The Best Bramble Cocktail Recipe
Meet your new go-to gin drink: the Bramble. It’s light, citrusy, and finishes with a slightly sweet, berry twist that makes it feel just as at home in a cocktail bar as it does in your backyard.
Think of the Bramble as the love child of a gin sour and a fruity cooler, fresh lemon, good gin, and a drizzle of rich berry liqueur. Invented in the 1980s by London bartender Dick Bradsell, the Bramble was a way to give gin lovers a cocktail that felt both modern and nostalgic. And while it might look fancy, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
What You’ll Need to Stir Up a Bramble
A great Bramble needs just a few key ingredients, and each one plays its part:
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Gin – The backbone of the drink. Go for something citrusy or floral to make it sing. Our Good George Gin range has plenty of stars to choose from.
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Fresh Lemon Juice – For that bright, zesty kick that keeps things lively.
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Crème de Mûre (Blackberry Liqueur) – This gives the Bramble its signature colour and subtle berry sweetness.
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Simple Syrup – Just enough to round out the citrus.
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Optional Garnishes – Fresh blackberries, a lemon wheel, or even a few edible flowers if you're feeling flash.
How to Make a Bramble
Shake things up literally. A Bramble comes together with a quick shake of gin, lemon juice, and syrup over ice. Pour it into a short glass, drizzle the berry liqueur over the top, and watch it trickle through like a sunset. Garnish and you’re good to go. No bar degree required.
Don’t have a shaker? A jar with a tight lid works fine. Fancy glassware? Optional. But good gin and fresh juice? Non-negotiable.
Bramble Cocktail Recipe Variations?
Once you’ve nailed the classic, try mixing it up:
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Swap Crème de Mûre for Crème de Framboise – Raspberry lovers, this one’s for you.
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Use blood orange or lime juice instead of lemon – Great for a seasonal twist.
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Make it a spritz – Top it with soda or tonic to lighten things up and stretch the session.
The Bramble is flexible, don’t be afraid to play around and find your perfect pour.
Bramble FAQs
What gin is best for a Bramble?
Go for something that leans floral or citrus-forward to match the bright and juicy vibe of the cocktail. Our Good George gins pair beautifully with the berry and citrus notes.
Can I use frozen berries?
Absolutely. If you’ve got a stash of frozen blackberries or raspberries in the freezer, chuck them in as garnish or muddle them into the mix. It’s a great way to keep the drink cold too.
Is it a sour, a spritz, or what?
It’s a bit of everything. The Bramble starts like a gin sour, finishes like a berry cooler, and if you top it with soda? You've got yourself a spritz. It's a choose-your-own-adventure in cocktail form.
Bramble Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
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50ml Good George Gin
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25ml fresh lemon juice
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10ml simple syrup
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15ml crème de mûre
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Ice
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Optional: Fresh blackberries or lemon wheel for garnish
Instructions
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Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice.
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Shake well for about 15 seconds.
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Strain into a short glass filled with crushed or cubed ice.
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Slowly drizzle crème de mûre over the top.
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Garnish with a blackberry or lemon wheel.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve in a chilled rocks glass with plenty of ice.
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Perfect for sunny afternoons, spring garden parties, or casual drinks on the deck.
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Pairs beautifully with cheese boards, light tapas, or fruity desserts.
Fresh, fun, and easy to make, the Bramble is the kind of cocktail that makes you look like a pro with barely any effort. Stock up on Good George gin, grab some lemons, and give it a go. Your taste buds will thank you.
