History & Heritage
“Created by Dick Bradsell in 1984 at Fred's Club in Soho, London, the original Bramble became a modern classic that helped revitalize the London cocktail scene. The muddled variation emerged during the craft cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s, when bartenders began incorporating fresh, seasonal ingredients to enhance classic recipes. This evolution perfectly captures Bradsell's philosophy of using the freshest possible ingredients, taking his gin sour template and adding the vibrant complexity of fresh blackberries that inspired the original drink's creation.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Place fresh blackberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker
Gently muddle the berries to release juice and pulp (don't over-muddle)
Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker
Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until frosted
Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice, packing it firmly
Double-strain the cocktail through Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers into the glass
Top with more crushed ice to create a 'cap'
Slowly drizzle crème de mûre over the ice to create a bleeding effect
Garnish with a fresh blackberry and lemon wheel
Glassware
Served over crushed ice in a large rocks glass
Garnish
Single plump, ripe blackberry on a cocktail pick
Thick wheel, approximately ¼ inch, oils expressed
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use ripe, seasonal blackberries for the best flavor
Muddle gently—3-4 presses to avoid bitter seeds
Pack crushed ice firmly for proper texture and dilution
Pour crème de mûre slowly to achieve the signature bleeding effect
Serve immediately while the ice is still packed and cold
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Muddled Bramble.
Original Bramble
Dick Bradsell's original recipe without muddled fruit, cleaner and more spirit-forward.
Changes
Raspberry Bramble
Substitute fresh raspberries and crème de framboise for a different berry profile.
Changes
Bourbon Bramble
Replaces gin with bourbon for a richer, warmer profile with vanilla and oak notes.
Changes
Bramble Royale
Topped with Champagne for an effervescent, celebratory twist.
Changes
Winter Bramble
Incorporates warming spices like cinnamon and star anise for cold weather enjoyment.
Changes
Bramble Smash
Adds fresh mint and uses regular ice for a more approachable, smash-style preparation.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Bramble
Dick Bradsell's 1980s London creation layers dry gin, fresh citrus and rich blackberry liqueur over a mound of crushed ice for a tart, jammy refresher.
Autumn Bramble
A seasonal spin on the Bramble—gin, lemon, and blackberry with a touch of allspice for fall warmth.
Bramble Royale
A celebratory Bramble—gin, lemon, and crème de mûre topped with dry Champagne for a sparkling blackberry fizz.