The Gin Bramble is a variation on “The Sour” and is probably one of the most useful cocktail recipes to know. The only difference with the Bramble is the addition of Blackberry Liqueur or else also known as Crème de Mûre poured over the gin sour to create a pretty effect.
I have made my own Blackberry Liqueur for this cocktail because for one, it works out so much cheaper than buying a bottle of Crème de Mûre and two, although it is far more than what I need, I know it will last indefinitely if stored in a sterilised bottle. If you want to make your own Simple Syrup, you can find it in one of my previous posts here.
I did not stick to any rules when I made this cocktail, the basics are there – gin, lemon juice and simple syrup over crushed ice. At this stage you would add the blackberry liqueur, garnish and you’re done. I topped up my glasses with Henry Thomas Cherry Blossom tonic and then added the Blackberry liqueur. It is all about personal taste and I would recommend you make one of each and see which you prefer.
Just remember that almost everything can be made in advance, specially the Blackberry Liqueur which will make it so much simpler to throw together this cocktail.
Cheers!!!!
You’ll need
- • For the blackberry liqueur
- 400g x frozen blackberries, thawed at room temperature (if using fresh, use 250g)
- 1 cup x vodka, good quality
- ½ cup x good quality Port or fortified wine
- 100 - 200ml x simple syrup, or to taste
- Slice of lemon peel, about 6cm will do.
- • For the bramble cocktail
- 100 ml x pink gin or gin of your choice
- 50 ml x fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp x simple syrup or to taste
- 2 Tbsp x blackberry liqueur
- 200ml x Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom tonic or a tonic of your choice
- Fresh blackberries to garnish
- Crushed ice
Method
- To make the blackberry liqueur, place the blackberries in a large mason jar with the vodka and bash into a pulp.
- Add the Port or Fortified wine and lemon peel and shake.
- Leave it for 2-4 days in a dark place. Shake it once a day.
- Pour the mix through a mesh strainer lined with muslin cloth and press with the back of a spoon to get the last drops from the blackberries.
- Add simple syrup to taste. You will want a liquor that have different layers of sweet, tart, bold and rich.
- Pour into a sterilised bottle and store in cool, dark place. It can be enjoyed immediately, but will keep almost indefinitely.
- To make the Bramble cocktail, fill two rock glasses with crushed ice.
- Put all the ingredients except for the Blackberry liqueur and tonic into a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake hard until cold and strain into the glasses.
- Drizzle 1 x Tbsp Blackberry liqueur over each glass – it will stain your cocktail a beautiful colour – and garnish with fresh blackberries.