The Pornstar Martini, a vibrant and tantalizing cocktail, has become a staple in the world of modern mixology.
Known for its exotic flavors and eye-catching presentation, this drink offers a perfect blend of sweet and smooth with a touch of sophistication.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a curious beginner, mastering the Pornstar Martini will add a star to your bartending skills.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To whip up this luscious cocktail, you’ll need:
- Vanilla vodka: 45 ml
- Passoa (passion fruit liqueur): 15 ml
- Fresh passion fruit pulp: from 1 fruit
- Lime juice: freshly squeezed, 15 ml
- Sugar syrup: 15 ml
- Prosecco or sparkling wine: to serve on the side
- Ice cubes
Substitutions:
- If vanilla vodka is unavailable, use regular vodka with a drop of vanilla extract.
Serves
This recipe serves one, making it ideal for a personal treat. For parties, multiply the ingredients by the number of guests to keep the cocktails flowing!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Glass:
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a shaker, combine vanilla vodka, Passoa, lime juice, sugar syrup, and the pulp of one passion fruit.
- Add ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into the chilled martini glass.
- Cut the remaining passion fruit in half and place one half in the drink as garnish.
- Serve with a shot of chilled prosecco on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Present the Pornstar Martini in a chilled martini glass with a small shot of prosecco. The effervescent prosecco complements the sweet and tart flavors of the martini, making each sip a delightful experience.
Tips for the Perfect Pornstar Martini
- Ensure all ingredients are chilled in advance.
- Use fresh passion fruit for the best flavor.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix and chill the ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter version:
- Substitute sugar syrup with honey or agave nectar.
- Opt for a sugar-free sparkling water instead of prosecco.
Creative Variations
- Mango Star Martini: Substitute mango pulp for passion fruit.
- Raspberry Bliss Martini: Use raspberry puree and raspberry liqueur in place of passion fruit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-shaking can dilute the drink.
- Not chilling the glass beforehand can affect the serving temperature.
How to Drink Pornstar Martini
Here’s how to enjoy it properly:
- Presentation and Setup: Typically, a Pornstar Martini is served in a chilled martini glass with a shot of prosecco on the side. The prosecco isn’t just for decoration—it plays a crucial role in the drinking experience.
- Starting with the Martini: Begin by taking a sip of the martini. It’s rich and smooth, with a striking balance of sweet from the passion fruit and a slight sharpness from the lime juice. The vanilla notes add a luxurious depth that’s meant to be savored slowly.
- Cleansing with Prosecco: After enjoying a sip of the martini, follow it with a small sip of the chilled prosecco. The crispness and bubbles of the prosecco cleanse the palate, refreshing your taste buds and enhancing both the subsequent sips of the martini and the overall drinking experience.
- Alternate Sipping: Continue to alternate between sipping the martini and the prosecco. This method allows you to fully appreciate the complex flavors of the cocktail while maintaining a delightful contrast with the bubbly prosecco.
- Enjoying the Garnish: The Pornstar Martini often comes with half a passion fruit floating in the drink or placed on the rim of the glass. Towards the end of your drink, you might like to scoop out and eat the passion fruit. Its tangy, tropical flavor complements the residual tastes of the cocktail beautifully.
By following these steps, you’ll enjoy the Pornstar Martini as it was intended—a playful, sophisticated, and multisensory drinking experience.

History of the Pornstar Martini
The Pornstar Martini is a modern classic in the cocktail world, with a history as vibrant as its taste.
Created in 2002 by Douglas Ankrah, then co-owner of the famous London bar LAB (London Academy of Bartenders), the drink was originally dubbed the “Maverick Martini,” named after a strip club called Mavericks in Cape Town, South Africa, which Ankrah visited.
The name reflected the boldness and excitement he felt the drink embodied.
However, as the cocktail gained popularity, its name evolved to “Pornstar Martini,” a playful nod to the star-quality and sensual allure Ankrah believed the drink possessed.
The original recipe was inspired by Ankrah’s desire to create something unique and theatrical, fitting for the glamorous and somewhat hedonistic atmosphere of London’s cocktail scene in the early 2000s.
The cocktail combines vanilla vodka and passion fruit with a shot of prosecco on the side, intended to be sipped alternately to cleanse the palate.
The combination of exotic passion fruit and smooth vanilla quickly made the Pornstar Martini a hit among cocktail enthusiasts, standing out for its balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Today, the Pornstar Martini holds a revered spot in the cocktail world. It is widely celebrated for its versatility and flair, often featured in bars and restaurants worldwide.
Its history is not just a testament to Ankrah’s innovative spirit but also to the dynamic nature of cocktail culture, where creativity and a bit of daring can give rise to enduring favorites.
As a staple on menus, the Pornstar Martini continues to capture the imagination of bartenders and drinkers alike, securing its place in the pantheon of modern classic cocktails.
FAQs About Pornstar Martini
1. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Pornstar Martini?
Yes, replace the alcohol with non-alcoholic vanilla and passion fruit syrups.
2. What does the prosecco on the side represent?
It’s meant to cleanse the palate between sips, enhancing both drinks.
3. Why is it called a Pornstar Martini?
The name was inspired by the star quality of the drink and its sensual flavors.
4. Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is preferred for the best taste.
5. Is it a strong drink?
It’s moderately strong but balanced by the sweetness and acidity.
Final Note
Mastering the Pornstar Martini not only adds a glamorous touch to your cocktail repertoire but also offers a delightful escape with every sip.
Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, this cocktail is sure to impress. Try mixing one today and savor the exquisite combination of passion fruit and vanilla!