Sip Into Summer: The Blackberry Basil Bramble
When the days grow longer and the air carries the scent of blooming herbs and ripe fruit, there’s no better time to lean into something refreshing, vibrant, and just a touch unexpected. Meet your new favorite summer cocktail: the Blackberry Basil Bramble.
This herbaceous, fruit-forward sipper is everything we love about warm weather in a glass. It’s refreshingly bright, delightfully complex, and effortlessly elegant. It's the kind of drink to pour when you're basking on the porch, entertaining friends , or simply looking to elevate an ordinary afternoon.
At the heart of this cocktail is a spoonful of Shiraz Blackberry Basil Jelly — a lush, wine-infused preserve that brings deep berry flavor and herbal complexity to the mix. Add a splash of gin (we love Berkshire Mountain Distillers’ Ethereal Gin for its botanical notes), a bit of fresh lemon juice, and a top-off of sparkling water, and you’ve got a drink that’s brambly, bubbly, and absolutely unforgettable.
🍹 Blackberry Basil Bramble Recipe
What You Need:
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1 oz (or 2 tbsp) Shiraz Blackberry Basil Jelly
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1 oz gin of choice (Ethereal Gin recommended)
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2 oz sparkling water, seltzer, or club soda
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½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
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Garnish: slice of lemon and a sprig of basil
How to Make It:
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Add 2 tablespoons of the jelly and 1 oz of gin to a cocktail shaker. Shake to blend.
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Add another shot of gin, 2 oz of sparkling water, and ½ oz lemon juice. Toss in a few ice cubes and shake again.
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Strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon slice and fresh basil.
Why We Love It
This cocktail is more than just a pretty pour — it’s a layered celebration of the season. The deep berry notes of the Shiraz wine jelly mingle beautifully with the herbal kick of basil, while the citrus adds lift and sparkle. It’s refreshing without being too sweet, and playful enough to pair with anything from summer salads to grilled skewers.
Bonus: Make It a Mocktail
Eliminating the gin transforms this into a bright, fruity mocktail perfect for brunches, baby showers, or any gathering where a no-alcohol option is welcome. Just double the jelly, lemon juice, and seltzer for a beautifully balanced sip.
Whether you’re serving it from a pitcher at a backyard bash or savoring one solo on a sun-drenched afternoon, the Blackberry Basil Bramble is destined to become your go-to drink of the season.
Cheers to long days, warm nights, and berry good company.
Find the Shiraz Blackberry Basil Jelly at berkshirewinejelly.com