Jamie Oliver Bramble Cocktail

The Jamie Oliver Bramble Cocktail is a zesty, fizzy delight that’s as easy to make as it is to sip. This refreshing drink combines the crisp notes of gin with fresh lemon juice, sweet blackberry jam, and a splash of soda water for sparkle. I was craving something bright and light to kick off a weekend dinner and was surprised by just how quick and stylish this cocktail turned out to be. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 50 ml gin
• 2 teaspoons caster sugar syrup (see tip below)
• 15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon blackberry jam or jelly
• Ice cubes
• Soda water
• 1 blackberry (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Jamie Oliver Bramble Cocktail

Mix the Base:
Start by grabbing a small jug or cocktail shaker. Pour in the gin, sugar syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the teaspoon of blackberry jam or jelly. Give it a really good stir or shake to make sure the jam dissolves and everything combines nicely. It should look like a deep pink syrup at this point.

Prepare the Glass:
Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice cubes. If you have time, pop your glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes beforehand. A chilled glass helps the drink stay cold and refreshing longer—especially if you’re serving it on a warm day.

Build the Drink:
Pour the mixed cocktail base over the ice in your tall glass. Then, top it up with soda water. You don’t need much—just enough to give it that lovely fizz and lighten the drink. Give it a gentle stir to lift the flavors through the glass without losing the sparkle.

Garnish and Serve:
Drop a fresh or thawed blackberry on top for a simple but classy garnish. That little touch makes it feel like something you’d get at a trendy bar, right from your own kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I first tried this on a whim during a sunny Saturday afternoon, and it’s quickly become my go-to when friends pop round. It’s light but grown-up, easy to tweak for sweetness, and just looks beautiful. The splash of blackberry jam is genius—so much flavor without needing a fancy liqueur.

Recipe Tips

• Chill Your Glass First: A cold glass keeps your drink crisp longer.
• Go for Fresh Lemon Juice: It’s miles better than bottled and totally worth the squeeze.
• Choose Quality Gin: Since gin is the base, pick a bottle you actually like the taste of.
• Make Your Own Sugar Syrup: Combine 2 parts sugar with 1 part boiling water, stir until dissolved, cool and bottle—it keeps well in the fridge.
• Stir Thoroughly: Make sure the jam fully blends with the liquids before adding the soda.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Bramble Cocktail

At Room Temperature:
It’s best enjoyed immediately after making. Leaving it out will melt the ice and dilute the flavors.

In the Fridge:
Store any leftover base mixture (without ice or soda) in a sealed jar or container for up to 2 days. Shake before using.

In the Freezer:
Pour leftover mix into an ice cube tray and freeze. Use these cubes in your next drink for an easy Bramble refresh.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 74
• Carbs: 7g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fibre: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

Let’s Answer a Few Questions!

What is a Bramble Cocktail?
A Bramble is a classic British gin cocktail made with lemon juice, sugar syrup, and blackberry jam or liqueur. It’s fruity, tart, and totally refreshing.

Are Bramble Cocktails gluten-free?
Totally! All the usual ingredients—gin, lemon, sugar syrup, and jam—are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw them first if you’re using them as a garnish.

Can I use lemonade instead of soda water?
Absolutely. If you want a sweeter, more citrusy version, lemonade works great.