Gin Bramble with Blackberries
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The classic gin bramble is an easy and delicious cocktail that brings together the flavors of fresh blackberries, blackberry syrup, bright lemon, and crisp gin, resulting in a refreshing drink perfect for any occasion.
Originating in the 1980s, this cocktail has captured the hearts of gin enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Its unique combination of tart and sweet flavors offers a tasty twist on traditional gin cocktails, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
The classic bramble recipe calls for crème de mure – a blackberry liqueur that can be tricky to find and a little pricey. So my version substitutes it with homemade blackberry syrup. This easy swap allows you to enjoy the rich, sweet flavor of blackberries without breaking the bank. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a syrup that’s delicious and maintains the drink’s flavor.
When you gather ingredients for your own bramble, remember that the key to a great cocktail is fresh ingredients. The brightness of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness from fresh ripe blackberries elevate this drink. Whether you’re sipping it on a sunny patio or serving it at a dinner party, the gin bramble is sure to impress your tastebuds (and your friends)!
Ingredients
- Gin – Choose your favorite gin. I love a juniper forward gin like Knickerbocker American Gin from New Holland Distillery here in Michigan. If you’re new to gin, try a dry gin like Beefeater which has a lower juniper profile.
- Blackberry Syrup – I use blackberry syrup as an easy swap for the creme de mure usually found in a bramble cocktail. (See the note below.) It’s easy to make a home from 3 pantry ingredients. Get the recipe on my blackberry syrup recipe page.
- Lemon – Fresh lemon is a key ingredient here and fresh citrus is the key to a great cocktail. You’ll want the juice for the drink and a slice of fresh lemon for the garnish.
- Blackberries – Another ingredient where fresh is best. You’ll need fresh berries to muddle in the glass and for garnish.
Note: The classic Bramble is made with crème de mure, a blackberry liqueur that is $30 per 750ml bottle here in Michigan and only found at specialty stores. Since it’s one of those liqueurs that isn’t used in lots of other cocktails, I’m replacing it in this recipe with the blackberry syrup. It gives you the sweet blackberry flavor without the heavy price tag. If you really want to stay with liqueur, you could also replace crème de mure with Chambord if you have that on hand.
How to Make a Bramble (Step by Step)
Combine fresh blackberries, lemon juice and gin in a large rocks glass.
Muddle to crush the berries and release their juices.
Fill the glass with crushed ice.
Pour blackberry syrup over the ice. Stir gently. Add more ice to pack the glass, if needed.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and/or more fresh blackberries. Sip and enjoy!
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Gin Bramble Recipe with Blackberries
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1.5 oz blackberry syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice, fresh
- 4-5 whole blackberries, fresh
Instructions
- Combine fresh blackberries, lemon juice and gin in a large rocks glass.2 oz gin, 4-5 whole blackberries, 0.75 oz lemon juice
- Muddle to crush the berries and release their juices.
- Fill the glass with crushed ice.
- Pour blackberry syrup over the ice.1.5 oz blackberry syrup
- Stir gently. Add more ice to fill the glass, if needed.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and/or a lemon wheel and/or more. Sip and enjoy!
Equipment
Recipe Tip
Don’t have crushed ice on hand? Place ice in a large, zip top bag. Fold a kitchen towel around the bag and place it on a hard surface. Use a wooden mallet or hard-bottomed measuring cup to firmly bang on the ice and crush it to a smaller size for your cocktail. Pour the crushed ice immediately into your rocks glass.
Make Your Own Blackberry Syrup
Blackberry Syrup can be made at home in 10 minutes using 3 simple ingredients. Get all of my tip and instructions over on my Blackberry Simple Syrup recipe page.
What to Serve with a Gin Bramble
Looking for an appetizer or snack to go with your Bramble Cocktail? Try these smoked salmon bites or easy tomato bruschetta. Or make these savory spiced nuts in your slow cooker to have on hand whenever you need a snack.
Don’t Miss These Delicious Gin Cocktails
Use your favorite gin in one of these quick and easy gin drinks. Try a three ingredient Salty Dog or Classic Gin Gimlet. Or add 1-2 more ingredients for a Lavender Bee’s Knees or a Grapefruit and Elderflower Gin Cocktail.
