Towpath Blackberry Barrel Bramble Recipe

Prepare glass

Chill an old-fashioned glass or coupe by filling with ice and water, or place in the freezer for a few minutes.

Add the aged gin, blackberry puree, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, orange liqueur (if using), and bitters to a cocktail shaker.

Fill the shaker with ice (about 3/4 full). Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–18 seconds until the shaker feels very cold to the touch and the exterior frosts slightly.

Discard the ice/water from the chilled serving glass and, using a Hawthorne strainer (or fine strainer if you prefer a smoother texture), double-strain the cocktail into the glass over one large ice cube or serve up without ice, depending on preference.

If you prefer a slightly more vivid blackberry presence, spoon a small 1/4 oz (optional) of additional blackberry puree onto the top and lightly swirl with a cocktail pick to create a marbled effect.

Skewer two fresh blackberries on a cocktail pick and rest across the rim of the glass, or drop them into the drink.

Express a lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail to release oils, run it around the rim if desired, then set it on the drink or on the rim as a final aromatic garnish.