There’s nothing dirty about the fruity and fizzy Porn Star Martini.
Probably the most eyebrow-raising cocktail name belongs to the drink we’re making tonight… the Porn Star Martini. When you’re out on the town and with a friend that orders a few of these, the imagination could run wild. And why not? Calling anything by the title “porn star” is enough to prick up one’s ears.
The drink’s inventor insists there’s really nothing suggestive about the recipe itself though – despite it being inspired by a trip to a strip club in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2002, after said excursion to the gentleman’s club, named Mavericks Revue, bar owner Douglas Ankrah returned to London, inspired to create a beverage that would remind him of the perfume of one of the dancers. Taking cues from popular Brazilian drinks, Ankrah combined passionfruit, vanilla vodka and sparkling wine into what he originally called the Maverick Martini.
Feeling a name change was in order, Ankrah soon rechristened his creation the Porn Star Martini. Not only would the name be attention-grabbing, but it gave the concoction a whole new vibe. Quoted as saying that it was “a stylish and confident drink… pure indulgence, sexy, fun and evocative,” its inventor soon found his invention growing in popularity. By 2019, the Porn Star Martini was the most popular cocktail in the United Kingdom.
And while the name is a little risqué, and its origins smirk-inducing, there’s nothing salacious about this recipe. Drink enthusiasts might have been drawn in by what it was called, but they stayed for the fruity flavor. Not everyone was excited about it, however. British retailer Marks & Spencer were selling their own line of Porn Star Martinis, and after receiving some pearl-clutching complaints decided to rename their product the Passion Star Martini.
Whatever you decide to call your cocktail tonight, you’re bound to have a good time.
Is the Porn Star Martini a Martini?
Not in the traditional sense, no. A martini is a cocktail made up of gin and dry vermouth. Vodka is a very popular substitute, but many bartenders and mixologists hold firm to the belief that only a Gin Martini is a real martini. And usually, they don’t come with a prosecco or sparkling wine chaser, like the Porn Star Martini does. Don’t worry too much about proper labels with a drink like this though, just have some fun.
What is the Best Vodka to Use in a Porn Star Martini?
Our recipe calls for a vanilla-flavored vodka. Combined with the lime juice and passionfruit, this adds some not-so-subtle creamy notes when combined with the vanilla syrup. It’s a great offset to the passionfruit and tart lime. To my tastebuds, everything came together to remind me a little of cotton candy. If you want a slightly less vanilla-tinged drink, use a regular unflavored spirit.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka
- 1/2 ounce passion fruit liqueur
- 1 ounce passion fruit purée
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce vanilla simple syrup
- 2 ounces chilled sparkling wine
- 1/2 passion fruit for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, passion fruit purée, lime juice, and vanilla simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake the mixture vigorously until the shaker feels very cold to the touch.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a half of a passion fruit.
- Serve the cocktail with a sidecar of chilled sparkling wine.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
When it’s time to party with your Porn Star Martini, a martini glass or champagne goblet will make your cocktail look very sexy. Garnish with a half passionfruit, or if you don’t have any on hand, a lime wheel makes a great substitute.
Yes! Just combine all the ingredients – except the sparkling wine, that’s served on the side – and store in your fridge for a few days before you’re ready to pour. Stir over ice and garnish.
This one’s sweet and a little heavy at 253 calories, so if you’re having more than one, remember that those numbers can add up quickly.
The sidecar of prosecco, sparkling wine or champagne (your choice) is meant to be a chaser of sorts, and not usually poured into the cocktail itself. With the Porn Star Martini being a tart and tangy affair, sipping on the sidecar gives the taste of your main cocktail a refreshing finish.
Similar Drinks to the Porn Star Martini
So you had a memorable evening with a few Porn Star Martinis, now what? You relished the sweet and creamy flavors of the passionfruit and vanilla, while reveling in the tart bite of the lime and effervescence from the bubbly. Surely you want to explore more flavor combinations that elevate your night in this way. Twist & Toast has an incredible collection of delicious recipes that will keep your home bar a popular destination. Check some of them out below.
- Batida – Cachaça, passionfruit and coconut milk come together for a frothy and fruity treat.
- Passionfruit Caipirinha – Can’t make it to Carnaval this year? Bring a little bit of Brazil home with this cocktail.
- Maracuyá Sour – Passionfruit and pisco combine to make a delicious Sour beverage.
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