar simple syrup, crème de mûre, and crushed ice. Standardly, bartenders garnish a bramble with a single blackberry and a slice of lemon and serve it in an old-fashioned glass.

Ingredients needed for a berry bramble

Easily whip up this bramble recipe with some fresh berries and a well-stocked bar! In fact, you can keep a batch of the homemade simple syrup in the freezer for up to a year so you can enjoy a berry bramble whenever the mood strikes.

  • Blackberry Simple Syrup: Make this first, so it has plenty of time to cool. The recipe below yields enough for four cocktails, so scale it up if you plan to make a full pitcher.
  • Gin: This blackberry cocktail is only as good as its ingredients, so opt for the best quality gin you can afford. A dry gin with hints of citrus is preferred over more floral blends.
  • Lemon Juice: Always use freshly squeezed citrus in your cocktails! Bottled juices may have a longer shelf life, but they also come with a bitter aftertaste.
  • Blackberry Liqueur: Since crème de mûre can be a bit tricky to find, use any blackberry liqueur that your local store may carry. Crème de cassis or Chambord are popular substitutes as well.
  • Garnish: Set aside an extra lemon and a handful of blackberries for garnish. Cut the lemon into thin slices, then cut each slice in half. Add to each glass a single berry for a simple yet stunning decoration!

How to make a blackberry bramble?

You’ll need a cocktail shaker, plus a single rocks glass and some crushed ice for serving.

  1. Make the Simple Syrup: Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil. Cook until the water turns clear (this should happen almost immediately). Remove from heat.
  2. Add blackberries and let seep for at least 20 minutes, or until room temperature.
  3. Use an immersion blender, or transfer to a blender, to puree the blackberry simple syrup. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer placed over a container and strain syrup. Discard seeds.
  4. For the Cocktail: Place all Blackberry Bramble ingredients into a shaker. Shake to combine.
  5. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and pour in the drink. Garnish with lemon and blackberries.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for the best blackberry cocktail

  • Don’t forget to strain! After blending the blackberry simple syrup, it is crucial that you run it through a fine mesh sieve. Otherwise, you will find seeds and bits of berry floating in your drink.
  • Fresh vs frozen berries. Here’s the thing — you could probably get away with thawed frozen blackberries in the simple syrup. The consistency will just be a bit thinner. That said, a fresh berry garnish is a staple in this cocktail recipe, and frozen won’t work for that.
  • Make it extra fruity! If you prefer your brambles on the sweet side, add add a few splashes of blackberry puree to your cocktail.
  • Add some fizz. To make a sparkling version of this bramble recipe, add a splash of ginger ale or soda water to each glass.

Angled photo of a blackberry bramble garnished with a lemon slice and a fresh blackberry.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

Why is a bramble cocktail called a bramble?

This blackberry cocktail shares its name with the bramble bush on which blackberries grow.

Can you make this bramble recipe without a cocktail shaker?

Absolutely! The easiest replacement for a cocktail shaker would be two glasses, one of which is just slightly smaller — the top of the smaller glass should nestle tightly into the top of the larger glass.

In a pinch, you can also use a mason jar or any other lidded jar. Simply add the ingredients, twist the lid shut, and give it a good shake!

What does a berry bramble taste like?

Each sip contains a delicious balance of tart and sweet fruit flavors, enhanced by the smooth gin. It’s the perfect choice when you crave something light and refreshing that’s different than the usual tropical flavors.

Make ahead suggestions

Hosting a cookout or weekend brunch? Scale up this berry bramble recipe and make a full pitcher to serve your guests! Each batch of blackberry simple syrup makes enough for 32 ounces worth of luscious libations.

Surround the pitcher with glasses, ice, and plenty of garnishes so everyone can help themselves.

Storing a pitcher of drinks

Batching cocktails is an easy way to check one more thing off of your to-do list. You can combine all of the blackberry cocktail ingredients, minus the homemade simple syrup, in a sealed glass container up to 2 days before your event.

Add the blackberry simple syrup to a separate container and store both in the refrigerator. Then, combine the two in a serving pitcher just before guests arrive.

berry bramble in rocks glass with ice, lemon, and blackberries in background

The mister doesn’t even like gin, and he gave this Blackberry Bramble two very big thumbs way up! As for me, it is the perfect cocktail to toast to summer fun and relaxation.

Until next time friends, cheers! *Clink Clink*

Cheyanne

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Recipe for berry bramble👇

tray of blackberry bramble cocktails with garnish

Blackberry Bramble Cocktail Recipe

5 from 18 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
0 minutes
Servings: 2 cocktails
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
An amped-up version of a traditional Bramble with gin, lemon juice, blackberry liqueur, blackberry simple syrup, and fresh blackberries. Fruit forward and slightly sweet, this Blackberry Bramble is the perfect summer sipper!
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Ingredients 

Blackberry Simple Syrup (yields 1 cup):

Bramble Cocktail:

  • 4 ounces Gin
  • 1 ounce Lemon Juice
  • 2 ounces Blackberry Simple Syrup (from above!)
  • 1 ounce Blackberry Liqueur (substitution: Crème de Cassis)
  • Optional Garnishes: Lemon wedges, Blackberries or Berries

Instructions

  • Make the Simple Syrup: Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil. Cook until water turns clear. (this should happen immediately) Remove from heat.
  • Add blackberries and let seep for at least 20 minutes, or until room temperature.
  • Puree syrup: Use an immersion blender, or transfer to a blender, to puree the blackberry simple syrup. Transfer to a fine mesh strainer placed over a container and strain syrup. Discard seeds.
  • Start the cocktail: Place all Bramble ingredients into a shaker. Shake to combine.
  • Pour bramble: Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice and pour in drink.
  • Garnish and serve: Garnish with lemon and blackberries. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 2 cocktails. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal    Carbohydrates: 30g    Sodium: 5mg    Sugar: 29g    Vitamin C: 5.5mg
Course: Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American

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Blackberry Bramble- long pin