Pornstar Martini Recipe

February 13, 2025

The Pornstar Martini is a glamorous, passion fruit-infused cocktail that has become a favorite among mixologists and cocktail lovers. This modern classic, created by bartender Douglas Ankrah in the early 2000s, delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and exotic flavors. The cocktail is often served with a side of Prosecco, making it a sophisticated and fun choice for any occasion.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Pornstar Martini, including its history, ingredients, step-by-step preparation, variations, and expert tips. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced bartender, this article will help you craft the perfect Pornstar Martini at home.

A Brief History of the Pornstar Martini

The Pornstar Martini was created by Douglas Ankrah, a renowned bartender and founder of the London bar LAB (London Academy of Bartenders). Initially called the Maverick Martini, it was later renamed the Pornstar Martini due to its bold and provocative character.

Ankrah designed the cocktail to be fun, fruity, and indulgent, with a luxurious presentation that included a shot of Prosecco on the side. Over the years, the drink has gained popularity in bars worldwide and has become a symbol of modern cocktail culture.

Essential Ingredients for a Pornstar Martini

To make the perfect Pornstar Martini, you need high-quality ingredients that bring out the drink’s tropical and smooth flavors.

Main Ingredients:

Vodka (50ml / 1.7oz) – A good-quality vodka like Grey Goose, Belvedere, or Absolut provides a smooth base.

Passion Fruit Liqueur (25ml / 0.85oz) – A high-quality liqueur such as Passoã enhances the tropical flavor.
Passion Fruit Purée (25ml / 0.85oz) – Provides the fresh, fruity essence of passion fruit.
Vanilla Syrup (15ml / 0.5oz) – Adds a sweet and aromatic depth to balance the tartness.

Lime Juice (15ml / 0.5oz) – Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances acidity and sharpness.
Prosecco (Side Serving: 60-90ml / 2-3oz) – A dry Prosecco or Champagne complements the cocktail beautifully.

Garnish:

Half a Fresh Passion Fruit – Adds a visually striking and aromatic touch.

Vanilla Sugar Rim (Optional) – Enhances sweetness and presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Pornstar Martini

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation of this iconic cocktail.

1. Prepare Your Glass

Chill a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes to ensure the cocktail stays cold.

Alternatively, fill the glass with ice water while preparing the drink.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a cocktail shaker, add:
- 50ml vodka
- 25ml passion fruit liqueur
- 25ml passion fruit purée
- 15ml vanilla syrup
- 15ml freshly squeezed lime juice
Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker.

3. Shake Vigorously

Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

This ensures the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled.

4. Strain and Serve

Double strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer into your chilled martini glass.
This removes any ice shards or passion fruit pulp for a smooth texture.

5. Garnish the Drink

Cut a fresh passion fruit in half and place it on top of the drink.
Optionally, dust the rim with vanilla sugar for extra sweetness.

6. Serve with Prosecco

Serve the Pornstar Martini with a small glass of chilled Prosecco or Champagne on the side.

Some people like to sip the Prosecco separately, while others enjoy pouring it directly into the cocktail.

How to Drink a Pornstar Martini the Right Way

There is some debate on how to enjoy a Pornstar Martini correctly. Here are the two most common methods:

1. Sip Separately

Take a sip of the Pornstar Martini, then cleanse your palate with a sip of Prosecco.

This method enhances the contrast between the fruity cocktail and the bubbly Prosecco.

2. Mix the Prosecco

Pour the Prosecco directly into the Pornstar Martini to create a bubbly variation.
This makes the drink more refreshing but slightly less structured.

Whichever method you choose, the Pornstar Martini remains a sensory experience that balances sweetness, tartness, and a luxurious fizz.

Variations of the Pornstar Martini

While the classic Pornstar Martini is perfect as it is, you can experiment with fun variations.

1. Frozen Pornstar Martini

Blend the ingredients with crushed ice to create a frozen version.

Serve in a large glass with a straw.

2. Gin-Based Pornstar Martini

Replace vodka with a high-quality gin for a botanical twist.
A floral gin like Hendrick’s works beautifully.

3. Spicy Pornstar Martini

Add a slice of fresh chili to the shaker for a spicy kick.
This adds a unique depth to the cocktail.

4. Coconut Pornstar Martini

Replace vodka with coconut rum (such as Malibu) for a tropical twist.

Add a splash of coconut cream for extra creaminess.

5. Non-Alcoholic Pornstar Martini

Use passion fruit juice instead of liqueur.
Replace vodka with non-alcoholic spirit or extra passion fruit purée.

Expert Tips for the Best Pornstar Martini

To make your Pornstar Martini stand out, follow these expert tips:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Freshly squeezed lime juice and real passion fruit purée make a huge difference in taste.

2. Shake Vigorously

A good shake aerates the drink, making it smooth and well-mixed.

3. Choose a High-Quality Vodka

Premium vodka like Grey Goose or Belvedere creates a smoother finish.

4. Use a Double Strain Technique

Double straining prevents pulp and ice shards from affecting the texture.

5. Serve Prosecco Chilled

Always chill the Prosecco before serving for maximum refreshment.

Why the Pornstar Martini Is So Popular

The Pornstar Martini has gained iconic status for several reasons:

1. Aesthetic Appeal

The bright yellow drink with a floating passion fruit garnish is visually stunning.

2. Sweet and Tangy Flavor

The balance of sweetness, acidity, and smooth vanilla creates an irresistible taste.

3. The Prosecco Experience

The added glass of bubbly elevates the drink into a luxurious experience.

4. Instagram-Worthy

Its vibrant look makes it perfect for social media and cocktail culture.

Final Thoughts

The Pornstar Martini is more than just a cocktail; it’s a celebration of flavors, elegance, and fun. Whether you’re enjoying it at a fancy bar or making it at home, this tropical drink is always a hit.

By following this guide, you can create an authentic, bar-quality Pornstar Martini that impresses your friends and elevates your cocktail-making skills.

Cheers! 🍸🥂