The Perfect Bramble Cocktail: A Berry-Licious Delight!
If you're looking for a cocktail that’s equal parts refreshing, fruity, and a total showstopper, you’re in for a treat! The Bramble cocktail is a timeless classic that has earned a spot in my heart—and my shaker. You might already know my spookily delicious twist for Halloween, but today, we’re taking a sip back to its original form: a beautiful “built” cocktail over crushed ice that swirls together gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and the deep, rich flavor of blackberry liqueur—or Chambord if you’re craving a luxurious blackberry-raspberry blend.
Curious how this dreamy cocktail became a bar cart essential?
Let me show you exactly how to make a Bramble cocktail that’s as stunning as it is delicious. While it’s perfect for National Blackberry Day on September 12th, who says you need an official excuse to pour yourself a glass of this refreshing delight? Whether it’s a cozy evening in or a garden-party-worthy gathering, this cocktail is ready to impress.
So, grab your favorite rocks glass, pile in that crushed ice, and let's shake things up!
Cheers to making every sip count!
🥘 Ingredients
- Crushed ice to fill your glass
- Gin - I love using Hendrick’s Flora Adora gin for a delightful floral twist that takes this cocktail to the next level!
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed - check out my blog post if you wanna know how much lemon juice is in one lemon!
- Sugar syrup - a touch of sweetness that balances the tartness. Need a quick guide on how to make homemade simple syrup? I’ve got you covered—it's easier than you think, and you'll always have some on hand!
- Creme de Mure or Chambord liqueur - for that rich, luscious blackberry flavor. Chambord adds a fun twist with its blackberry-raspberry blend!
- Lemon slice, Black & Raspberries as a garnish
See the recipe card for quantities.
🍸 Step-by-Step
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Add all the ingredients—except the blackberry liqueur—into your rocks glass and give them a good stir using a bar spoon. This helps blend the flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Fill the glass with crushed ice and top it off with even more crushed ice until it forms a delightful “snowy peak” at the top.
Step 3: Drizzle the blackberry liqueur over the crushed ice. I love using an eyedropper for this step—it gives you more control and creates a gorgeous, even color that seeps through the ice.
Step 4: Garnish with fresh raspberries, blackberries, and a small piece of lemon for a bright pop of color and extra flair. Now it’s ready to sip, snap a photo, and enjoy!
🍓 Substitutions
Creme de Mure and Chambord are fantastic options, but there are a few other liqueurs you can experiment with to put your own twist on the Bramble cocktail!
- Crème de Cassis – This blackcurrant liqueur adds a rich, tangy sweetness that works beautifully in place of blackberry liqueur.
- Raspberry Liqueur – For those who love the raspberry notes in Chambord, a classic raspberry liqueur like Mathilde Framboise or Giffard is a great swap.
- Blackcurrant Syrup (Cordial) – If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, blackcurrant syrup gives a sweet and fruity depth without the booze.
- Elderberry Liqueur – Adds a floral, earthy note with a similar berry profile but with a unique twist.
- Blueberry Liqueur – For a slightly sweeter, smoother berry flavor, try blueberry liqueur—it turns the Bramble into a whole new cocktail experience.
🍸 Virgin Bramble
If you want to make a Virgin Bramble (non-alcoholic), you can easily swap out the gin for something flavorful that keeps the drink refreshing and balanced.
- Non-Alcoholic Gin – Brands like Seedlip Grove 42 or Lyre’s Dry London Spirit offer botanical, gin-like flavors without the alcohol.
- Sparkling Water with Botanical Flavor – A floral or citrus sparkling water, such as lemon, lime, or elderflower, adds a refreshing, bubbly twist.
- Tonic Water or Lemon Tonic – Tonic water gives a hint of bitterness that pairs beautifully with the berry flavors. For a sweeter version, try lemon tonic.
- Cucumber or Herbal-Infused Water – Infuse water with cucumber slices, rosemary, or mint for a fresh, botanical touch.
- White Grape Juice – Adds a subtle sweetness and a crisp flavor that complements the tart lemon and berry notes.
You’ll still get that layered, vibrant look of the Bramble without the alcohol—and it’ll be just as delicious and eye-catching!
🍽 Equipment
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Lemon squeezer
- Measuring tools / Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Rocks glass
If you make this recipe, let me know how you liked it by ★★★★★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. This would be awesome! You can also sign up for our Newsletter or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don't miss it.
📖 Recipe
How to make a Bramble Cocktail?
Equipment
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Rocks glass
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Gin
- ¾ oz Fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz Sugar syrup
- Crushed ice for the glass
- ¾ oz Creme de Mure
- Lemon wedge, raspberries, and blackberries as a garnish
Instructions
- Add 1 ½ oz Gin, ¾ oz Fresh lemon juice, ½ oz Sugar syrup (except the blackberry liqueur) to a rocks glass and stir well with a bar spoon.1 ½ oz Gin, ¾ oz Fresh lemon juice, ½ oz Sugar syrup
- Fill the glass with Crushed ice and top it off with more crushed ice to create a “cupping” at the top.Crushed ice
- Drizzle ¾ oz Creme de Mure over the ice. Using a pipette makes it easier to control and creates an even, beautiful color effect.¾ oz Creme de Mure
- Garnish with a Lemon wedge, raspberries, and blackberries. Enjoy your Bramble masterpiece!Lemon wedge, raspberries, and blackberries
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
Nicole Kendrick says
This is so good! The bitterness of the gin and the sweetness of the other ingredients are perfect together.
Liz says
I love a new cocktail and this one was delicious! I'm saving the recipe to make for my next book club meeting.
Amy says
Love love love! Perfect for the hot summer we're having at the moment!
Juyali says
Blackberry-infused cocktails are some of my favorites, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon this Bramble Cocktail! It's a new favorite!