The Bramble Recipe
Gin, Elderflower, Rosemary Infused Dragonberry Syrup, Fresh Lemon
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Elderflower & Rosemary Dragonberry Syrup (makes ~10 oz)
Tools & Ice
Method
Elderflower & Rosemary Dragonberry Syrup
Combine and heat
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved.
Add dragonberry purée
Stir in 6 oz dragonberry purée (or 4 oz dragonfruit + 2 oz blended strawberries) and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 3 minutes to marry flavors, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
Infuse with rosemary
Add 2 fresh rosemary sprigs and 1 tsp lemon zest to the pan. Remove from heat and let steep, covered, for 15–20 minutes for a pronounced herbal note. Taste after 15 minutes and steep up to 30 minutes if you want stronger rosemary.
Finish with elderflower
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids to extract liquid. While the syrup is still warm (not boiling), stir in 1 tbsp St-Germain elderflower liqueur. This adds floral lift and preserves aroma.
Cool and store
Cool the syrup to room temperature, then transfer to a clean bottle. Refrigerate — syrup will keep 10–14 days chilled. Yields about 10 oz; measure 0.75 oz per cocktail.
The Bramble — Cocktail Assembly
Prepare glass
Choose a rocks glass (or coupe for a lighter presentation). Fill the glass with crushed ice to chill. If you prefer, chill the glass first and then fill with fresh crushed ice before straining.
Shake
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz gin, 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz elderflower & rosemary dragonberry syrup. Add a handful of ice (about 4–6 large cubes). Shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until well chilled.
Strain and build
Double-strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over crushed ice. This delivers a slushy, textured Bramble base.
Float syrup
Carefully pour 0.25 oz dragonberry syrup (set aside from the batch or use extra reserved) over the top so it creates a layered 'bramble' float that sinks slightly into the crushed ice, producing visual contrast and bursts of fruit.
Optional sparkle
If desired, add a very light splash (≈0.25 oz) of dry sparkling water to lift aromatics and add effervescence. Do not stir — let the float remain visible.