Breakfast Martini: Combine Your Two Favourite Things

best breakfast martini recipe

The Breakfast Martini is not just a cocktail; it’s a morning ritual, a yummy blend that merges the world of spirits with the joy of a good solid breakfast.

Its unique blend of gin, orange liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and the sweetness of marmalade makes it an exquisite choice for a brunch cocktail that will kick-start your day!

Here’s how to make the best Breakfast Martini recipe.


Breakfast Martini Ingredients:

  • Gin (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): Gives a botanical base that harmonizes well with the citrus and sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Orange Liqueur (1/2 ounce / 15 ml, such as Combier): Adds a complex, citrusy depth that enhances the cocktail’s flavor profile.
  • Lemon Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, freshly squeezed): Gives a bright acidity, cutting through the sweetness and refreshing the palate.
  • Orange Marmalade (1 barspoon): The star ingredient that brings a sweet, tangy, and slightly bitter note, bridging the gap between breakfast and cocktail hour.
  • Garnish: Lemon Wheel, adding a final touch of citrus elegance and aroma.

Breakfast Martini Recipe:

  1. Prepare Ingredients:
    • Gather everything you need, adding the importance of freshly squeezed lemon juice for maximum flavor.
  2. Combine Ingredients:
    • In a cocktail shaker, add 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) of gin, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of orange liqueur, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of lemon juice, and a barspoon of orange marmalade.
    • The marmalade not only contributes to the flavor but also adds a delightful texture to the cocktail.
  3. Shake:
    • Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously. The goal is to ensure that the marmalade fully integrates with the liquid ingredients, creating a smooth mixture while chilling the cocktail.
  4. Double-Strain and Serve:
    • Double-strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass to remove any pulp or ice shards, ensuring a silky-smooth drinking experience. The double straining technique is crucial for achieving the refined texture that defines a martini.
  5. Garnish:
    • Garnish the cocktail with a lemon wheel. This simple yet elegant addition not only beautifies the drink but also enhances its aromatic profile, inviting you to dive into the refreshing flavors.

Breakfast Martini – A Perfect Start To The Day

Typically, when envisioning suitable morning beverages to accompany eggs and toast, most people’s thoughts immediately turn to the revered brunch trio: the Bloody Mary, Mimosa, and the Gin Fizz.

The Martini, however, usually doesn’t make the list, reserved instead for those nostalgic for the days of the “three Martini lunch.” That changed when London mixologist Salvatore Calabrese introduced a Martini variant that’s appropriate for any time of day, without the need to channel a 20th-century corporate mogul.

But Wait, there’s A Twist…

The twist? Orange marmalade.

Calabrese, who ordinarily preferred espresso over breakfast, conceived the Breakfast Martini following his wife’s suggestion to enjoy some toast with marmalade. Inspired, he went on to create this now-iconic drink at the Library Bar in the Lanesborough Hotel.

Despite its traditional Martini foundation and name, this cocktail diverges significantly from the typical Martini profile. It bears more resemblance to a White Lady, featuring gin, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, and some iterations even suggest adding egg white, though this isn’t part of the original formulation.

It also shares traits with another morning-themed beverage, the Corpse Reviver, which also blends gin, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, but with the additions of absinthe and an aperitif.

Select Your Own Touches

The ingredients for the cocktail are adaptable, inviting you to choose your preferred gin style or brand. While many recipes recommend Combier orange liqueur, alternatives like Cointreau or Grand Marnier are also suitable choices.

Named the Breakfast Martini, this drink isn’t limited to morning enjoyment. It’s a vibrant, juicy beverage with a hint of sweetness and balanced tartness, making it an excellent choice for a pre-dinner aperitif or a late-night treat.

For those who become aficionados, experimenting with homemade kumquat marmalade could elevate the experience even further.