• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Homemade & Yummy
  • Home
  • ABOUT ME
  • CONTACT
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Roundups
  • Brand Influencer
    • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure & Copyright
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Brand Influencer
  • Work With Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Brand Influencer
    • Work With Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Marinades, Condiments and More

    Will’s Extra Special Marinade

    May 23, 2023 *Updated* May 23, 2023 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 56 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
    Jump To Recipe

    Will’s Special Marinade is infused with bold flavours of cocoa and espresso. It adds a rich, smokey flavour to beef, bison, ribs and lamb.

    This wine-based meat marinade is key to juicy steaks all summer long.

    No need for store-bought marinades. They are really simple to make and great for those long overnight soaks like for roasts. The results are amazing.

    We love to bbq, or I should say my hubby loves to bbq. I am more than happy to let him work his magic whether he is using the gas grill or the charcoal Keg. We are always trying new rubs and marinade recipes during grilling season.

    Join Our Mailing List

    You will receive a FREE PANTRY STAPLES PRINTABLE and easy recipes to make with them.

    RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this bbq marinade can be found at the bottom of this post.

    Experiment with different spices, wines, and flavours of kinds of vinegar to create flavour combinations that will win your guests over every time.  

    We have a cocoa dry rub that we really enjoy using, so that is where the idea for this chocolate coffee marinade came from.

    Ingredients For This Easy Marinade Recipe

    Easy-to-find ingredients include:

    • olive oil
    • lemon juice
    • port
    • Worcestershire sauce
    • dry mustard
    • espresso powder
    • paprika
    • cocoa powder
    • soy sauce
    • garlic 
    • black pepper

    Making This Special Marinade From Scratch

    This really is super easy. The hardest part is choosing which cut of meat you want to cook.

    All the marinade ingredients in a measuring cup.

    Combine all the marinade ingredients in a measuring cup, or bottle.

    Today we are going to grill some steaks. Place the meat in a freezer bag, and pour in the marinade. Allow to marinate in the fridge for several hours. Turn the bag over a few times to enable the marinade to get all sides of the meat.

    Steaks marinating in bag with Will's Special Marinade.

    This special marinade is sure to elevate your grilling skills and take your dishes to a new level of perfection.

    Suggestions/Recipe Tips

    When using alcohol in recipes, be sure it is good quality. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive bottle, but not the cheapest either.

    Never reuse the marinade that meat has been soaking in.

    Always keep leftover marinade in the fridge.

    Juicy marinated steak right off the grill.

    FAQ’s

    Why add alcohol to homemade marinades?

    It will help soften the meat and adds aroma during grilling.

    Do you need to pat dry meat before grilling?

    Taking off the excess moisture before placing the meat on the grill helps to create a crispy texture during cooking. The excess marinade also causes flare-ups on the grill.

    How long do you marinate meat before cooking?

    Anywhere from 4 to 24 hours, depending on the cut of meat. Steaks and chicken do not take as long as a roast. Fish is usually only about 30-60 minutes.

    Be sure to CLICK THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON located in the TOP MENU. You will get a FREE PRINTABLE and recipes! FOLLOW ME on social media too.

      You may also enjoy these grilling recipes:

      • Looking for a great side dish? How about some Simple Grilled Veggies.
      • Have you tried Grilled Garlic Scapes?
      • BBQ Seasonings Recipe Roundup has all your grilling needs covered.
      • Grilled Balsamic Strawberries are great for dessert.
      • Cold Smoked Brie will be a hit at your next bbq party.
      Marinade pin image.

      Will’s Special Marinade

      Will's Special Marinade is a bold cocoa and espresso-infused marinade that is sure to add rich smoky flavour to any cut of meat.
      5 from 53 votes
      Pin Recipe Print Rate Save Saved!
      Prevent your screen from going dark
      Course: Marinade
      Cuisine: American, Canadian
      Keyword: grilling, marinade
      Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
      Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
      Servings: 1 cup
      Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

      Ingredients

      • ¼ cup olive oil
      • Juice of ½ lemon
      • ¼ cup port use a good quality
      • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
      • ½ teaspoons dry mustard
      • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
      • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
      • ½ teaspoon cocoa powder
      • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
      • 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
      • ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
      US Customary – Metric

      Instructions

      • Mix all ingredients in a measuring cup. Pour over meat.
      • Let meat marinate for at least 4 hours to overnight in the fridge.
      • To not reuse marinade.

      Notes

      Increase the amount of marinade according to the amount of meat you will be using. Always remember to use a GOOD quality port…it will make a huge difference in taste. 
      Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
      Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

      More Sauces, Marinades, Condiments and More

      • Savory Tomato Jam is ready to eat so many delicious ways.
        Savory Tomato Jam
      • A jar of fresh herb salt.
        Homemade Fresh Herb Salt
      • Fresh Tomato Bruschetta appetizers on a plate.
        Fresh Tomato Bruschetta
      • Cranberry Sauce Featured Image
        Ultimate Cranberry Sauce

      MEET THE AUTHOR

      Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Amy Liu Dong

        June 06, 2023 at 12:46 am

        I have never tried this before but wow, I made this yesterday and it is so easy and delicious. Everyone loves it!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 06, 2023 at 9:14 am

          Homemade marinades are the best.

      2. Isa

        June 05, 2023 at 7:18 pm

        I used this as a marinade for grilled steaks and it was absolutely incredible. We usually grill steaks plain but wanted to try with the coffee powder and this will definitly be a regular way be marinate them from now on.

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 06, 2023 at 9:15 am

          You will never grill plain steaks again! This is a must for grilling season.

      3. Kristina

        June 05, 2023 at 7:17 pm

        A few weeks ago I marinated a tri tip steak in a marinade with coffee grinds and was told it was the best steak my dinner guests had. So I figured the espresso powder would have the same effect and I was right! The espresso takes this marinade to the next level- it’s something everyone needs to try.

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 06, 2023 at 9:15 am

          Glad you enjoyed this fantastic marinade.

      4. Moop Brown

        June 04, 2023 at 11:14 pm

        I think the cocoa and espresso flavors make this marinade particularly unique and serve as a great addition to the meats you pair it with.

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:07 am

          It creates a nice smokey flavour for sure.

      5. Monica

        June 04, 2023 at 10:57 pm

        I love how the cocoa mixes with the espresso powder and the wine for this marinade – it’s really a complex but irresistible combination of flavors, and you’re right, so perfect for major flavor for summer grilling!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:07 am

          You can’t buy marinades like this in the store. ENJOY!

      6. LaKita

        June 04, 2023 at 10:45 pm

        This marinade is so smokey, delicious, and flavorful! Love the addition of espresso and cocoa powder, it really brings out the flavors of any meat that you use this marinade on!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:08 am

          This is one marinade that is a must for grilling season.

      7. Silvia

        June 04, 2023 at 7:48 pm

        Wow! This marinade is so flavorful. My hubby is a big Port and Worcestershire Sauce fan, so I knew I had to make it. I’m glad I did. I marinaded some carne asada and it was perfect.

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:08 am

          It really is the only meat marinade you need.

      8. Claire

        June 04, 2023 at 2:37 pm

        Extra special is right! The combination of espresso, cocoa and smoked paprika made for the smokiest sauce. I never would have thought to put those flavors together but they were so good!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:09 am

          All of the flavours play a part in this unique marinade.

      9. Ann

        June 04, 2023 at 10:23 am

        I used this marinade for some chicken, and it was super tasty! I saved the recipe so I can try with other cuts of meats. Thanks for the recipe share!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:09 am

          This is the only meat marinade you need for all your summer grilling.

      10. Jamie

        June 04, 2023 at 8:54 am

        Wow! This marinade looks incredibly delicious and very yummy! It’s stuffed with amazing flavor and taste! This will make any meat dish so great! Totally loved this!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:09 am

          This is the best meat marinade for all your grilling pleasure.

      11. Carrie Robinson

        June 03, 2023 at 6:44 pm

        I really love the coffee/espresso flavor with beef! 🙂 I would definitely try this with a pot roast or as an marinade for steak.

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:10 am

          Perfect for steak, roast, and or any kind of meat.

      12. Tristin

        June 03, 2023 at 1:31 pm

        This had some intriguing flavors so we had to try it. Will definitely be using this one throughout the summer!

        Reply
        • Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

          June 05, 2023 at 9:10 am

          I will say if is unique, and homemade marinades are the best.

      « Older Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      Primary Sidebar

      Gloria headshot

      Hi, I'm Gloria! Homemade food should be tasty, easy and satisfying. Let me help you create food your family will love.

      More about me →

      Connect with me

      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • Twitter
      • YouTube

      Recent Posts

      • Portobello Grilled Mushroom Caps
        Easy Grilled Portobello Mushroom Caps
      • A bowl of sugar snap pea salad.
        Sugar Snap Pea Salad
      • Roasted pears with balsamic glaze.
        Balsamic Roasted Pears
      • Grilled Veggies recipe for bbq season.
        Simple Grilled Veggies

      Must Try Recipes

      • Grilled Strawberries Featured Image
        Grilled Balsamic Strawberries
      • Portobello Grilled Mushroom Caps
        Easy Grilled Portobello Mushroom Caps
      • Grilled Lamb Kofta Kebabs
        Grilled Kofta Kebabs (with Lamb)
      • Pickled Eggs Featured Image
        Easy Classic Pickled Eggs Recipe

      Footer

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      About

      • Privacy Policy
      • Disclosure

      Newsletter

      • Sign Up! for emails and updates

      Contact

      • Contact
      • Brand Influencer
      • Work with Me

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

      Copyright © 2023 Homemade & Yummy