As blackberry season arrives in the UK, it’s the perfect time to introduce, or reintroduce the Bramble cocktail to your pub or bar Cocktail menu. This classic cocktail, known for its refreshing and balanced flavours, is a fantastic crowd-pleaser that can help boost your sales and set your venue apart from your competition down the road.
The Classic Bramble
The Bramble is a simple cocktail that requires just four ingredients: gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and crème de mûre (a blackberry liqueur). Garnished with blackberries, this drink offers a delightful mix of juniper-forward gin and fresh blackberry notes. It’s a favourite in my Hen Party cocktail masterclasses and is sure to impress your patrons.
50ml Gin - Juniper forward
25ml ODK Lemon Juice
15ml Sugar
15ml Blackberry Liqueur
Quick and Easy Variations
For those busy nights, you may consider the three-ingredient hack. By swapping out the sugar syrup and crème de mûre for blackberry syrup, you can speed up the preparation without compromising on taste. This quick fix maintains the essence of the Bramble and ensures a consistent flavour profile.
50ml Gin - Juniper forward
25ml ODK Lemon Juice
15ml Monin Blackberry Sugar
Adding a Unique Twist
To make your Bramble stand out, try the Honey Bramble variation. Adding honey bitters not only enhances the cocktail’s flavour but also allows you to charge a premium price. This simple addition can transform the drink and make it a signature offering at your venue.
50ml Gin - Juniper forward
25ml ODK Lemon Juice
15ml Sugar
10 drops Stillabunt Honey Bitters
15ml Blackberry Liqueur
Refreshing Long Drink Option
The Bramble Collins is another fantastic variation that simply combines the classic Bramble with soda water. This refreshing long drink can be customised with different flavoured soda waters, such as Franklin & Sons orange and ginger soda which I’ve used in this video, to create a unique and memorable experience for your customers.
50ml Gin - Juniper forward
25ml ODK Lemon Juice
15ml Sugar
15ml Blackberry Liqueur
100ml Franklin & Sons Mandarin & Ginger Soda
A Unique Presentation
Finally, consider the Rum Bramble, which uses Goldstone’s lime and ginger rum and is served in a wine glass. This variation adds a frothy layer and a distinctive presentation that will catch the eye of your patrons and make them curious to try it.
By incorporating these variations of the Bramble cocktail into your menu, you can offer your customers a range of exciting options that are easy to make and profitable.
Cheers to a successful blackberry season and elevated cocktail game at your pub or bar!