Bramble

Bramble

(1 ratings)

A modern classic cocktail created by Dick Bradsell in 1984, featuring gin, fresh lemon juice, and blackberry liqueur floated over crushed ice.

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Recipe

1 cocktail (130ml)
  • London Dry Gin 
    50 ml
  • Lemon Juice 
    25 ml
  • Rich Simple Syrup (2:1) 
    12.5 ml
  • Crème de Mûre 
    15 ml
  • Blackberries 
    3 pieces
  • Lemon 
    1 slice
Recipe credit: Dick Bradsell, Fred's Club, London (1984)

Instructions

Step

Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice, creating a generous mound above the rim.

Step

Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step

Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted.

Step

Strain the mixture over the crushed ice in the prepared glass.

Step

Using a bar spoon, slowly drizzle the crème de mûre over the back of the spoon to float it on top, allowing it to bleed through the ice.

Step

Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon slice. Serve immediately with a straw.

Equipment

Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer
Jigger
Bar spoon

Description

The Bramble is a celebrated modern classic that captures the essence of British blackberry hedgerows in a perfectly balanced cocktail. Created by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell at Fred’s Club in Soho, London, this gin-based cocktail combines the crisp juniper notes of quality gin with the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the sweet, fruity richness of crème de mûre. The drink is built over crushed ice, allowing the blackberry liqueur to create a beautiful bleeding effect as it settles through the ice, resulting in both visual drama and exceptional flavor integration.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (130ml)
Calories
165
ABV
25 %
Alcohol
20.5 g
Carbs
8.5 g
Carbs from Sugar
8 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.1 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use the highest quality gin you can afford - the Bramble showcases the spirit's botanical complexity, so premium gins will significantly elevate the final result.

  • Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and strain it to remove pulp. Pre-bottled lemon juice will compromise the bright, clean acidity essential to the Bramble's balance.

  • When floating the crème de mûre, pour it slowly over the back of a bar spoon held just above the ice surface. This creates the signature bleeding effect that makes the Bramble visually stunning.

  • Crushed ice is non-negotiable for a proper Bramble. It provides rapid chilling, creates the right texture, and allows the blackberry liqueur to filter through beautifully. Regular cubes won't achieve the same effect.

  • If crème de mûre is unavailable, crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) is the best substitute. Avoid using fruit syrups as they lack the alcohol content and complexity of proper fruit liqueurs.

While crème de mûre is essential for an authentic Bramble, you can substitute crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) or make your own blackberry liqueur by macerating fresh blackberries in vodka with sugar for several days, then straining.

Classic London Dry gins like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Bombay Sapphire work excellently, providing the traditional juniper-forward profile. For variation, try contemporary gins with citrus or floral botanicals that complement the blackberry and lemon.

The key is using crushed ice and pouring the crème de mûre slowly over the back of a bar spoon held just above the ice surface. The liqueur should be at room temperature or slightly chilled – not ice cold – to achieve proper density for floating.

You can pre-mix the gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup base and keep it chilled. However, the crème de mûre float and crushed ice must be added individually to each glass for the proper visual effect and texture. The drink is best served fresh.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • London Dry Gin
    50 ml
  • Lemon Juice
    25 ml
  • Rich Simple Syrup (2:1)
    12.5 ml
  • Crème de Mûre
    15 ml
  • Blackberries
    3 pieces
  • Lemon
    1 slice

Method

  1. Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice, creating a generous mound above the rim.
  2. Add gin, fresh lemon juice, and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled and properly diluted.
  4. Strain the mixture over the crushed ice in the prepared glass.
  5. Using a bar spoon, slowly drizzle the crème de mûre over the back of the spoon to float it on top, allowing it to bleed through the ice.
  6. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon slice. Serve immediately with a straw.