Bramble
A modern classic cocktail created by Dick Bradsell in 1980s London. This refreshing drink balances the botanical notes of dry gin with tart lemon and the rich, berry sweetness of Crème de Mûre, visually distinct for its bleeding effect over crushed ice.
What it tastes like
The drink opens with bright lemon zest and piney juniper, followed by a concentrated dark berry sweetness from the liqueur. Crushed ice provides a continuous chill and significant dilution, creating a crisp mouthfeel that balances the syrupy crème de mûre. The finish is tart and clean, leaving a lingering taste of fresh blackberry skin and citrus acidity.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Gin4 cl
- Fresh Lemon Juice1.5 cl
- Sugar Syrup1 cl
- Crème de Mûre1.5 cl
- Blackberries2 wholes
- Lemon1 slice
Preparation
- 1
Fill an Old Fashioned glass generously with crushed ice.
- 2
Pour the gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup directly over the ice.
- 3
Stir gently to combine the ingredients and chill the mixture.
- 4
Slowly drizzle the Crème de Mûre over the top in a circular motion to create a marbling effect as it sinks through the ice.
- 5
Garnish with fresh blackberries and a slice of lemon.
Substitutions
- Crème de MûreCrème de Cassis — Blackcurrant adds a more tart, tannic profile compared to the jammy sweetness of blackberry.
- Sugar SyrupHoney Syrup — This adds floral depth and a slightly thicker texture to the body of the drink.
- GinVodka — Replacing the gin removes the botanical notes of juniper for a more neutral, fruit-forward profile.
- Fresh Lemon JuiceLime Juice — Lime provides a sharper acidity that contrasts more aggressively with the dark fruit liqueur.
Variations
Bramble Royale
Replace the crushed ice with cubed ice and top the drink with dry sparkling wine for a lighter, effervescent texture.
Spiced Bramble
Muddle a few slices of fresh ginger in the glass before adding ice to introduce a sharp, warming heat that cuts through the sugar.