A Blackberry Bramble is a light and refreshing cocktail made with gin, lemon juice and blackberry simple syrup. It’s the perfect beverage to enjoy on a hot summer day or to share with friends and family during parties and gatherings.
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This Blackberry Bramble cocktail gets its name from both the bush that blackberries grow on, a bramble bush, and the berries themselves. In the United Kingdom where the drink was first invented, they use the terms “bramble” and “blackberry” interchangeably and named the cocktail a Bramble Cocktail.
Here in the United States, we don’t typically refer to blackberries as brambles, therefore, this recipe is titled with both words so it’s clear what flavor you can expect.
Some bramble recipes call for the use of crème de mûre, a blackberry liquor and simple syrup. Instead, we use an easy-to-make blackberry simple syrup to give this cocktail it’s signature blackberry flavor.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also want to try our recipe for a Blackberry Mojito.
Why This Recipe Works
This cocktail is quick and easy to prepare. You only need to mix 3 ingredients together and pour over ice which takes just a few minutes. You can then top with club soda, if you’d like.
It’s a light and refreshing beverage that is especially perfect for spring and summer.
You can make a single serving or multiply the recipe for a crowd. It can be mixed ahead of time (minus the club soda), then poured over ice in glasses and top with club soda when you are ready to serve.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin: we used Hendricks’s gin for this recipe.
- 1 ounce blackberry syrup: the recipe for the blackberry syrup in in the prep step below, or in can be found in the notes section of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- 1 ounce lemon juice: freshly squeeze lemon juice will give you the best flavor.
- club soda, ginger ale or ginger beer (optional, for topping): we use club soda to top off our bramble, but you can omit it or try ginger ale or ginger beer instead.
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
If needed, make the blackberry syrup first by combining 1/2 cup of fresh blackberries, 1/4 cup water, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a small sauce pot.
Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer. While simmering, break up the softened blackberries with a wooden spoon or fork to release their juices. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Remove the pan from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing the blackberries with a spoon to get as much syrup out as possible. Discard the blackberry seeds and pulp.
Allow the syrup to cool before using it. You will have extra syrup that can be stored in the refrigerator for later use.
Create!
Combine the gin, blackberry syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker or measuring cup. Stir.
Fill a cup with ice (crushed ice is usually preferred for a bramble cocktail) and pour the cocktail over the ice.
Top with club soda, ginger ale or ginger beer, if desired.
Present!
Garnish with fresh blackberries, if desired.
Tips and Techniques
- Use fresh squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- You can adjust the sweet/acidic balance with more or less blackberry syrup and/or lemon juice to suite your tastes.
- For added sparkle, top with club soda, or for added sparkle and flavor, try ginger ale or ginger beer.
More Blackberry Recipes
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Blackberry Bramble Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce blackberry syrup (see notes section)
- 1 ounce lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- club soda, ginger ale or ginger beer (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Combine the gin, blackberry syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker or measuring cup. Stir.2 ounces gin, 1 ounce blackberry syrup, 1 ounce lemon juice
- Fill a cup with ice and pour the cocktail over the ice.
- Top with club soda, ginger ale or ginger beer, if desired.club soda, ginger ale or ginger beer
- Garnish with fresh blackberries, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Use fresh squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
- You can adjust the sweet/acidic balance with more or less blackberry syrup and/or lemon juice to suite your tastes.
- For added sparkle, top with club soda, or for added sparkle and flavor, try ginger ale or ginger beer.
