Exploring Scotland’s Bramble Cocktail

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I’ll go out on a limb and say it’s common knowledge that Scotland is known for its production of Scotch. I mean, it’s in the name!

There are 5 scotch producing areas - from the fruity whisky produced in fertile glens of Speyside to the heavily peated whiskies cultivated on the island of Islay- just ask any native - and they’ll proudly proclaim theirs is the best in the country (world)!

Again, I’ll go out on a limb and assume it’s less common knowledge that Scotland is also an avid producer of, perhaps a more universally palatable spirit- Gin.

In case you’re new here- gin is a liquor derived from the juniper berry. It rose to popularity in the UK in the 1600’s as the result of a brandy shortage due to tariffs imposed on French imports. Hey, thanks, William of Orange!

Since its utilization by monks as a medicinal aid, it has graciously elevated to the prestigious status of the National spirit of the UK. Which really makes me want to ask Alexa if the US has a National spirit? Fireball, perhaps? Anyway, I digress.

So, it’s safe to say that you’re going to find some really innovative gin cocktails throughout the UK, as well as the OG gimlet and gin martini. But, please, don’t sleep on the most popular gin cocktail in Scotland (well, at least Edinburgh), the Bramble! Even though this particular drink was created in London, it seems to have migrated to Scotland and found a very comfortable spot in the limelight. It’s known as a ‘summer’ drink - perhaps due to the seasonal availability of one of the star ingredients- fresh blackberries. But for this girl, I’m imbibing year round!

So my mission (and yes, I chose to accept) was to spend a good portion of my 4 days in Edinburgh sampling Brambles. From bougie variations in hotel bars to more traditional versions in local watering holes, the clear favorite was the original Bramble at - wait for it… the Bramble Bar! I can say this with confidence after having taste tested 4 of them.

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Named One of the World’s 50 Best restaurants, you’re likely to walk right by this sub-terranean bar located inconspicuously below a dry cleaner! A small, barely visible gold plaque is the only marker on Queen Street to identify this gem. That being said, on a Sunday afternoon it was packed with locals and tourists like. I guess IYKYK!

My partner and I cozied up in a candlelit corner, enjoyed this simply delicious 3 ingredient cocktail (gin, lemon and blackberries) and exchanged knowing glances (and likely an eyeroll or two) as we eavesdropped on animated conversation at the table of 20 something’s having a girls day out.

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In conclusion, whether you’re someone whose travel style is evocative of a forced march to all of the popular tourist sites in a city (you know who you are) or someone who prefers to ‘live like a local’, do yourself a favor, take an afternoon, hit Queen Street and enjoy a Bramble (or 4)!

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-Tracy Thomas

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