Start the day with a citrusy sparkle by having a Breakfast Martini.
In the film Under The Yum Yum Tree, Jack Lemmon’s character says the famous line, “I feel sorry for people who don’t drink, because when they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.” Well, today’s, or rather this morning’s cocktail can get those good vibes going right as the sun comes up… But just make sure you’re not planning on driving or going to work that day.
The Breakfast Martini is the tipple we’re looking at, and unlike other drinks that claim to be “breakfast” beverages, sometimes by just putting the word in the name, this concoction isn’t just a Gin or Vodka Martini with a gimmicky moniker. A strong foundation of orange flavor—plus no vermouth—makes this martini-inspired cocktail one with a difference.
By combining gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice and a barspoonful of orange marmalade, this Sour-esque elixir is a great way to celebrate a birthday, a holiday morning or even an unexpected lazy, rainy day inside watching classic movies all day long. To quote Bogie in The Big Sleep, “I’d a lot rather get wet in here.”
What is the best gin to use in a Breakfast Martini?
When crafting a Breakfast Martini, preferably while some eggs and bacon are sizzling on the griddle, you’ll want a nice, balanced and smooth spirit that’ll complement and accentuate the citrus from the orange liqueur, marmalade and lemon juice. A London Dry will be herbaceous, with hints of juniper, licorice and lemons, while something like Old Tom gin will be sweeter. Hendrick’s gin has a fresh and crisp finish, infused with cucumber and roses, and I found that was a fine, fine choice for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 barspoon of orange marmalade
- 2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce orange liqueur
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 small triangle of toast for garnish
Instructions
- Add the orange marmalade to your cocktail shaker. Pour the gin, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice into the shaker over the marmalade.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until the marmalade is well dissolved.
- Double strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a small triangle of toast on the rim of the glass.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Martini glasses are notorious for spillage, so oftentimes we’ll suggest using a coupe for long-stemmed drinks. Chill one in your freezer for up to 30 minutes, and once your drink is shaken and poured in, garnish with a thin, small triangle of toast. Hold the butter.
What is a good orange liqueur to use in this cocktail?
I’ve become a big fan recently of alternating between using Cointreau or Grand Marnier when orange liqueur or triple sec is needed. The Cointreau has a lively, smooth and robust orange flavor, with a nice warm finish. Grand Marnier is more complex, being made with cognac, a grape-based cordial.
Other martini-inspired variations worth trying
You don’t need to imbibe traditional ‘tinis to enjoy a cocktail that calls itself one. There are an amazing number of equally delicious mixed drinks out there that come served in a tall coupe or martini glass that stray pretty far from the original formula. If you’re curious about these long, cool sippers, then check out some of these beverages below.
- Key Lime Martini – Drink your dessert with this creamy, frothy and tangy treat.
- Porn Star Martini – This tantalizing tipple is both fruity and fizzy.
- French Martini – Chambord, vodka and pineapple juice combine to make you dream of Paris.
- Pineapple Martini – This elixir is tropical, sweet and wonderfully tart.
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