The Bramble stands as a timeless cocktail, evoking the charm of a bygone era despite its relatively recent inception in 1984. Made by renowned mixologist Dick Bradsell, known for his creation of the Espresso Martini, this modern classic originated at Fred’s Club in London’s vibrant Soho district.
Amidst a cocktail landscape dominated by neon-hued mixers and provocative names in the 1980s, the Bramble emerged as a beacon of freshness and class. Its moniker pays homage to the blackberry bush, inspired by Bradsell’s childhood memories of picking fresh berries on the Isle of Wight.
The creation of the Bramble was spurred by Bradsell’s experimentation with creme de mure, a blackberry liqueur newly added to the bar’s inventory. Combining gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, and creme de mure, Bradsell crafted a drink reminiscent of a hybrid between a Gin Sour and a Singapore Sling. The mixture was well shaken, then delicately strained over crushed ice, balancing sweetness with tartness in perfect harmony.
Bramble Cocktail Ingredients
- Gin: 50 ml (1.7 oz)
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 25 ml (0.85 oz)
- Simple Syrup: 15 ml (0.5 oz)
- Blackberry Liqueur: 15 ml (0.5 oz)
- Crushed Ice
- Garnish: Fresh Blackberries and a Lemon Slice
Bramble Cocktail Recipe
- Prepare Glass: Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice to chill.
- Mix Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake well.
- Pour: Strain the mixture over the crushed ice in your glass.
- Layer: Carefully layer the blackberry liqueur over the cocktail by pouring it over the back of a spoon or down the glass side for a marbled effect.
- Garnish: Add fresh blackberries and a lemon slice for garnish.
The Bramble Cocktail
Bradsell’s Bramble stands as a classic in its own right since its inception in 1984. However, the creative spirit of bartenders knows no bounds, prompting experimentation with the classic recipe. While the original remains unbeatable, there are subtle ways to put a unique spin on it.
One simple tweak involves substituting the gin with an alternative base spirit such as dry pisco or grassy rhum agricole. Alternatively, adding a drizzle of Chambord raspberry liqueur or muddling a couple of berries with the ingredients can infuse the cocktail with additional flavor and color. While these variations offer nice interpretations, none quite capture the pure refreshment of Bradsell’s original creation at Fred’s Club.
This recipe stays true to the well-balanced essence of the original, paying homage to its timeless appeal. It’s perfect for enjoying during the spring and summer months when blackberries are at their peak, and with a berry on the ice adds visual flair and provides a tasty snack. Who knows, you may just discover a newfound appreciation for the classic gin cocktail.
Cheers to the Bramble, one of the best gin cocktails!
