Looking for a drink to make this weekend to impress your friends? Look no further than The Bramble. We spoke to Bombay Sapphire's Senior Ambassador Sam Carter who told us all about it.
What is a Bramble?
The Bombay Sapphire Bramble is a relatively modern cocktail created in the mid 1980's in Soho, London by legendary cocktail bartender, Dick Bradsell which I am certain will definitely stand the test of time. It's simplistic, uses readily available ingredients, is expertly balanced and consists of Bombay Sapphire gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar served in a tumbler glass with loads of crushed ice then delightfully 'laced' with Crème de Mure (blackberry liqueur) or Chambord liqueur. It creates a moorish, fruity and some would even say, sexy/sassy tipple perfect for any moment in the day or night. As the crushed ice melts, it develops the drink even more.
What does it say about you if you order one?
It says you are a 'girl about town in the know'. You've done your research (ie drunk in all the best bars around the world) and have settled on what you enjoy and essentially makes you happy. You love a well made, well balanced cocktail and also enjoy watching the said cocktail being made. Quality is paramount to you and you love to share your wisdom with others. The bartender will think... 'Good Choice, I might well have one of those after work tonight too!'
What sort of place serves them?
Any bar worth their salt! From top-end fancy hotel bars like The Savoy, Artesian Bar at The Langham or The Connaught through great high volume bars like the Portobello Star on the Portobello Road, Paramount near Tottenham Court Road, El Camion in Soho, and who could forget the LCC group of bars (London Cocktail Club). Those guys love to make a great Bramble when asked. Classically trained bartenders of the last 20 years or so understand the importance of great, crowd pleasing drinks and the Bramble is no exception.
What sort of situation should you drink them in?
Imbibed as a pre-dinner drink amongst friends is great but the Bramble is a perfect cocktail for after dinner. It's a little like a sumptuous luxurious dessert if made well. Also, try making them at home for friends and family to enjoy alongside a BBQ. It's fast becoming that BBQ time of year again so indulge. There's that bit of theatre to making a Bramble so perfect to perfect outside alongside a well made BBQ spread.
Sorry, this crème de mure of black raspberry liqueur business, what's that then?
Crème de Mure is a French devised blackberry liqueur very much like Crème de Cassis (but using blackberry as the fruit instead of blackcurrant) and Chambord, being slightly more complex and less one-dimensional is made from raspberries, blackberries, black raspberries, Cognac, vanilla and special secret herbs. The double maceration process they use really sets this liqueur apart from the others. Both liqueurs are widely available in bars right access the world so ask your server next time you are in bar. By the way, they also work tremendously well as a Kir or Kir Royal (ie White Wine or Champagne with a dash of Chambord).
Ingredients
50ml Bombay Sapphire
25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. juice of 1/2 lemon)
10ml Gomme sugar syrup (2:1 ratio) or 1 teaspoon caster sugar
15ml Crème de Mure (classic - blackberry liqueur) or use Chambord Liqueur (as a modern twist - with black raspberries, Cognac, vanilla and herbs)
Glassware
Large tumbler glass
Ice
Good quality dry (ie not wet!) crushed ice
Garnish
2 short straws
2 lemon slices
2 raspberries
Method
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar and Bombay Sapphire to a clean tumbler glass. Stir until mixed. Add plenty of crushed ice. Stir again. Add some more crushed ice to the top of the glass. Garnish with the straws, lemon slices and raspberries and then drizzle or 'lace' the top of the crushed ice with the Crème de Mure or Chambord liqueur - enjoy a marbled effect. Serve with a smile or enjoy responsibly.
For extra fun!
Try making the cocktail in a clean jam jar!... Pour in all the ingredients (except the Chambord) and fill with crushed ice. Replace the lid and shake!! Take the lid off and top with more crushed ice then lace the top of the ice with a drizzle of Chambord liqueur. Garnish and enjoy :-)
The Bombay Spirits Company Ltd is based at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Millin Hampshire which will be opening it's doors to the public later on this year. For more great cocktail recipes you can make at home download the Mixed Cocktail app.
Follow Jess on Twitter @jess_commons
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.