I developed this recipe at that particular time of the year in New England where the weather is warmer, but only just, and it’s raining all the time. This lightly sweet, fruity cocktail is a delightful mix of gin, fresh lemon juice, and blackberry liqueur. Similar to other bright, refreshing cocktails, like the mint julep or the French martini, it makes daily sunshine seem closer than ever. It also happens to be a festive addition to your Fourth of July spread!

Why you’ll love my bramble cocktail

Straight from our recipe tester

“This was a great cocktail! It was well-balanced and not too sweet. I made one drink with muddled fresh blackberries and one drink without. The drink with muddled fresh blackberries had a lovely, vibrant color! But I actually preferred the clean flavor of the drink without muddled blackberries. I think both options are great!” —Jan, March 2026

Why you should trust me

I am an avid cocktail drinker who has been developing cocktail recipes, writing about drinks, and gleefully sampling tipples all over town for many years. I’m also a seasoned recipe developer who has worked on content for many online outlets and for cookbooks from America’s Test Kitchen, Ten Speed Press, Rebel Girls, and Clarkson Potter.

Key ingredients in a bramble cocktail

Bramble Cocktail

Serves 1

Ice, preferably crushed

2 to 3 fresh blackberries (optional)

2 ounces dry gin

1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 medium lemon)

1/2 ounce simple syrup

1/2 ounce blackberry liqueur, such as crème de mûre

1 to 2 fresh blackberries, for garnish

Lemon slice, for garnish

1. Fill a lowball or old-fashioned glass with ice.

2. If you’d like to incorporate blackberries into the cocktail, place two to three fresh blackberries in a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle with a muddler or bar spoon until the berries are crushed and release their juices.

3. Add 2 ounces dry gin, 1 ounce lemon juice, and 1/2 ounce simple syrup. Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is frosty, about 30 seconds.

4. Pour through a strainer into the glass. Drizzle 1/2 ounce blackberry liqueur over the top of the cocktail. Garnish with 1 to 2 fresh blackberries and a slice of lemon.

(Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn is a food editor for TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

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