10 Tasty Blackberry Cocktails You Won't Want to Miss

Written by
Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world.
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Colleen Graham
Updated 02/11/20

Blackberry isn't the most common fruit in the bar, though the drink recipes that feature it are pretty spectacular. Not to be confused with black raspberry, the blackberry is more tart than the sweeter raspberry. When making blackberry cocktails, you'll use crème de mûre (or another blackberry liqueur), a blackberry brandy, or the fresh berries. They're fun to explore and a unique taste you'll want to try.

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  • 01 of 10

    The Bramble Cocktail

    The Bramble Cocktail
    Kristine T Pham Photography / Moment Open / Getty Images

    A modern classic, the Bramble cocktail is probably the best-known blackberry cocktail. It's a British creation from the 1980s, and a tall and refreshing gin sour that pairs lime juice and simple syrup with your favorite gin. The blackberry comes into play via crème de mûre, a sweet-tart (and often overlooked) liqueur in which the berry shines.

  • 02 of 10

    Blackberry Malt

    The Irishman Blackberry Malt Cocktail
    Jeremy Hudson / Photodisc / Getty Images

    The blackberry malt pairs a single malt whiskey with fresh blackberries to create a delightful cocktail. That style of Irish whiskey is most often reserved for sipping straight, but it's a brilliant backdrop for the combination of blackberry and lime. Sparkling water tops the drink and transforms it into a refreshing whiskey cocktail for hot days.

  • 03 of 10

    Blackberry Sidecar

    Blackberry Sidecar Cocktail Recipe from Brockman's Gin
    Brockman's Gin

    The featured ingredient of the blackberry sidecar recipe is Brockmans Gin. It is one of the best gins you'll find to pair with any berry. The cocktail mixes the gin with fresh blackberries, lemon juice, triple sec, and plum bitters. It's a joy to drink and a fun, modern spin on the classic sidecar cocktail.

  • 04 of 10

    Blood Martini

    Blood Martini

    ​The Spruce Eats / Anfisa Strizh 

    The blood martini is a taste sensation, and you're going to fall in love with its beautiful array of flavors. While it is a fruity vodka martini, it has a more dimension than others of this style, pairing citrus vodka with ginger, grape, and blackberry. Though the combination is unusual, it's sure to grab anyone's attention.

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  • 05 of 10

    New Old-Fashioned

    New Old-Fashioned Cocktail With Woodford Reserve

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The new old-fashioned is a modern twist on a classic whiskey cocktail. Rather than an orange slice, it muddles simple syrup and bitters with a peach slice. It's finished off with a little more peach, two blackberries, and an impressive bourbon, then a splash of soda. Delightful in its simplicity, it's a perfect way to enjoy a day in the summer sun.

  • 06 of 10

    Rum Runner

    Rum Runner

    The Spruce

    When it's tiki time, the blackberry cocktail you need is the rum runner. It uses two styles of rum and a medley of fruit flavors. You'll need a banana liqueur, orange and pineapple juices, and grenadine, while the blackberry flavor comes from either brandy or liqueur. Shake it up, strain it into a tall glass with fresh ice, and you have one fantastic drink to enjoy.

  • 07 of 10

    Very Berry Red Wine Sangria

    Sangria In Glass On Table

    Thor Vermijlen / EyeEm / Getty Images

    Sangria is a perfect venue for fresh berries, and this recipe shows off the little fruits in spectacular fashion. The very berry sangria recipe uses blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries—fresh or frozen works for any of them—along with a blackberry liqueur. With a bottle each of red wine and ginger ale, it's the ultimate party punch. You will want to plan ahead because it's best when the flavor marries overnight.

  • 08 of 10

    Black Martini

    Black Martini Recipe

    The Spruce Eats

    There are several ways to make a black martini. Most use vodka and a black raspberry liqueur, such as Chambord, but one tasty and simple variation pairs gin with blackberry brandy. It's quick to mix up, not too sweet, and has a deep purple color that's as alluring as the taste.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Jelly Bean Shooter

    Jelly Bean Shot

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    While you have blackberry brandy in the bar, try it in the jelly bean shooter. If you're a fan of black jelly beans, you'll really like it. The shot is built in layers, so you'll top the brandy with sambuca and Southern Comfort by pouring each over the back of a spoon. It's a fun way to practice your layering skills and great for a party.

  • 10 of 10

    Flaming Moe

    Flaming Moe (or Homer) Mixed Drink From The Simpsons

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Fans of "The Simpsons" are likely familiar with the Flaming Moe, which made its debut back in 1991. Though the show never reveals the exact recipe, blackberry liqueur is used in the shot's accepted recipe. As the name suggests, there is fire involved, so you'll want to proceed with caution if you decide to try it out.