Breakfast Martini

The Breakfast Martini is an elegant and inventive cocktail that marries the botanical notes of London Dry Gin with the complex citrus character of Cointreau and orange marmalade. Fresh lemon juice provides a sharp, sour counterpoint, creating a beautifully balanced and refreshing drink. The marmalade not only adds sweetness and a hint of bitterness but also a delightful texture. It is a true modern classic that feels both familiar and entirely unique.
Breakfast Martini

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Breakfast Martini is a renowned modern classic cocktail, firmly established in the global bartending scene since its creation in the late 1990s. It is classified as an "All Day" cocktail, suitable for any time, not just the morning. It belongs to the gin sour family but is distinguished by its unique use of marmalade.

Serving

This cocktail is served "straight up" (without ice) in a chilled Martini or Coupe glass, which enhances its aromas and crisp, cold temperature. It's a moderately strong drink with a refined presentation.
Serving size
Approximately 100 ml / 3.5 oz
Alcohol content
~22-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini or Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Breakfast Martini was created in 1997 by the legendary bartender Salvatore Calabrese at the Library Bar of the Lanesborough Hotel in London. The inspiration struck him one morning when his English wife, Sue, insisted he have some toast with marmalade for breakfast. The taste of the marmalade sparked the idea of incorporating it into a cocktail, and after some experimentation, this iconic drink was born.
Origin
London, England, 1997. Created by Salvatore Calabrese.

Breakfast Martini

The cocktail is almost exclusively known as the Breakfast Martini, a name coined by its creator. While some might refer to it as a Marmalade Martini due to its key ingredient, this is not its common or official name. The original name is a whimsical reference to its breakfast-inspired components.
Original name
Breakfast Martini
Alternative name
Marmalade Martini

Characteristics overview

The drink presents a beautiful hazy orange hue, with a prominent aroma of citrus and juniper. The flavor is a masterful balance of sweet and sour, with a distinct bitter edge from the marmalade peel, leading to a smooth, clean finish.
Flavor
Citrusy, orange, sweet, tangy, slightly bitter, juniper
Aroma
Orange zest, juniper, fresh citrus
Taste balance
Sweet, sour, bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, zesty, bittersweet, lingering orange
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, pale golden-orange
Texture
Smooth, slightly viscous
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is led by a bright fruitiness and a perfect equilibrium between sweet and sour, accented by a subtle bitterness. It is a still, non-creamy cocktail with a moderate alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe calls for four key ingredients: a base of London Dry Gin, Cointreau for sweet orange notes, fresh lemon juice for acidity, and the star ingredient, fine cut orange marmalade.
  • London Dry Gin50 ml / 1.75 oz
    A quality gin with a good juniper backbone works best.
  • Cointreau15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Triple sec can be substituted, but Cointreau is preferred.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Fine Cut Orange Marmalade1 bar spoon
    A high-quality, fine-cut marmalade is crucial. Seville orange is classic.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measurement and both a Hawthorne and a fine strainer. The fine strainer is essential for achieving a smooth texture by catching the small pieces of peel from the marmalade.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting
  • Jigger for accurate measuring
  • Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker
  • Fine strainer (or tea strainer) for removing marmalade bits

Instructions

The method involves shaking all ingredients with ice to chill, dilute, and dissolve the marmalade. Double straining is a key step to ensure a silky-smooth texture, free from any bits of marmalade peel.
1. Chill your Martini or Coupe glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice and water.
2. Add the bar spoon of orange marmalade to your cocktail shaker.
3. Add the gin, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with cubed ice until it is about two-thirds full.
5. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty cold.
6. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
7. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass.
8. Garnish with a fresh orange twist.

Garnishing

The standard garnish is a fresh orange twist, which complements the drink's aroma. For a whimsical touch true to its origin, a tiny piece of toast can be served on the rim as a nod to the cocktail's breakfast inspiration.
  • Orange Twist - express the oils over the drink and drop it in
  • Miniature Toast - a small triangle of toast placed on the rim of the glass

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten (as distilled spirits are considered gluten-free). It is also vegan and vegetarian, containing no animal products.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugars in the liqueur and marmalade. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low for a cocktail of this style.
Calories
Approximately 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

Despite its name, the Breakfast Martini is a versatile cocktail suitable for many occasions, not just the morning. It serves as an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal or as a sophisticated choice for a brunch gathering. Its unique flavor profile also makes it a talking point at cocktail parties.
  • Brunch
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party

Pairing suggestions

The Breakfast Martini pairs wonderfully with classic brunch items. Its citrus-forward profile cuts through the richness of pastries, scones, and buttery dishes like eggs benedict. It can also complement a light charcuterie board or simple canapés.
  • Scones with clotted cream and jam
  • Light brunch fare like eggs benedict
  • Croissants and pastries

The Breakfast Martini: A Toast to Modern Mixology

The Breakfast Martini is a testament to creative bartending, transforming a simple breakfast staple into a world-class cocktail. Its genius lies in the perfect balance of botanical gin, sweet orange liqueur, tart lemon, and the complex bittersweet character of marmalade. Created by Salvatore Calabrese in 1997, it quickly became a modern classic, beloved for its sophisticated yet approachable flavor. It's a versatile drink that challenges its own name, proving to be a delightful choice for any time of day.