Bramble Cocktail

Brambles are one of our favourite cocktails to make here on the Delish team. We love the delicious combo of citrusy lemon, sweet sugar and tart blackberries. And it goes without saying, they’re totally Instagrammable too (thanks to the drizzle of Crème de Mûre at the end, which bleeds into the cocktail for a pretty pink hue).

Why is a Bramble called a Bramble?

In short, a Bramble is called a Bramble because, well – its flavours are inspired by a bramble bush. If you want the more poetic reason, it's because the creator of the drink (Dick Bradsell) was inspired by childhood memories of scrabbling through hedgerows to pick the fruit.  

Who invented the Bramble cocktail?

The Bramble was created in 1984, by bartender Dick Bradsell. At the time, he was working at a bar in Soho named Fred's Club and wanted to come up an easy-to-drink, flavourful cocktail. 

As well as creating the bramble, he also came up with the coffee-infused cocktail we all know and love, the Espresso Martini. 

Typically, what flavour is a Bramble?

Generally, Brambles are flavoured with blackberry. 

Are brambles and blackberries the same thing?

No – brambles are the bushes that grow blackberries, and blackberries are the fruit that develop from these bushes. 

Is Crème de Mûre the same as Chambord?

Crème de Mûre is a blackberry liqueur, not too dissimilar to Crème de Cassis. Chambord too, is a blackberry liqueur but it's also made using raspberries, black raspberries, cognac, vanilla and a selection of special secret herbs. It's mainly the way both of these liqueurs are made that sets them apart.  

How do you make a Bramble?

For the optimal cocktail experience, we'd recommend using a shaker to guarantee an even mix of quality ingredients, and to ensure you cocktail is perfectly chilled. 

Can you make a non-alcoholic Bramble? 

For a boozeless version, combine 50ml soda water, 20ml fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tbsp of sugar syrup and 10ml black forest syrup (Monin has a good one). 

Twists on a Bramble

Brambles are delicious as they are, but did you know there's other variations you could make? Like adding a drop of Champers and making a Bramble Royale. Or swapping out the gin for bourbon and mixing up a Bourbon Bramble? Or even getting seasonal and making a Winter Bramble using a muddled cinnamon stick and star anise, as well as some cloudy apple juice. 

Editor's Note: This recipe was updated on 17 April 2023.