Pornstar Martini
A provocatively named modern classic that combines vanilla vodka with passion fruit and lime, served with a shot of prosecco on the side. This indulgent cocktail balances tropical sweetness with effervescent sophistication.
The Pornstar Martini isn't just a cocktail—it's a statement. Created by legendary bartender Douglas Ankrah in 2002, this audaciously named drink has become one of the most ordered cocktails in the UK and beyond. Don't let the provocative name fool you; this is serious mixology at work. The combination of vanilla-infused vodka, exotic passion fruit, and that ceremonial side of prosecco creates an experience that's both playful and refined. It's a drink that demands attention and delivers on every sip, perfectly embodying the glamorous excess of early 2000s London nightlife while maintaining the balance and technique of a true modern classic.
AI-Crafted Recipe
This recipe was created by our AI mixologist. It may not be a traditional recipe but should be a delicious interpretation.
📝 Ingredients
- 0.25 oz Fresh Lime Juice🛒 Amazon
- 0.25 oz Vanilla simple syrup🛒 Amazon
- 1 barspoon Fresh passion fruit pulp🛒 Amazon
- 0.5 piece Passion fruit half🛒 Amazon
Garnish: Half a fresh passion fruit floated on top
👨🍳 Instructions
Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice water or placing it in the freezer.
Add vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice, vanilla simple syrup, and passion fruit pulp to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass to remove passion fruit seeds.
Float half a fresh passion fruit cut-side up on the surface of the cocktail.
Serve immediately with a shot glass of prosecco on the side.
Flavor Profile
Tools Needed
Jigger
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Cocktail Shaker (Boston)
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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)
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Fine Mesh Strainer
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Citrus Juicer
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Coupe Glass Set
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- 1
Always use fresh passion fruit pulp when possible—the canned stuff lacks the bright acidity that makes this drink sing
- 2
The prosecco should be served in a separate shot glass and sipped between sips of the martini, not mixed together
- 3
Double strain through a fine mesh to remove passion fruit seeds for a silky smooth texture
- 4
Chill your coupe glass beforehand and use premium vanilla vodka—the vanilla note is crucial to the drink's character
- 5
Float half a passion fruit on top as garnish for the full visual impact and aromatic experience
📜 History & Origin
The Pornstar Martini was born in 2002 at Townhouse bar in Knightsbridge, London, created by Douglas Ankrah, a bartender who would later become one of the most influential figures in modern mixology. Ankrah wanted to create a drink that was both glamorous and slightly outrageous, something that would capture the hedonistic spirit of London's nightlife scene. The provocative name was intentional—designed to spark conversation and embody the confidence and allure he wanted the drink to represent. The cocktail's signature serving style, accompanied by a shot of prosecco meant to be sipped alternately with the cocktail, was inspired by the way oysters are traditionally served with champagne. This theatrical presentation helped cement its status as an Instagram-worthy drink before Instagram even existed. The drink gained massive popularity throughout the 2000s and 2010s, becoming the most ordered cocktail in many UK bars and eventually spreading worldwide as bartenders embraced its perfect balance of showmanship and flavor.
