Pachinko, anyone? You know, the pinball-esque metal ball madness which is the Japanese national craze. How about a Pachinko themed cocktail with a twist? This modern classic comes by way of Fred’s Club in Soho, London, where famed bartender Dick Bradsell created it in the mid 1980’s. It’s a classic likely due to its simplicity, “delicious-ness” and perfect name: the Bramble. Bradsell was a cocktail hero of his time, so that probably didn’t hurt either. Simply combine gin, lemon, and sugar over crushed ice, then drizzle blackberry liqueur over it all and garnish with more blackberries. Yum! The Bramble doesn’t have anything to do with Pachinko, of course, but with a minor modification we can get there. Crème de cassis is similar to the technically required crème de mure, so this isn’t quit a Bramble – more of a “Ramble”, I’d say. And the Ramble does have to do with Pachinko – if you can solve the puzzle! Enjoy the original or this delicious variation for a sweet treat. Cheers!

The “Ramble”: (for a true Bramble use crème de mure)

1.5 oz gin

¾ oz fresh lemon juice

½ oz simple syrup

¾ oz crème de cassis

Shake the first three ingredients with ice or just add them to a glass of crushed ice and stir. Pour the berry liqueur over the top. Garnish with lemon and berries.

For more information about the puzzling Pachinko Box and to read the full article see:

Boxes and Booze: Jackpot!