The Breakfast Martini is a modern classic with a very distinct personality. This version softens the sharper edges and makes the drink feel more at home in January. Seville orange marmalade brings its familiar bitterness, honey smooths the finish, and gin keeps everything upright and properly martini-like.
It still tastes like a Breakfast Martini. It just feels calmer, warmer, and a little more considered—exactly what you want when citrus-forward drinks can start to feel pushy.
Seville Orange & Honey Breakfast Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin
- ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and warm water)
- 1 tsp Seville orange marmalade
- Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, odAdd the gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, and marmalade to a shaker filled with ice.
- hake firmly until the marmalade is fully dissolved and the drink is well chilled.
- Fine strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Express an orange twist over the surface and discard or drop it in.
Notes
Nutrition
Variations
A softer, citrus-forward gin will let the marmalade lead more clearly. Keep the honey light and floral; darker or strongly flavored honeys tend to overpower the drink. For a drier finish, reduce the honey syrup to â…“ oz and let the bitterness speak a little louder.
FAQ
Can I use regular orange marmalade instead of Seville?
You can, but the drink will lose its backbone. Seville orange marmalade gives the bitterness that makes this work.
Why use honey syrup instead of straight honey?
Honey on its own does not dissolve properly and throws off the balance. Diluting it keeps the texture clean.
Is this best for brunch or evening?
Both. It reads like breakfast, drinks like a martini, and behaves itself at any hour.
Why A Lush Life Loves It
Honey does something simple and useful here: it smooths the marmalade without flattening it. The bitterness remains, the citrus stays bright, and the drink finishes round instead of sharp. It feels like a Breakfast Martini you would actually make at home rather than admire on a menu.