A delicious classic Bramble cocktail is the ultimate, cooling refresher in just one sip. We’re a big fan of beautiful blackberries here at Craft Gin Club - and this twist on the classic Bramble recipe really lets them shine.

Here in the UK, blackberries are in season around August through to October, but you can pick them up in supermarkets all year round. Want to pick your own? Free and fun, you can find wild ones (known as brambles) from hedgerows up and down the country during those late summer months.

A squeeze of zingy lemon works wonders with the herb, juniper, and berry notes in the gin. Bliss!

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But first, let’s go back to basics:

What exactly is a Julep?

Juleps are a family of tasty drinks traditionally involving crushed ice, sugar and a spirit or liqueur base. Fresh mint is almost certainly involved and served in a Julep cup.

The jury is still out about where the Julep was invented, but it’s thought to be in the deep south of the US in the 18th century.

Best when served totally ice-cold, it’s a good idea to keep your beloved ingredients (yes, even the alcohol) in the fridge beforehand!

Why you’re going to love this Julep….

This Mint Julep Bramble cocktail recipe really is the best of both worlds. It swaps the usual whiskey found in a Mint Julep for gin (naturally!) and also swaps the usual Crème de Mûre (blackberry liqueur) found in a classic Bramble for fresh blackberries - making it extra refreshing and berry-good indeed (ahem). Enjoy!

Mint Julep Bramble

4 blackberries
6 mint leaves
60ml gin
25ml lemon juice 
10ml simple syrup
2 dashes orange bitters
Extra mint sprig and two blackberries, to garnish 

Add the blackberries to a cocktail shaker and gently muddle them. Add the rest of the ingredients, including the mint, along with ice and shake well. Strain into a julep tin or rocks glass over crushed ice, and garnish with a mint sprig and two blackberries on a cocktail pick. Cheers!