This floral, fruity Strawberry Rose Bramble Cocktail uses fresh strawberries and comes together in minutes for a vibrant pink drink that tastes like spring. Bright, simple ingredients make it a go-to cocktail for summer evenings, parties, or holiday gatherings.
Originally published February 13, 2023; updated April 19, 2024.
If you enjoy floral, fruit-forward drinks, this Rose Cocktail is a delightful option. It combines gin, homemade rose simple syrup, fresh strawberries, and lemon juice. The rose syrup brings floral sweetness that complements the botanical notes of a quality London Dry gin, while lemon adds a bright, tart balance. A traditional bramble uses blackberries, but this strawberry variation is a fresh, seasonal twist using muddled berries.
The cocktail is quick and approachable, even for a novice. It’s perfect for serving at gatherings when strawberries are in season. To make a nonalcoholic version, substitute sparkling water for the gin. If you want more strawberry recipes, try any favorite fruit desserts or chilled treats.
Ingredients
Strawberries: Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor. Look for deep red color and a sweet aroma.
Rose Simple Syrup: Rose syrup adds a fragrant floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with gin. Make an easy rose simple syrup with rose water and sugar, or use a good-quality premade rose syrup if you prefer.
London Dry Gin: A juniper-forward London Dry Gin works best in this drink. Choose a gin you enjoy; botanical and citrus notes complement the rose syrup and fruit.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the cocktail and balances sweetness with tartness.
How to Make Strawberry Rose Bramble Cocktail
- Make the rose simple syrup. Prepare the syrup in advance if desired and refrigerate leftovers for future drinks.
- Muddle the berries. Place two trimmed large strawberries in each cocktail glass and muddle until most juice is released and pieces don’t clump.
- Add ice. Fill each glass with about 1/2 cup cubed or crushed ice over the muddled berries.
- Shake the remaining ingredients. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and rose simple syrup. Shake well and strain or pour over the muddled berries and ice.
- Garnish and serve. Top with sliced strawberries, a lemon slice, or crushed dried rose petals for an elegant finish.
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Choose a gin you like. The gin’s flavor shapes the cocktail—use a quality London Dry gin with pleasant botanical notes.
- Use ripe berries. Deeply colored, fragrant strawberries provide better flavor and are easier to muddle.
- Muddle thoroughly. Mash the berries well to release maximum juice and natural sweetness.
- Swap ice for frozen fruit. For a stronger fruit taste, use frozen strawberry slices in place of ice so you don’t dilute the drink.
Recipe Variations
Experiment with seasonal fruits or make it alcohol-free. Here are a few ideas:
- Peach Gin Rose Bramble: Replace strawberries with ripe peach slices; quarter the peach before muddling and garnish with lemon.
- Mixed Berry Bramble: Muddle a mix of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries for a colorful, tangy cocktail.
- Lime Rose Cocktail: Use fresh lime juice instead of lemon and garnish with a lime wedge and mint.
- Strawberry Rose Mocktail: Omit the gin, shake lemon juice with rose syrup, pour over muddled berries, and top with sparkling or still water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this floral, refreshing cocktail whenever you want a bright, seasonal drink.
- Garnish with mint, lemon, rose petals, or fresh strawberries for a pretty presentation.
- Offer a skewer of mixed seasonal berries during cocktail hour for guests to enjoy alongside the drink.
- Rim glasses with sugar for extra sweetness when serving with desserts.
- Provide lime or lemon wedges so guests can add extra citrus if they like.
Storage Directions
This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately. The rose simple syrup can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rose syrup is versatile—use extra to flavor tea, sparkling water, or other cocktails. It adds a floral note to drinks and can be used in cold or warm beverages for a fragrant twist.
A classic Bramble typically contains London Dry gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and crème de mûre (blackberry liqueur), garnished with blackberries. This recipe swaps muddled strawberries and rose syrup for a fruit-forward floral variation.
Yes—strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, or mixed fruit all work well. Muddled fresh fruit adds color, texture, and natural sweetness to the cocktail.
More Fruity Drink Recipes
- Pomegranate Margarita
- Apple Cider Nutmeg Mocktail
- Pomegranate Aperol Spritz
- Winter Sunrise Hibiscus Whiskey Cocktail
- Mezcal Watermelon Margarita
Strawberry Rose Bramble Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 4 oz London Dry Gin (such as Hayman’s Royal Dock)
- 2 oz fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 oz rose simple syrup
- 4 fresh strawberries, trimmed and tops removed
- Dried rose petals for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Muddle two trimmed large strawberries in the bottom of each cocktail glass until most of the juice is released and the pieces don’t clump together.
- Top the muddled berries with about 1/2 cup of cubed or crushed ice per glass.
- Combine gin, lemon juice, and rose simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with cubed ice. Shake well, then divide the mixture between the prepared glasses.
- Garnish with sliced strawberries, a lemon slice, or crushed dried rose petals and serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Best served right away. Rose simple syrup can be stored in an airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.
Pro Tips:
- Use a gin whose flavor you enjoy.
- Pick ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor and easier muddling.
- Muddle thoroughly to release more juice and sweetness.
- For extra fruit intensity, use frozen strawberries in place of ice.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 16 g |
Protein: 0.3 g |
Fat: 0.2 g |
Sugar: 14 g |
Vitamin C: 25 mg