The dog days of summer are upon us. The solution for this sticky summer slog? The bramble cocktail. It's a concoction that usually includes blackberry and gin, but variations feature raspberry, blueberry and more. And if gin isn't your style, vodka makes a great substitution, too. With the many twists on this fruity sipper, it was hard to narrow down the list to just our top four.

The Classic Bramble

INGREDIENTS:

• 1-1/2 oz Dry Gin
• 1-1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• 1 barspoon of Crème de Violette
• Club Soda
• Mix of blueberries and raspberries

SIMPLE STEPS:

Muddle berries with Creme Yvette in a glass. Add ice and simple syrup to the muddled mix. Stir in gin and club soda. Finish by garnishing with berries and lemon wheel.

Cocktail recipe courtesy of Liquor Wire.

Jam Bramble

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz Gin
• 1 oz Lemon Juice
• 1 oz Simple Syrup
• 1 tbsp blackberry jam
• Crushed ice
• Mint for garnish

SIMPLE STEPS:

Combine gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, jam and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Pour over a glass of crushed ice and garnish with fresh mint.

Cocktail recipe courtesy of Freut Cake.

Blackberry Bramble

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 oz Gin
• 1 oz Apple Brandy
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz Simple Syrup
• blackberries

SIMPLE STEPS:

Muddle blackberries in a glass. Combine remaining ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled. Add ice to muddled blackberry mixture and pour chilled contents on top. Garnish with a couple blackberries.

Cocktail recipe courtesy of Food Republic.

Watermelon Basil Bramble

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz Gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• 2 chunks of watermelon
• 2 chopped basil leaves
• pinch of salt

SIMPLE STEPS:

Muddle the cut watermelon, basil and salt in a cocktail shaker. Add gin, lime juice and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake for 30 seconds. Pour in a fresh glass and garnish with extra basil and watermelon.

Cocktail recipe courtesy of A Spicy Perspective.