Pornstar Martini

Why the name, though?

The now-famous cocktail was created in the early 2000s by bartender Douglas Ankrah. This visionary decided to combine three of the most popular flavors of the time (vodka, Prosecco, and passionfruit) in one drink. According to urban legend, Ankrah actually initially named the cocktail the ‘Maverick’. This name was inspired by the moniker of a ‘gentlemen’s club’ in Cape Town, where he was beguiled by a stripper’s perfume.

However, the name didn’t quite take off, so he renamed the fruity Martini, which is served with a shot. Wanting something provocative, he chose ‘Pornstar Martini’ because he said it looks like something a pornstar would order. Whether you believe this slightly tall take or not, the cocktail certainly has star appeal. It’s no wonder it’s consistently featured on the world’s best cocktail lists.

Make it a mocktail: Look the Part with Our Pornstar Martini Mocktail

How to make & drink a Pornstar Martini

This drink may seem a little tricky to shake up at home, we know. However, even though there is a certain amount of theater in the mix, it’s easier than you might think. All you need are SKYY Vanilla Vodka, passionfruit liqueur, fresh passionfruit puree, lime juice, a cocktail shaker filled with ice, and a chilled cocktail glass. Oh, and some bubbly, of course!

Unlike the Classic Martini, the Pornstar is a Martini in name (and glass) only. Served with a Prosecco sidecar, it’s not your typical martini experience. So how do you drink it?

For the most part, people toss the Prosecco into the cocktail and drink everything together. Others enjoy the Prosecco in between sips of the Martini. Some say you should knock back the sidecar after the cocktail. And then there are the ‘purists’ who say that the only way to drink a Pornstar Martini is to scoop out and eat the passionfruit garnish, drink the Prosecco, and then sip the cocktail at your leisure. Which way will you enjoy it?

Making your own passionfruit purée

Have some time to spare? You only need 10 minutes to make your own passionfruit purèe at home. This sweet and tart ingredient is used in numerous cocktail and baking recipes, so make a batch and get experimenting in the kitchen! You’ll only need two ingredients – passionfruit and water. In terms of tools, you’ll only need a strainer.

1. Halve the fruit. Cut the passionfruit in half, holding the fruit tightly while cutting to ensure no pulp escapes onto your cutting board.
2. Scoop the pulp into a fine strainer placed over a cup. Use a spoon or spatula to squeeze out the juice from the seeds. If you still see some pulp on the seeds, pour the seeds into a blender with a bit of water and pulse a few times. Don’t overdo it, or you might grind the seeds completely.
3. Pour the blended mixture through a strainer, using a spoon to push as much pulp through and leave the broken seeds behind. Add this pulp to your cup.

More DIY inspo: How to Make Syrup for Cocktails

Variations of the Pornstar Martini to try at home

The Pornstar Martini was an instant success when it came to the market in 2003 and since then it’s inspired many tasty variations. For example, the Born A Star Martini adds a Southern California touch. This is thanks to the inclusion of mamey sapote, a melon-like fruit in flavour and texture.

If you love Champagne, you’ll also be delighted to try the Kaleidoscope Eyes. This cocktail turns the Pornstar Martini into a passionfruit Champagne drink, with a touch of dill-infused aquavit, and tequila instead of vodka. Last but not least, the Dry Pornstar Daiquiri combines two crowd-pleasers into a sophisticated and playful drink.