The Pornstar Drink, a trendy cocktail that has taken the UK by storm, has become a beloved staple in the world of mixology. Its captivating flavours and striking presentation have made it a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts across the country.
Key Takeaways:
- Origins: The Pornstar Martini was created by Douglas Ankrah at The Townhouse in London in 2003, originally named the “Maverick Martini” before being rebranded.
- Ingredients: The core ingredients include vanilla-flavoured vodka, Passoã, passion fruit purée, and vanilla sugar.
- Popularity: The Pornstar Martini has become the UK’s favourite cocktail, experiencing a massive surge in popularity during the 2010s.
- Variations: From the OnlyFans Martini to competition-winning recipes, the Pornstar Martini has inspired a range of creative interpretations.
- Serving: The traditional serving ritual involves enjoying the passion fruit first, followed by a shot of Prosecco and then sipping the cocktail itself.
The Origin and Rise of the Pornstar Martini
The Pornstar Martini was first created by Douglas Ankrah at The Townhouse in London in 2003. Originally known as the “Maverick Martini,” the cocktail was later renamed to the more provocative “Pornstar Martini” due to its striking appearance and bold flavours. Despite its name, the drink is not a true martini, as it lacks the traditional gin or vermouth. Instead, it is a passion fruit-flavoured cocktail that has become a beloved staple in the UK.

The Pornstar Martini’s meteoric rise to popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of flavours and eye-catching presentation. According to Wikipedia, the core ingredients of the classic Pornstar Martini are vanilla-flavoured vodka, Passoã, passion fruit purée, and vanilla sugar. This combination of sweet, tart, and aromatic elements has made the cocktail a hit with UK drinkers, who have embraced it as the country’s favourite cocktail in recent years.
The Classic Pornstar Martini Recipe
The original Pornstar Martini recipe, as created by Douglas Ankrah, calls for the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Absolut Vanilla vodka
- 1/2 oz Passoã or De Kuyper passion fruit liqueur
- 2 oz passion fruit purée
- 2 barspoons vanilla sugar
- 2 oz Champagne/Prosecco side shot
- Garnish with half a passion fruit
A common variant of the Pornstar Martini recipe includes:
- 50 ml Passoa
- 50 ml vodka
- 15 ml vanilla syrup
- 25 ml lime juice
- 50 ml passion fruit purée
- 50 ml passion fruit juice
- 1/2 passion fruit
- 50 ml Prosecco
According to Splash of Taste, this variant contains 437 kcal, 54g of carbs, and 46g of sugar per serving, making it a decadent and indulgent treat.
Preparation and Serving
To prepare the perfect Pornstar Martini, start by chilling the martini glasses. Then, scoop the flesh and seeds from 1-4 passion fruits, sieving the juice. Add the remaining ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Double strain the mixture into the chilled coupe or martini glass, garnishing with half a passion fruit. Serve the Prosecco or Champagne shot on the side, and enjoy the traditional serving ritual: eat the passion fruit first, then take the shot, and finally sip the cocktail.
Variations and Competition Winners
As the Pornstar Martini’s popularity has grown, bartenders and mixologists have put their own creative spin on the classic recipe. One notable variation is the OnlyFans Martini, created by Kevin Beary in Chicago. This version features vanilla-infused cachaça, cane syrup, lemon juice, passion fruit purée, and Champagne, garnished with a pineapple wedge and orchid.
Another standout Pornstar Martini recipe is the winner from a competition in New York City, created by Brian Evans. This version includes passion fruit, Suntory Haku vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, unsweetened passion fruit purée, vanilla bean simple syrup, and Mumm Champagne, garnished with half a passion fruit.
For those seeking a Malibu twist on the classic, a recipe featuring 30 ml of Malibu Passion Fruit and 30 ml of Absolut Vanilia vodka is a popular choice.
Tips, Substitutions, and Serving
When making a Pornstar Martini, it’s best to use Absolut Vanilla vodka for its natural flavour, rather than a synthetic vanilla-flavoured spirit. If Absolut Vanilla is unavailable, you can substitute regular vodka and add a touch of vanilla extract.
For the most authentic taste, use fresh passion fruit over purée, as four fresh passion fruits can yield around 100 ml of juice. The proper equipment for preparing a Pornstar Martini includes a Boston shaker, Hawthorne strainer, and chilled coupe glasses.
The traditional serving ritual is to enjoy the passion fruit first, followed by the Prosecco or Champagne shot, and then sipping the cocktail itself. This indulgent drink is high in sugar (46g per serving) but also provides a decent amount of vitamin C (53mg).
Conclusion
The Pornstar Drink has firmly cemented its place as a trendy and beloved cocktail in the UK. With its captivating flavour profile, eye-catching presentation, and rich history, it’s no wonder this passion fruit-infused delight has become a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts across the country. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of the many creative variations, the Pornstar Martini is sure to deliver a truly sweet and seductive drinking experience.
Sources:
The Townhouse
Absolut Vodka
Passoã
Splash of Taste
Difford’s Guide
Delish
Amy Treasure
BBC Good Food
Malibu Drinks
Wikipedia
Suntory Haku Vodka
Cointreau
Mumm Champagne
Malibu Passion Fruit
Avua Prata Cachaça