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You’re searching for the Bramble because you’ve heard whispers of this modern classic, and rightfully so. This isn’t just another gin cocktail; it’s the drink that proved contemporary bartenders could create instant classics. We’re here to show you exactly how to craft this stunning purple-hued masterpiece.

If you appreciate cocktails that strike a balance between sophistication and approachability, you’ve found your new obsession.

A bramble drink with crushed ice and three lime slices rests on a light surface scattered with ice.

What Is a Bramble Cocktail?

Quick Answer: The Bramble is a modern classic created by bartender Dick Bradsell in 1980s London. Built on gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, then finished with crème de mûre, a sweet blackberry liqueur, that creates beautiful purple streaks through crushed ice.

Bradsell created this as his love letter to the British countryside, inspired by childhood memories of picking blackberries. Unlike most “modern classics,” the Bramble was immediately embraced worldwide.

A glass with a bramble cocktail, crushed ice, and lime wedges sits on white, beneath a hanging green leafy plant.

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • GOOD LOOKS – The visual drama is unmatched – watching deep purple crème de mûre cascade through crushed ice never gets old.
  • BALANCED – Perfect balance between familiar and exotic, using gin’s botanical backbone while blackberry adds sophisticated fruit complexity.

What You Need to Make a Bramble Cocktail


  • London Dry Gin: The botanical foundation. Stick with classics like Tanqueray or Beefeater.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Must be fresh-squeezed for proper brightness.
  • Simple Syrup: Clean sweetness without cloudiness.
  • Crème de Mûre: French blackberry liqueur. Mathilde or Briottet are excellent choices.
  • Garnish: Fresh blackberry and lemon wheel.

How to Make a Bramble Cocktail

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice for 15 seconds.
  2. Strain over crushed ice in a rocks glass.
  3. Slowly drizzle crème de mûre over a bar spoon to create purple streaks.
  4. Garnish with blackberry and lemon wheel.

Bartender’s Tips


  • Tip 1: Crushed ice provides faster dilution that mellows gin’s intensity while keeping the drink cold.
  • Tip 2: Pour crème de mûre slowly—the visual impact is half the experience.
  • Tip 3: No crème de mûre? Muddle fresh blackberries with simple syrup, though you’ll lose complexity.
A blackberry bramble drink with crushed ice and three lime slices sits on a light surface amid scattered ice.

How to Serve This Bramble Cocktail

Serve immediately in a rocks glass. Perfect for early evening sipping – sophisticated enough for cocktail hour but approachable for casual gatherings.

More Cocktail Recipes

Ready for more gin classics? Check our gin cocktail collection where tradition meets innovation.

Bramble Cocktail Recipe

This is the original Bramble recipe that actually works – with the exact technique for that stunning purple cascade everyone's trying to recreate. We show you Dick Bradsell's authentic method using proper measurements and the foolproof drizzle technique that creates those Instagram-worthy streaks. Finally, a recipe that delivers the visual drama and perfect taste you've been searching for.
Print Recipe
A glass with crushed ice, bramble cocktail, and three lime slices sits on a light surface with scattered ice pieces.
Prep Time:5 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 oz London dry gin
  • 1 oz lemon juice
  • ¾ oz simple syrup
  • ½ oz crème de mûre blackberry liqueur
  • Garnish: fresh blackberry lemon wheel

Instructions

  • Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
  • Shake until well chilled.
  • Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
  • Drizzle crème de mûre over the top.
  • Garnish with a fresh blackberry and lemon wheel.

Video

Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: Kita

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this without crème de mûre?

Muddle fresh blackberries with simple syrup as a substitute, though the flavor will be less complex.

Why crushed ice?

Because no other will do. It creates proper dilution and texture for the crème de mûre cascade effect.

Best gin for Brambles?

London dry gins like Tanqueray or Beefeater complement the blackberry perfectly.

Can I batch this?

Pre-mix gin, lemon, and syrup, but add crème de mûre individually for visual drama.

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