Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Dry Gin
- .5 oz Raspberry Liqueur
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- .5 oz Sugar Syrup
Instructions
Shake Ingredients:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the dry gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.
- Shake well until chilled.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture over fresh ice into an old-fashioned glass.
Float Liqueur:
- Gently float the raspberry liqueur on top.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a fresh blackberry or a lemon twist.
Video
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Gin Bramble was created in London in the mid-1980s by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell. He developed it while working at Fred's Club in Soho, aiming for a British cocktail that could stand alongside the popular American drinks of the era. It quickly became a staple in the burgeoning cocktail scene.
At its core, the Gin Bramble is a twist on a Gin Sour. What sets it apart is the distinctive float of creme de mure, a blackberry liqueur, which adds a beautiful color and a rich, fruity layer to the drink. Think of it as a sophisticated, fruit-forward cousin to other shaken gin drinks.
You would order or serve a Gin Bramble when the weather calls for something light and refreshing, typically in spring or summer. It is a fantastic choice for a garden party, a brunch with a kick, or simply when you are craving a balanced gin drink that is not overly sweet.
What it tastes like
The Gin Bramble starts with the crisp, botanical notes of gin, which are immediately brightened by fresh lemon juice. Simple syrup provides a balanced sweetness, but the real star is the creme de mure, which floats on top, gradually mingling to introduce a deep, jammy blackberry flavor that rounds out the drink.
Expect a medium-strength drink. With about 2 oz of 40% ABV gin and 0.5 oz of 15% ABV creme de mure, a Gin Bramble typically lands around 20-22% ABV. That makes it roughly four to five times stronger than your average 5% ABV beer, so pace yourself.
The technique
Building a Gin Bramble is straightforward. Combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled, then double strain into an Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice. Finally, slowly drizzle the creme de mure over the top so it floats and bleeds down through the ice.
The most important technique is getting that perfect creme de mure float. Pour it gently over the crushed ice, allowing it to slowly seep into the drink. This creates the signature visual effect and ensures the blackberry flavor slowly integrates with each sip. Do not just dump it in.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A classic London Dry gin is your best bet here. Brands like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire provide the necessary juniper backbone without being overly delicate.
- Skip
- Avoid highly floral gins or those with strong cucumber notes. Also, steer clear of barrel-aged gins; their woody notes clash with the fresh fruit.
- Why
- The gin needs to be robust enough to stand up to the bright lemon and rich blackberry. A neutral, juniper-forward gin provides the best foundation.
Creme de Mure
- Use
- Invest in a quality creme de mure, such as Giffard, Merlet, or Briottet. These offer a genuine blackberry flavor that makes the drink.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with raspberry liqueur; that is a different drink. Also, avoid overly artificial or syrupy blackberry cordials if you can.
- Why
- Creme de Mure is the defining ingredient of the Gin Bramble. Its rich, sweet, and slightly tart blackberry profile is what gives the drink its name and character.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Raspberry Bramble
- A brighter, tarter take.
- Swap out the creme de mure for creme de framboise, a raspberry liqueur. This results in a slightly tarter and brighter berry profile.
Whiskey Bramble
- A warming, boozy version.
- Replace the gin with a good bourbon or rye whiskey. The vanilla and spice notes of the whiskey pair surprisingly well with the blackberry.
Spicy Bramble
- For those who like a kick.
- Muddle a thin slice of jalapeno with the lemon and syrup before shaking, or add a dash of a chili tincture to the shaken mix.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try a good quality vodka for a cleaner profile, or white rum for a slightly sweeter, grassier edge.
Fresh lime juice can work in a pinch, but the flavor profile will shift to be a bit sharper and more tropical.
Agave nectar or maple syrup can substitute, but use slightly less as they are typically sweeter and have distinct flavors.
Muddle 5-6 fresh blackberries with an extra barspoon of sugar, then add a splash of blackberry brandy if you have it.
Any sturdy tumbler or a small, wide wine glass will do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Gin Bramble?
A Gin Bramble contains gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and creme de mure, a blackberry liqueur. It is typically served over crushed ice.
Is a Gin Bramble sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness from the simple syrup and creme de mure, offset by the tart lemon juice and the botanicals of the gin. It is not overly sweet.
What kind of gin is best for a Gin Bramble?
A classic London Dry gin works best. Its juniper-forward profile stands up well to the other ingredients without being overshadowed.
What does a Gin Bramble taste like?
It tastes like a refreshing blend of bright lemon, botanical gin, and rich, jammy blackberry. It is fruity, tart, and balanced.
Is a Gin Bramble a strong drink?
It is a medium-strength cocktail, typically around 20-22% ABV, which is considerably stronger than most beers. Drink responsibly.
Can I make a Gin Bramble without Creme de Mure?
While the creme de mure is defining, you can muddle fresh blackberries with a little sugar for a similar berry flavor. It will not be exactly the same.
How do you serve a Gin Bramble?
It is traditionally served in an Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice, with the creme de mure gently floated on top.
What's the difference between a Gin Bramble and a Gin Sour?
A Gin Sour is gin, lemon, and simple syrup. The Gin Bramble adds creme de mure as a float, giving it a distinct blackberry flavor and visual appeal.
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