Bramble Cocktail Recipe: The Classic Gin Drink Everyone Should Master

The Bramble cocktail is more than just a drink — it’s a sip of London history. Created in the bustling cocktail scene of the 1980s, it’s a modern classic that has stood the test of time. Refreshing yet complex, this cocktail blends the crisp botanicals of gin with the fruity tang of blackberry liqueur, balanced by fresh lemon juice and a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a new signature serve or an impressive drink to wow your guests, the Bramble is the perfect choice.

A Brief History: The Birth of the Bramble

The Bramble was invented in 1984 by Dick Bradsell, one of Britain’s most influential bartenders. At the time, Bradsell was working at Fred’s Club in Soho, London, and sought to create a drink that was distinctly British yet inspired by his childhood memories of foraging blackberries on the Isle of Wight.

He combined gin, a quintessentially British spirit, with crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur), lemon juice, sugar syrup, and crushed ice, creating a drink that not only looked stunning but also delivered an unforgettable balance of tart and sweet. It became an instant hit and remains a staple in cocktail bars around the world.

Today, the Bramble is recognised as a modern classic by the International Bartenders Association and is often featured on curated gin menus, especially in the UK.

What Makes the Bramble Cocktail Special?

The beauty of the Bramble lies in its layered flavour profile:

• Crisp and botanical from the gin.
• Bright and zesty from freshly squeezed lemon juice.
• Sweet and fruity from the blackberry liqueur.
• Smooth and refreshing thanks to crushed ice and sugar syrup.

Visually, it’s a showstopper — the deep purple crème de mûre trickles through the crushed ice like a sunset melting into the sea, creating a beautiful ombré effect.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make one Bramble cocktail, you’ll need:

• 50ml London Dry Gin – Choose a classic gin with a good balance of juniper and citrus.
• 25ml fresh lemon juice – Always squeeze it fresh for brightness.
• 15ml sugar syrup – Easy to make at home by dissolving sugar in water.
• 15ml crème de mûre – This blackberry liqueur gives the Bramble its signature flavour and colour.
• Crushed ice – Essential for the perfect texture and chill.
• Garnish – Fresh blackberries and a lemon slice.

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Step-by-Step: How to Make a Bramble Cocktail

1. Fill your glass – Choose an Old Fashioned glass and fill it to the top with crushed ice.
2. Mix the base – In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup. Shake well with ice for about 10 seconds.
3. Pour over ice – Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
4. Add the liqueur – Slowly drizzle the crème de mûre over the top so it sinks and swirls beautifully through the ice.
5. Garnish – Add a couple of fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel for the final touch.

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Choosing the Right Ingredients

Gin is the backbone of this cocktail, so quality matters. Opt for a London Dry style like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Sipsmith for classic results. For a twist, try a floral gin such as Hendrick’s or a citrus-forward gin like Malfy Con Limone.

When it comes to crème de mûre, you might choose well-known brands like Giffard or Bols, or go artisanal with a small-batch liqueur from a local distiller.

Tip: If you can’t find crème de mûre, you can substitute with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) for a slightly different but still delicious result.

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Equipment You’ll Need

To make the perfect Bramble at home, you’ll want to have:

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger (for accurate measurements)
• Hawthorne strainer
• Old Fashioned glass
• Ice crusher or mallet
• Bar spoon

Investing in good-quality bar tools can elevate your home mixology game and help you make consistent, well-balanced drinks.

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Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Bramble

• Use crushed ice, not cubes – It chills the drink faster and creates the right texture.
• Shake briefly but hard – Over-shaking can dilute the drink too much.
• Don’t skip the garnish – It adds aroma and visual appeal.
• Balance is key – Taste and adjust the sugar syrup or lemon juice to match your preference.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using bottled lemon juice – Fresh juice is essential for the bright acidity.
2. Overpouring the liqueur – Too much crème de mûre can overpower the gin.
3. Neglecting the ice – The wrong texture can make the drink watery or unbalanced.

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Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, you can experiment with twists:

• Raspberry Bramble – Swap blackberries for raspberries and use crème de framboise.
• Winter Bramble – Add a dash of cinnamon syrup for a seasonal touch.
• Tropical Bramble – Replace lemon juice with lime and add a splash of pineapple juice.

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The Bramble in Popular Culture

The Bramble has enjoyed a revival in recent years thanks to the gin renaissance and the popularity of Instagram-worthy cocktails. Many London bars now serve their own creative spins, sometimes swapping the liqueur for homemade berry syrups or adding edible flowers for garnish.

It has also become a TikTok favourite, with bartenders showcasing the mesmerising layering effect in slow-motion videos — a perfect example of how a drink can be both timeless and trend-friendly.

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Serving & Food Pairings

The Bramble’s tart, fruity profile pairs beautifully with:

• Soft cheeses like goat’s cheese or brie.
• Smoked salmon blinis for a sophisticated appetiser.
• Dark chocolate desserts to contrast the berry acidity.

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Final Thoughts

The Bramble is the perfect bridge between classic gin cocktails and modern mixology. With its beautiful presentation, balanced flavours, and rich history, it’s a must-know recipe for any home bartender or cocktail enthusiast.

Once you’ve made it once, you’ll understand why this drink became an icon of the London bar scene — and why it deserves a permanent spot in your repertoire.