Brambleberry Sour

A traditional Brambleberry Sour combines gin, crème de mûre, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The result is tart and berry-forward, with the lemon balancing the sweetness of the blackberry liqueur.

Yes, it is traditionally served over crushed ice, giving it the look and texture associated with a Bramble-style drink. The ice also gradually softens the sharpness of the lemon and gin.

Crème de mûre is a sweet blackberry liqueur that supplies the drink’s dark berry flavor and color. It is different from crème de cassis, which is made from blackcurrants rather than blackberries.

A London Dry gin gives the cocktail a clear juniper backbone that stands up to lemon and blackberry. A more floral gin can produce a softer result, but the recipe still needs enough gin character to avoid tasting like fruit syrup.