Summer Bramble

Introduction

A Summer Bramble is the ultimate warm-weather cocktail—vivid, refreshing, and bursting with ripe berry flavor. This vibrant drink blends gin, lemon, and sweet blackberry liqueur for the perfect harmony of tart and sweet, served chilled over crushed ice. It’s an irresistible choice for backyard barbecues, picnics, and any occasion where a cooling, crowd-pleasing sip is needed.

Simple to prepare and endlessly customizable, the Bramble elevates even the most casual summertime gathering. Its jewel-toned appearance and fragrant aroma make it as visually stunning as it is delicious.

What Makes the Summer Bramble a Must-Try Cocktail?

The Bramble’s appeal lies in its brilliant balance—crisp gin, tart lemons, and luscious blackberry combine for a refreshing, lightly sweet drink. The crushed ice chills the cocktail in seconds, making this a go-to choice for hot afternoons or celebratory evenings under the stars. Make it your signature summer drink and watch guests come back for refills.

Ingredients that Make the Summer Bramble Shine

While the classic recipe is beautifully simple, using fresh, juicy blackberries and high-quality gin takes the Bramble to new heights. For a modern twist, you can add raspberries or elderflower liqueur, or swap in your favorite citrus.

To ensure an extra-smooth cocktail, blend your fruit and ice using the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, which easily crushes ice to the perfect texture and mixes ingredients seamlessly.

1. 2 ounces gin
2. 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
3. 1/2 ounce simple syrup
4. 1/2 ounce crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur)
5. Blackberries and lemon slices, for garnish
6. Crushed ice

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Summer Bramble

1. Fill an Old Fashioned glass or rocks glass about three-quarters full with freshly crushed ice. Achieve a restaurant-quality texture by pulsing standard ice cubes in the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender for a few seconds.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add a scoop of ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass, pouring over the crushed ice.
4. Slowly drizzle the crème de mûre over the top. It will trickle through the ice, creating a beautiful layered effect.
5. Garnish with a few fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel or slice. For prepping your garnishes with ease, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes quick work of slicing lemons or other fruits to perfection.
6. Serve immediately, ideally with a reusable straw for the ultimate summer sipping experience. The Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, 30 oz keeps your Bramble cold for longer if you’re outdoors or on the go.

Take Your Summer Bramble Outdoors

For hassle-free entertaining, serve your Bramble on a table lined with the Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White—cleanup is quick and you can focus on celebrating. Batch the cocktail mix ahead in a large pitcher and let guests pour and garnish their own drinks.

Want to keep your outdoor refreshments stylish? The Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw, 24 oz is perfect for holding an iced Bramble on the patio, at the beach, or anywhere summer takes you.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

A standard Summer Bramble is approximately 170–200 calories per serving, with carbs primarily from the crème de mûre and simple syrup. This recipe makes 1 cocktail but can be easily scaled up—simply multiply ingredients for a larger group.

Recap: The Ultimate Summer Bramble

The Summer Bramble is a refreshing, visually stunning cocktail that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With its harmonious blend of gin, lemon, and blackberry, it’s a drink that defines summer in every sip. Whether you’re hosting a party or unwinding after a long day, the Bramble elevates any sunny moment.

1. 2 ounces gin
2. 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
3. 1/2 ounce simple syrup
4. 1/2 ounce crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur)
5. Fresh blackberries and lemon wheels, for garnish
6. Crushed ice

Instructions

1. Crush ice using the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender and fill a rocks glass three-quarters full.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup over ice. Shake well and strain into the glass.
3. Drizzle crème de mûre over the top to create a layered look.
4. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon wheel, easily prepped using a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper.
5. Enjoy with a cold-retaining tumbler like the Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, 30 oz if outdoors, and keep things tidy with a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White.

Prep and Cook Times

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: None

Total Time: 5 minutes

Cheers to your new favorite summer cocktail!