Bramble

ABV 21% / 2.5 alcoholic units

Primary spirit: Gin

A Brief History of the Bramble Cocktail

The Bramble Cocktail, despite its seemingly timeless allure, is a relatively recent creation in the world of cocktails. It was crafted by British bartender and drinks expert Dick Bradsell in the 1980s. Bradsell is well-known for his contributions to the world of mixology and is often credited with creating modern classics like the Espresso Martini.

The Bramble was designed to encapsulate the flavours of an English garden, with its prominent use of blackberries, a quintessential British summer fruit. Dick Bradsell's inventive approach to combining gin with blackberry liqueur and fresh citrus resulted in a cocktail that's become an icon in contemporary mixology.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Bramble Cocktail is celebrated for its captivating flavour profile:

• Gin: The backbone of the Bramble, gin adds a botanical complexity with notes of juniper and herbs, providing a crisp and refreshing base for the cocktail.

• Blackberry Liqueur: Blackberry liqueur, such as Crème de Mûre, brings the sweet and rich essence of blackberries, imbuing the cocktail with its vibrant berry flavour.

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice imparts a zesty and citrusy quality, balancing the drink's sweetness while adding a refreshing tang.

• Simple Syrup: A touch of simple syrup, made from sugar and water, adds subtle sweetness to harmonise the flavours and provide a smooth finish.

The result is a cocktail that's beautifully balanced, offering a taste that's simultaneously sweet and tart, with a hint of botanical depth—a perfect sip of summer.

Food Pairings

Enhance your Bramble Cocktail experience with these delectable food pairings:

• Charcuterie Platter: A charcuterie platter with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, and fresh fruits complements the cocktail's elegant character.

• Desserts: The Bramble pairs wonderfully with desserts like fruit tarts, lemon bars, or blackberry cobbler.

• Light Appetisers: Enjoy the cocktail with light appetisers such as bruschetta, finger sandwiches, or fresh salads.

• Grilled Foods: Dishes fresh off the grill, such as grilled chicken or vegetables, work harmoniously with the Bramble's refreshing qualities.

Bar Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Rocks/Old fashioned glass

Ingredients

• 50ml London Dry Gin
• 15ml Creme de Mure
• 30ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 15ml simple syrup*
• Garnish: Blackberries and half lemon wheel

Method

• Fill a rocks glass with ice
• In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup
• Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds
• Strain the mixture over the ice in the glass
• Slowly pour the creme de mure over the top of the drink
• Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel

*Simple syrup - 1 part sugar to one part water. Gently heat in a pan until sugar has dissolved and allow to cool

What's the best Gin for a Bramble?

The best gin for a Bramble Cocktail is typically a London Dry Gin. London Dry Gins are well-suited for this cocktail due to their balanced and juniper-forward flavor profiles, which complement the sweet and tart qualities of the blackberry liqueur and fresh lemon juice. Here are some recommended London Dry Gins to consider for your Bramble:

• Tanqueray: Tanqueray is a classic London Dry Gin known for its crisp and juniper-forward taste. It provides a robust and balanced base for the Bramble Cocktail.

• Beefeater: Beefeater is another iconic London Dry Gin with a clean and classic gin profile. It offers a reliable and juniper-driven character that pairs nicely with the cocktail's ingredients.

• Bombay Sapphire: Bombay Sapphire is a London Dry Gin known for its balanced botanicals, including citrus notes. Its bright and fresh qualities work well in the Bramble.

• Hendrick's Gin: While Hendrick's is not a traditional London Dry Gin, its cucumber and rose petal notes can add an intriguing twist to the Bramble, making it a unique choice for those looking to experiment.

• Gordon's: Gordon's London Dry Gin is a well-known and budget-friendly option that provides a juniper-forward profile, making it a suitable choice for a straightforward Bramble Cocktail.

When choosing a gin for your Bramble, consider your personal taste preferences. If you appreciate the classic juniper-forward character of a London Dry Gin, any of the options above will serve you well. However, don't hesitate to explore other gin styles or brands if you have a particular favorite. The key is to select a gin that you enjoy sipping on its own, as it plays a central role in defining the character of your Bramble Cocktail.