Bramble

The Bramble is a wonderful cocktail that builds upon the framework of the non-traditional sour.  In addition to the tried-and-true combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail is enhanced by the inclusion of the blackberry liqueur, crème de mûre — if you’ve never tasted it before, it is sweet without being cloyingly so.  In addition to its flavor, the crème de mûre creates a visually stunning color gradient as it slowly settles toward the bottom on the rocks glass with the help of crushed ice.  If you don’t readily have access to crushed ice, you can make your own by placing some ice cubes in either a lewis bag or dish towel and breaking it up with a mallet.  Top the cocktail with any remaining crushed ice, which is all the more important if you’re using precious clear ice!  Though it is not traditional, there’s nothing wrong with using crème de cassis (black currant liqueur) as a substitute for crème de mûre.  Lastly, don’t forget to garnish your Bramble with a lemon wedge and a blackberry.  But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it for yourself!

Bramble

In your shaker, combine the simple syrup, lemon juice, and gin.

• 0.5 oz of Simple Syrup

• 0.75 oz of Lemon Juice

• 2 oz of Gin

• 0.5 oz of Crème de Mûre (to top)

Add a small amount of crushed ice to your shaker and shake it until it develops a frost.  Pour the contents (including the ice) into your double rocks glass and top with additional crushed ice and crème de mûre.  Garnish with a lemon wedge and blackberry.