The Pornstar Martini: A Complete History & Classic Recipe

Passionfruit seeds glisten under bar lights as a bartender scoops out their bright, fragrant pulp. Vanilla vodka flows into the tin. A splash of passionfruit liqueur joins it. Lime juice snaps through the sweetness. Ice rattles, tin chills, and the drink pours out creamy gold—with half a passionfruit bobbing like a jewel. On the side, a chilled shot of Prosecco waits, sparkling and inviting.

This is the Pornstar Martini—a contemporary cocktail phenomenon that reshaped the landscape of modern mixology. Seductive in name, elegant in flavor, and playful in service style, it is one of the most influential drinks of the 21st century.

Let’s explore its glamorous London origins, its meteoric global rise, its sensory architecture, and the definitive way to make it today.

I. Origins

The Pornstar Martini is one of the few modern classics with a fully documented origin and a clear creative mastermind: Douglas Ankrah, a legendary mixologist and hospitality innovator.

Created at LAB & Townhouse Bar, London (early 2000s)

Ankrah crafted the cocktail around 2002 while developing the menu for the Townhouse Bar in Knightsbridge and at LAB Bar in Soho. His goal was to create a drink that was:

• glamorous

• playful

• tropical

• indulgent

• visually striking

He originally called it the Maverick Martini, but the name “Pornstar Martini” stuck—meant to evoke decadence, boldness, and sensuality.

Why This Flavor Combination?

Ankrah was inspired by the sensory experience of:

• ripe passionfruit

• vanilla aromas

• chilled sparkling wine

He paired vanilla vodka with passionfruit liqueur and fresh passionfruit, then added a shot of Prosecco for contrast—meant to cleanse the palate before sipping or to enjoy alongside the drink.

A Drink Designed for Theater

From the beginning, the Pornstar Martini was built to be:

• visually dramatic

• aromatic

• experiential

• Instagram-worthy (before Instagram existed!)

Its presentation is inseparable from its identity.

II. Historical Evolution

Early 2000s: London’s Cocktail Renaissance

During this time, London’s bar scene exploded with creativity. The Pornstar Martini quickly became a signature of upscale lounges.

2010s: Global Domination

The cocktail spread to:

• Europe

• the United States

• Australia

• Asia

• cruise bars

• luxury hotel bars

• brunch culture worldwide

It frequently appeared on “most ordered cocktails” lists.

Name Controversy

The name has sparked ongoing debate. Some venues list it as:

• Passionfruit Martini

• Star Martini

• P*rnstar Martini

But the original name persists due to brand recognition and cultural imprint.

2020s: Craft Revival

As consumers seek fresher, more natural flavors, bartenders have:

• reduced sweetness

• used real passionfruit puree

• clarified juice for silkier texture

• upgraded Prosecco

• used quality vanilla vodka or house infusions

The Pornstar Martini is now a balanced, refined drink when made well.

III. Ingredients & Technique

The Pornstar Martini’s brilliance lies in its contrast: sweet vanilla, tart passionfruit, creamy texture, and sparkling dryness.

Vanilla Vodka

A modern ingredient pivotal to the drink’s identity.It provides:

• warmth

• softness

• aromatic depth

Infused vanilla vodka (homemade) offers superior flavor.

Passionfruit Liqueur

Typically Passoã, the original ingredient Ankrah used.It adds:

• sweetness

• exotic fruit aromatics

• vibrant color

Quality matters—avoid syrup-heavy imitation liqueurs.

Fresh Passionfruit

Essential for:

• aroma

• acidity

• texture

• visual appeal

Half a passionfruit floating on top is iconic.

Lime Juice

The acid that prevents the cocktail from becoming cloying.

Simple Syrup (optional)

Used sparingly, and only if needed to balance tartness.

Prosecco

Served chilled on the side.It acts as either:

• a palate cleanser,

• a sidecar,

• or a sparkling float (less traditional, but popular).

Dry styles work best.

Technique

Shaken hard to create:

• aeration

• body

• frost

• smooth integration of fruit

Double-straining removes pulp for a silky mouthfeel.

IV. Cultural Significance

A Modern Icon

Few cocktails born after 2000 became global classics. The Pornstar Martini is one of the rare exceptions.

A Symbol of Luxury & Playfulness

It fuses:

• tropical flavors

• nightclub glamour

• champagne (or sparkling) sophistication

• cheeky branding

This made it wildly popular across demographics.

A Brunch Staple

The drink’s sweetness, bubbles, and photogenic nature cemented it as a staple of modern brunch menus worldwide.

A Case Study in Branding

Its provocative name made it unforgettable—but its balanced flavor made it enduring.

The Douglas Ankrah Legacy

Ankrah’s passing in 2021 solidified the drink’s place in cocktail history. The Pornstar Martini stands as his signature contribution to global mixology.

V. How to Make the Classic Version Today

Recipe — The Classic Pornstar Martini

Ingredients

• 2 oz (60 ml) vanilla vodka

• 1 oz (30 ml) Passoã (passionfruit liqueur)

• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh passionfruit purée

• ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice

• Optional: ¼ oz (7 ml) simple syrup

• 1 chilled shot of Prosecco (served on the side)

• Half a fresh passionfruit (garnish)

Method

1. Add vodka, Passoã, passionfruit purée, lime juice, and syrup (if using) to a shaker.

2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.

3. Double-strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.

4. Float half a passionfruit on top (cut side up).

5. Serve with a 1–2 oz chilled Prosecco shot on the side.

Specs

• Glass: Coupe or martini

• Ice: None (served up)

• Garnish: Half a passionfruit

• Sidecar: Chilled Prosecco

• Style: Tropical, silky, modern

Technique Notes

• Shake hard to create a foamy, smooth texture.

• Use ripe passionfruit for better aroma.

• Keep Prosecco extra cold—the contrast enhances the drink.

• Adjust sweetness depending on purée used.

Variations & Lineage

• Sparkling Pornstar Martini: Top with Prosecco instead of serving on the side

• Gin Pornstar: Bright and botanical

• Clarified Pornstar Martini: Crystal-clear, elegant version for high-end bars

• Mango-Star Martini: Add mango purée for a tropical hybrid

• Spicy Pornstar: Add a slice of chili for heat

Service & Pairing Tip

• Excellent with fruit desserts, panna cotta, light seafood, and cheese plates.

• Avoid chocolate-heavy desserts—they overshadow the delicate fruit notes.

VI. Modern Variations & Legacy

A Cocktail That Defined an Era

The Pornstar Martini embodies the early 2000s:

• glamorous

• international

• indulgent

• playful

Yet it has aged gracefully, adapting to craft sensibilities.

A Permanent Place in Cocktail History

It stands alongside the Espresso Martini as one of the most successful recent additions to the cocktail canon.

Legacy

The Pornstar Martini remains:

• chic

• vibrant

• tropical

• celebratory

• unfailingly fun

It is a drink with star power—and staying power.