Take the bramble, traditionally made with gin, and swap in whiskey instead, and you have a rambler! This blackberry rambler features Crown Royal blackberry whiskey for bold fruity taste and a smooth finish. It’s a refreshing cocktail option that’s perfect for Spring and Summer!
A rambler in and of itself is akin to a Blackberry Smash, but without the mint. In this case, I’m also adding orange flavors as well, which gives it a less tart and more overall citrusy flavor.
If you’ve ever had a bramble cocktail, it’s the same base drink, but the rambler uses whiskey (or sometimes bourbon) in place of the traditional gin in a bramble.
Since I’m making a blackberry rambler, my choice for whiskey is the seasonal Crown Royal blackberry, since it reinforces the blackberry flavor of the drink while providing a smooth whiskey base.
Of course, there are other options you can use as well if you can’t get your hands on this limited edition whiskey, so I’ll give you the alternatives too!
If you were lucky enough to find a bottle and want to try more cocktails, then take a look at my list of Blackberry Crown Royal Recipes!
Blackberry Rambler Ingredients
2 ounces Crown Royal blackberry whiskey
1 ½ ounces fresh orange juice
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
3 fresh blackberries
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can also use another brand of blackberry flavored whiskey, bourbon, or moonshine if you cannot find Crown Royal blackberry
Alternatively, use 1 ½ ounces of regular bourbon or whiskey and add ½ ounce of blackberry schnapps, creme de mure, or another blackberry flavored liqueur
Instead of orange juice (or to enhance the flavor), you can use a few dashes of orange bitters. For a stronger drink, use ½ ounce Cointreau or triple sec
You can substitute maple syrup, honey, or agave for the simple syrup if preferred
Herb variation: while not usually traditional in a bramble, you can add 2-3 mint, basil, or sage leaves in with the berries when mudding for an herbal twist
Step By Step Instructions
Add the fresh blackberries and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar if you don’t have a shaker)
Use a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon to muddle the berries until they are mashed and juiced
Add the Crown blackberry whiskey, orange juice, and simple syrup to the shaker, along with a couple ice cubes (you could also use the orange juice later to top off the glass for a swirl effect)
Shake for 20-30 seconds, until well chilled, then strain into a whiskey glass (or similar lowball glass) filled with ice (large cubes or crushed)
Garnish with a fresh blackberry, slice or orange or lemon, or a sprig of mint if desired, and enjoy!
A blackberry rambler is a delightful mixed drink that combines fresh blackberries, lemon juice, simple syrup, and bourbon or whiskey.
Orange juice and/or bitters are a common addition, as well as fresh herbs such as mint or basil.
How Do You Make a Blackberry Rambler Cocktail?
To make a blackberry rambler, muddle fresh blackberries in a cocktail shaker. Add bourbon or whiskey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice, shake well, and strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with additional blackberries and mint leaves if desired.
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries for a Blackberry Rambler Cocktail?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries for a blackberry rambler cocktail. Simply thaw the blackberries before muddling them in the cocktail shaker.
Frozen blackberries will still impart delicious flavor and color to the drink, and the texture difference will be negligible due to the muddling process.
What Type of Whiskey or Bourbon Should I Use for a Blackberry Rambler Cocktail?
The choice of whiskey or bourbon for a blackberry rambler cocktail depends on your personal preference and flavor profile. Crown Royal blackberry whiskey is an ideal choice, as it enhances the blackberry flavor.
However, any smooth bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes complements the fruity sweetness of the blackberries, while a rye whiskey adds a spicier kick to the cocktail.
Can I Make a Blackberry Rambler Cocktail Without Alcohol?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic mocktail version of a blackberry rambler by omitting the bourbon or whiskey.
Simply muddle the blackberries with lemon or lime juice and simple syrup, then top with soda water, lemonade, or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing mocktail.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of a Blackberry Rambler Cocktail?
You can adjust the sweetness of a blackberry rambler cocktail by varying the amount of simple syrup used in the recipe. Start with a smaller amount and taste the cocktail before adding more syrup to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
This largely depends on your personal tastes, as well as the natural sweetness levels of the berries you use.
Are There Any Variations of the Blackberry Rambler Cocktail?
There are several variations of the blackberry rambler cocktail that you can explore. For example, you can add a splash of ginger beer for extra fizz, or substitute other berries like raspberries or strawberries for blackberries.
You could even infuse the whiskey with additional herbs or spices for a unique twist. Feel free to experiment and customize the cocktail to your taste preferences!
Recipe Pro Tips
You can add some frozen blackberries or some orange juice frozen into cubes instead of regular ice. This adds flavor, visual appeal, and helps with dilution as well!
Storage and Serving Tips
You can use any sort of lowball glass for this recipe, such as a whiskey glass, old fashioned glass, rocks glass, or anything similar
Due to the fresh fruit (and ice), this drink is best enjoyed fresh. However, a blackberry rambler can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator without ice. Simply stir and strain into individual glasses filled with ice for serving
This blackberry rambler is bursting with fresh berry flavor and tartness from the citrus. Crown Royal blackberry whiskey is the perfect choice for this riff on a bramble cocktail. Of course, you can also use other varieties of whiskey or bourbon to make it your own!
Blackberry flavored drinks are perfect for both Spring and Summer, and since this cocktail requires just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to throw together, you’ll love it for entertaining.
From Easter (for the adults) to those warm summer nights and backyard barbecues, get a sip of this fruity blackberry rambler for a refreshing cocktail option!
This blackberry rambler cocktail is a bramble made with whiskey. In this case, Crown Royal blackberry whiskey is the choice, to compliment the fresh berry flavor of muddled fruit.
Add the fresh blackberries and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker (or a mason jar if you don’t have a shaker)
3 Fresh blackberries, ½ Ounce fresh lemon juice
Use a muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon to muddle the berries until they are mashed and juiced
Add the Crown blackberry whiskey, orange juice, and simple syrup to the shaker, along with a couple ice cubes (you could also use the orange juice later to top off the glass for a swirl effect)
2 Ounces Crown Royal blackberry whiskey, 1 ½ Ounces fresh orange juice, ½ Ounce simple syrup
Shake for 20-30 seconds, until well chilled, then strain into a whiskey glass (or similar lowball glass) filled with ice (large cubes or crushed)
Garnish with a fresh blackberry, slice or orange or lemon, or a sprig of mint if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
You can also use another brand of blackberry flavored whiskey, bourbon, or moonshine if you cannot find Crown Royal blackberry
Alternatively, use 1 ½ ounces of regular bourbon or whiskey and add ½ ounce of blackberry schnapps, crème de mure, or another blackberry flavored liqueur
Instead of orange juice (or to enhance the flavor), you can use a few dashes of orange bitters. For a stronger drink, use ½ ounce Cointreau or triple sec
You can substitute maple syrup, honey, or agave for the simple syrup if preferred
Herb variation: while not usually traditional in a bramble, you can add 2-3 mint, basil, or sage leaves in with the berries when mudding for an herbal twist
You can use any sort of lowball glass for this recipe, such as a whiskey glass, old fashioned glass, rocks glass, or anything similar
Due to the fresh fruit (and ice), this drink is best enjoyed fresh. However, a blackberry rambler can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator without ice. Simply stir and strain into individual glasses filled with ice for serving
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any garnishes added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
