Bombay Bramble Cocktail Recipe
Bombay Bramble Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:30%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Bombay Bramble is a modern classic cocktail, created in the 1980s by Dick Bradsell at Fred's Club in London. It's a twist on the classic gin sour, the Bramble, using Bombay Sapphire gin as the base spirit. The cocktail is named after the blackberry (bramble) liqueur that gives it its distinctive color and flavor. It's a favorite among gin lovers and those who enjoy fruity, refreshing cocktails.
How Bombay Bramble Tastes?
The Bombay Bramble is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The gin provides a smooth, botanical base, while the blackberry liqueur adds a fruity sweetness. The lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing sourness, while the simple syrup balances everything out.
Interesting facts about Bombay Bramble
- The Bombay Bramble is a variation of the classic Bramble cocktail, which was also created by Dick Bradsell.
- The cocktail is named after the blackberry (bramble) liqueur used in it.
- Despite its fruity flavor, the Bombay Bramble is a strong cocktail, thanks to the gin base.
Ingredients
- Bombay sapphire gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Blackberry liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
A few good options for Bombay Bramble are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Bombay Sapphire Gin
The star of the show, Bombay Sapphire Gin, brings a symphony of 10 botanicals to the glass. At 2 oz, it's the perfect amount to let the gin's juniper and citrus notes sing without getting overpowered by the mixers. Go light, and you might as well be sipping on a berry lemonade; go heavy, and it's a juniper slap in the face. No gin? Sub it with vodka and it becomes a less complex, yet still enjoyable, Bramble.
Mary Mitkina
Blackberry Liqueur
Blackberry Liqueur is the dress that makes the cocktail look fabulous at the party. This 1 oz dollop adds a rich, fruity sweetness which dances beautifully with gin's botanicals. Skip it, and you're missing out on the 'bramble' part of this walk in the gin garden. Swap with raspberry liqueur if you fancy a slightly sharper, equally delicious walk.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Lemon Juice at 1 oz adds the zesty zing needed to cut through the sweet and botanical flavors. Like the best supporting actor, it uplifts the entire drink. Less juice, and the sweetness may get too bold; more, and you'll pucker up more than you'd planned. Forget the artificial stuff; fresh is the secret to the cocktail's charm.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
Half an ounce of Simple Syrup is just enough to round out the cocktail's edges without turning it into a sugar bomb. It's the peacemaker that calls a truce between sweet and sour. Miss it out, and the pucker-factor skyrockets. Swap with honey syrup if you want an earthier sweetness and a touch of elegance.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Bombay Bramble Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, blackberry liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish with a blackberry and a slice of lemon.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- If you don't have blackberry liqueur, muddle fresh blackberries in the bottom of the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to taste. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, reduce the amount of syrup.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Cheeseboard: A classic cheeseboard with sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda can complement the botanicals in the gin and the tartness of the lemon.
- Seafood Dishes: Light seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or a lemony seafood ceviche will balance nicely with the fruity and fresh notes of the cocktail.
- Dessert: Opt for fruit-based desserts like lemon tart or blackberry sorbet to echo the fruity flavor profile of the Bombay Bramble.
Drink Pairings
- Champagne: For a bubbly prelude, champagne can clear the palate and prepare your taste buds for this gin-based delight.
- Craft Beer: A crisp pilsner or a hoppy IPA can stand up to the strength of the cocktail while refreshing the palate between sips.
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What you could change in Bombay Bramble
- Gin: Any other gin can be used if Bombay Sapphire is not available.
- Blackberry Liqueur: You can use raspberry liqueur or make a homemade blackberry syrup.
- Simple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute.
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Bramble Sparkle
Add 1 oz of prosecco to the cocktail after you pour it into the glass. It gives your Bombay Bramble a bubbly lift, making it perfect for celebrations. The prosecco's dryness also cuts the sweetness, adding a luxurious sparkle to your sip.
Berry Mint Bramble
Muddle a few fresh mint leaves before adding the other ingredients into the shaker. The mint will introduce a refreshing green note that makes the drink even more invigorating. It's like a botanical garden in a glass!
Spicy Bramble
Include a slice of jalapeño or add a few drops of hot sauce to the cocktail before shaking. The subtle heat will add an unexpected twist that plays well against the sweet and sour components of the original recipe. This one's for those who like a walk on the wild side – with a berry-infused fire extinguisher on stand-by.
In case you forgot basics how to make Bombay Bramble
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Bombay Bramble
What's the significance of the cocktail's name 'Bombay Bramble'?
The name consists of its main ingredient, 'Bombay Sapphire Gin', and 'bramble' refers to blackberry liqueur used in the cocktail. Bramble is a name often used to describe blackberry bushes or shrubs in the genera Rubus. Basically, it's a gin-based cocktail with a blackberry twist.
How can I make this cocktail less strong?
You could tune down the quantity of gin and increase the amount of non-alcoholic ingredients such as blackberry liqueur and lemon juice. Remember to adjust the simple syrup accordingly to maintain the sweetness.
Can I use other types of berries instead of blackberry for garnishing?
Yes, you can use any other berries of your choice as garnish. It may slightly alter the look, but should not drastically change the flavor of the cocktail.
What can I serve with the Bombay Bramble cocktail?
The Bombay Bramble's fruity and refreshing taste pairs well with light appetisers and snacks like cheese and crackers, fruit skewers, or smoked salmon blinis.
Can I prepare a batch of Bombay Bramble cocktail in advance for a party?
Absolutely. You can batch all ingredients except ice and store it in the refrigerator ahead of time. When ready to serve, pour over ice, and garnish.
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