The Pornstar Martini is more than just a cocktail with a cheeky name—it’s an experience that blends fruity flavors, elegant presentation, and a touch of playful ritual. Created by the late Douglas Ankrah in the early 2000s, the drink has since become a modern classic, beloved worldwide for its unique combination of vanilla and passionfruit notes, accompanied by a shot of sparkling wine on the side.
Let’s explore the proper way to enjoy this cocktail to make the most of its flavors and presentation.
What’s in a Pornstar Martini?
At its core, a Pornstar Martini combines:
- Vanilla vodka – A smooth base that amplifies the sweet flavors.
- Passionfruit liqueur and purée – Bringing tropical sweetness.
- Lime juice – Adding a zesty kick.
- Vanilla syrup – To balance the tart and fruity elements.
- Sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne) – Served in a shot glass alongside the cocktail.
The drink is traditionally served in a martini glass and garnished with half a passionfruit, floating on top.
Drinking a Pornstar Martini: A Ritual to Savor
Here are the popular approaches to drinking a Pornstar Martini—each adding its own flair to the experience:
- Scoop the Passionfruit, Sip the Wine, then Enjoy the Martini:
- Purists recommend starting by scooping out and enjoying the passionfruit garnish.
- Next, knock back the shot of sparkling wine in one go.
- Finally, sip the cocktail leisurely, appreciating the burst of vanilla and passionfruit with every sip.
- Sip Alternately Between Martini and Wine:
- Some enjoy alternating between sips of the Martini and sparkling wine to refresh their palate. This approach allows the wine’s dryness to balance the sweetness of the cocktail with each sip.
- Mix the Wine into the Cocktail:
- Another popular method is pouring the sparkling wine directly into the Martini, turning it into a bubbly, effervescent delight. While it diminishes the visual presentation, it combines both elements into a new experience.
- Enjoy Your Own Way:
- There’s no “wrong” way to drink it! Some drinkers savor the Prosecco on the side, while others prefer to play with the ritual and customize it to their liking.
Why the Ritual Matters
The theater of serving and drinking the Pornstar Martini is part of what makes it special. The contrast between the lush tropical fruit flavors and the dry, fizzy wine adds to the drink’s appeal. The garnish, too, isn’t just decorative—it offers a tactile experience and connects you with the cocktail’s fruity character.
Ankrah himself designed the cocktail to be both naughty and elegant, evoking the glamour and indulgence he envisioned in a pornstar’s drink of choice. This playful blend of elements makes the cocktail perfect for celebrations and glamorous gatherings—from rooftop parties to New Year’s Eve celebrations.
