How to Make a Tasty Breakfast Martini

If you have never tried a Breakfast Martini, you are missing one of the most refreshing, citrus-forward gin cocktails that somehow manages to be both elegant and playful. As a bartender, I love this marmalade cocktail because it is versatile, easy to riff on, and always impresses guests, whether they are cocktail enthusiasts or just looking for something bright and boozy. In this post, we will look into the history, the ingredients and best gin to use for your Breakfast Martini, variations of the cocktail, and techniques to make it your own. Whether you are a seasoned bartender or a home mixologist, you will walk away with innovative ideas to make this drink your own.

A Brief History of the Breakfast Martini

The Breakfast Martini was invented in the late 1990s by Salvatore Calabrese, a legendary bartender known as “The Maestro.” The story goes that he was having breakfast with his wife when she was spreading marmalade on toast, and, in a stroke of genius – he thought, “Why not put this in a cocktail?”

And just like that, the Breakfast Martini was born.

Fun Facts You Can Share with Guests

• It was originally called the “Marmalade Cocktail” before rebranding to the more enticing “Breakfast Martini.”
• The drink helped popularize the use of fruit preserves in cocktails, paving the way for modern jam-based drinks.
• Despite its name, it is not just for breakfast, though I won’t judge if you have one at brunch.

The ingredients: What Makes a Breakfast Martini Shine

A classic Breakfast Martini is simple but relies on quality ingredients to balance sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. Here is what you will need:

1. Gin – The Backbone of the Drink

• Recommended Brand: Plymouth Gin Calabrese’s original choice, Tanqueray No. Ten for extra citrus brightness or try swapping out gin for Chase Marmalade Vodka for a truly orangey Breakfast Martini.
• Why It Works: A London Dry or citrus-forward gin complements the marmalade’s bitterness while adding botanical depth.

2. Orange Marmalade – The Star of the Show

• Recommended Brand: Seville orange marmalade (like Tiptree or Dundee) for that perfect bittersweet kick.
• Why It Works: The bitter orange peel in marmalade adds complexity, balancing the drink’s sweetness.

3. Fresh Lemon Juice – The Brightener

• Always use freshly squeezed. Bottled lemon juice will make your drink taste flat. Find out all about fresh vs store bought here.
• Why It Works: The acidity cuts through the sweetness and lifts the gin’s botanicals.

4. Triple Sec or Cointreau – The Sweetener

• Recommended Brand: Cointreau for a clean orange flavor.
• Why It Works: It reinforces the citrus notes without overpowering the marmalade.

5. Egg White (Optional) – For Texture

• Not traditional, but adding half an egg white creates a silky, frothy texture.

Why These Components Work Together

The magic of the Breakfast Martini lies in its perfect balance:

• Gin + Marmalade: The botanicals in gin (juniper, coriander, citrus peel) harmonize with the bitter-sweet marmalade, creating a rich, layered flavor.
• Lemon Juice + Triple Sec: The sharp acidity of lemon keeps the drink from being cloying, while the orange liqueur adds depth.
• Texture Matters: Shaking hard with ice (or egg white) emulsifies the marmalade, giving the cocktail a luxurious mouthfeel.

This drink is a masterclass in contrast, bitter and sweet, sharp, and smooth, strong yet refreshing.

The Classic Breakfast Martini Recipe

Here is the original recipe, scaled for a single serving:

How to Make it your Own

This drink is incredibly adaptable. Here is how to play with it:

1. Swapping the Spirit

• Vodka: For a cleaner, less botanical version.
• Mezcal: Adds a smoky twist—great with chipotle marmalade.
• Aged Rum: Deepens the flavors, pairing well with spiced marmalade.

2. Changing the Preserve

• Grapefruit marmalade for extra bitterness.
• Apricot jam for a sweeter, fruitier take.
• Fig jam + bourbon for a wintery variation.

3. Texture Play

• Egg white for a Ramos Gin Fizz vibe.
• Aquafaba for a vegan alternative.
• Soda top for a spritz-style drink.

4. Garnish Creativity

• Dehydrated citrus wheels for visual appeal.
• A tiny toast skewer because why not
• Edible flowers for a floral touch.

Final Thoughts

The Breakfast Martini is proof that great cocktails come from simple, bold ideas. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with your own twists, this drink is a must-have in your repertoire. Let me know in the comments below what you think of the drink. Make sure you follow us on socials to stay up to date on all the latest cocktail and bartending tips and advice. Until next time!!