Blackberry and Tarragon Gin Bramble Recipe 

A Gin Bramble is a modern cocktail that is perfect for sipping in late summer when fresh blackberries are easy to find.  Our version is made with fresh lemon juice, tarragon simple syrup, Chambord and Fresh Blackberries, the cocktail tastes like a cross between a Gin Sour and a Singapore sling. This Gin Bramble recipe features tarragon, a delightful addition that adds a herbaceous element which compliments the juniper flavor of the gin and helps balances the sweet and tart profile. This blackberry cocktail is slightly sweet, full of berry flavor, and is the perfect summer cocktail. 

Ingredients (and substitutes)

• Gin – a classic dry gin is going to be the best option for this cocktail.  Look for gins that have notes of citrus which will highlight the berry flavor in the cocktail. 
• Tarragon Simple Syrup – essential to sweeten the cocktail and add the tarragon flavor.  Homemade simple syrup is easy to make, the recipe for this variation is below. You could also make this with other herbs like rosemary or basil.  
• Lemon Juice – if possible use fresh lemon juice. Fresh juice has a more vibrant lemon flavor and can be slightly more acidic.  If you are using bottled lemon juice consider increasing the amount of lemon juice in your gin bramble to ensure that you get the sour tones of the drink. 
• Blackberry Liquor – traditionally a gin bramble is served with a drizzle of Crème de Mûre a French blackberry liqueur.  Crème de Mûre can be difficult to find at the liquor store, so we’ve opted to use Chambord which is a black raspberry liqueur. Both liquors are on the sweeter side and add a refreshing berry flavor to the cocktail. 
• Crushed Ice – although you could serve a gin bramble with ice cubes, we find it much more refreshing when it is served over crushed ice. Additionally, the presentation of the cocktail is much prettier when the Chambord is poured into crushed ice.  If you have pebble ice available it will work just as well as crushed ice. 
• Fresh Berries – serve with fresh blackberries or black raspberries. 

Gin Bramble variations

• Using cubed ice – reduce the amount of simple syrup slightly. 
• Want more blackberry flavor – muddle a few fresh blackberries in the bottom of the glass and serve with cubed or crushed ice
• Sparkling – try topping it off with 2-3 oz of champagne or sparkling wine.

How to make a Tarragon Gin Bramble 

1. Make Tarragon Simple Syrup: In a small pan, combine the sugar, water, and tarragon springs. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring gently until all the sugar dissolves. Simmer for one minute then remove from heat. Let sit for 15 minutes before straining simple syrup into a clean mason jar or glass bottle. Discard the tarragon springs.
2. Prepare the Glass: pack a rocks glass with crushed ice, it should be close to 3/4 full. 
3. Make the Bramble: Add the gin, lemon juice, and tarragon simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Use a cocktail strainer to pour the mixture into the glass prepared with crushed ice. 
4. Serve: Slowly drizzle the Chambord over the top of the drink, it should filter between the crushed ice creating a dark purple center to the drink.  Garnish with fresh blackberries, a lemon slice, or a lemon wheel.

Looking for a less sweet but equally beautiful gin cocktail, try our Empress Gin Martini.

Questions:

What is the best Gin to use in a Gin Bramble?

Picking the best gin for any cocktail is often a matter of personal preference.  Because this gin bramble recipe is fruit forward, look for a gin with citrus or pepper notes. These botanicals will pair well with the sweet and tart notes of a bramble cocktail. 

Who invented the Gin Bramble?

The Gin Bramble was first created by Dick Bradsell, the bartender at Fred’s Club in London’s Soho district.  Dick aimed at creating a cocktail that would be reminiscent of picking blackberries straight from the bush during his childhood on the Isle of Wight. The cocktail became known as a bramble, which is a common description for a prickly blackberry bush. 

Tarragon and Blackberry Gin Bramble Recipe

A Gin Bramble is modern cocktail that is perfect for sipping in late summer when fresh blackberries are easy to find.  Made with fresh lemon juice, tarragon simple syrup, Chambord and Fresh Blackberries, the cocktail tastes like a cross between a Gin Sour and a Singapore sling. This Gin Bramble recipe features tarragon, a delightful addition that adds a herbaceous element which compliments the juniper flavor of the gin and helps balances the sweet and tart profile.

5 from 4 votes

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails

Cuisine British

Servings 1

Calories 239 kcal

Ingredients

  

Tarragon Simple Syrup

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 2-3 springs fresh tarragon

Gin Bramble Cocktail

• 2 oz gin
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ½ oz tarragon simple syrup
• ½ oz blackberry liquor chambord or creme de mure
• Fresh blackberries
• crushed ice

Instructions

 

• Make Tarragon Simple Syrup: In a small pan, combine the sugar, water and tarragon springs. Slowly bring to a boil, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for one minute then remove from heat. Let sit for 15 minutes before straining simple syrup into a clean mason jar or glass bottle.
• Prepare the Glass: pack a rocks glass with crushed ice.
• Make the Bramble: Add the gin, lemon juice and tarragon simple syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Fine strain into the glass prepared with crushed ice.
• Serve: Slowly drizzle the Chambord or Creme de Mure over the top of the drink, to create a dramatic color separation. Garnish with fresh blackberries or a slice of lemon.

Keyword Chambord Cocktails, Gin Bramble, Gin Bramble Cocktail, Gin Cocktails, Tarragon Cocktails, Tarragon Simple Syrup