Name: Bramble Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 5-6 fresh blackberries OR 1 tbsp creme de mure; 50ml gin; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp simple syrup (see notes for how to make); 2-3 handfuls crushed ice; 1-2 fresh blackberries; slice of lemon

Question 1

What is it?

Accepted Answer

The bramble is a British cocktail which was invented in 1984 in London (home to another favourite British cocktail, the Porn Star Martini). The idea behind the bramble was to make a cocktail that was reflective of Britain. This is where the use of blackberries comes in, as they are a fruit found growing in abundance in the UK. Bramble is actually the name of the bush that blackberries grow on. 

The cocktail is traditionally made with gin and blackberry liquor such as creme de mure. Simple syrup is added for a little extra sweetness and also lemon juice to add an extra sour depth to the flavour.

Question 2

Can you make a bramble without creme de mure?

Accepted Answer

Creme de mure is a blackberry liquor that is traditional in this recipe. However, you can easily substitute creme de mure in a bramble for some fresh blackberries with a dash of gin, muddled together until you have a lumpy liquid puree. 

I actually make this without creme de mure as standard as it is difficult to find where I am. Plus a lot of people might find that they buy it for this recipe and it goes unused the rest of the time. I also actually prefer the look of the mashed berries and the extra fruit taste.

Question 3

How do you make the crushed ice?

Accepted Answer

Crushed ice is a must for this recipe. It helps to dilute the drink (which is quite strong). You can use shaved ice, if you have an ice shaver, but if not you can make crushed ice relatively easily.

Place cubes of ice in a (clean) kitchen towel and wrap it up so you have a handle with the edges. Hit the towel repeatedly against a hard worksurface until the ice has smashed up into smaller pieces.

Question 4

What equipment do I need?

Accepted Answer

To make a bramble cocktail you need very little equipment, making it perfect to mix at home. You'll need:
•	Cocktail shaker - if you don't have one you can get creative with a coffee flask, mason jar (with lid) or even a sports bottle. 
•	Drink muddler - you can use the end of a rolling pin or the back of a wooden spoon instead
•	Small tumblers - traditionally an old fashioned glass is used, but you can use any small drink glass you have

Bramble Cocktail

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition