The Wibble Cocktail Recipe

The Wibble cocktail is a modern classic born in London during the 1990s, created by legendary bartender Dick Bradsell, the mastermind behind iconic drinks like the Bramble and Espresso Martini. Commissioned by Plymouth Gin to craft a new recipe, Bradsell blended gin, sloe gin, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, crème de mûre, and sugar syrup to create a cocktail that was both tart and fruity, yet balanced with rich berry notes. Its playful name, “Wibble,” reflects the whimsical nature of the drink, while its layered flavours showcase Bradsell’s genius in mixology. Today, the Wibble is celebrated worldwide as a sophisticated gin cocktail that bridges tradition with innovation, appealing to adventurous drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The Wibble is a cocktail that consists of Gin, Sloe Gin, Grapefruit Juice, Blackberry Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice an Sugar. It was created by Dick Bradsell after being challenged by the makers of Plymouth Gin.

The Wibble cocktail stands as one of Dick Bradsell’s lesser-known but highly respected creations. Developed in the 1990s, it was inspired by a challenge from Plymouth Gin to design a drink that highlighted their spirit. Bradsell responded with a recipe that combined gin and sloe gin with grapefruit and lemon juice, balanced by crème de mûre and sugar syrup. The result was a cocktail that delivered tart citrus notes alongside rich berry sweetness, making it both refreshing and complex.

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Unlike Bradsell’s more famous Bramble, the Wibble leans into grapefruit’s sharpness, giving it a distinctive edge. Its name, “Wibble,” adds a playful character, yet the drink itself is sophisticated, often garnished with a lemon twist to enhance its aromatic profile. Over time, the Wibble has earned recognition among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts as a modern gin classic, celebrated for its creativity and balance.

Today, the Wibble continues to inspire variations, with mixologists experimenting by adjusting the proportions of sloe gin or adding bitters for extra depth. Whether enjoyed in a craft cocktail bar or mixed at home, the Wibble remains a testament to Bradsell’s influence on contemporary mixology and his ability to transform simple ingredients into timeless creations.

The Wibble Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 oz of London Dry Gin

• 1 oz of Sloe Gin

• 1 oz of Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice

• ¼ of Lemon Juice

• ¼ of Creme de Mure

• 2 dashes of simple sugar syrup

• Use a lemon slice for garnish

• Ice

Assembly Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon.