Few cocktails are as audacious, alluring, and undeniably iconic as the Porn Star Martini. Despite its provocative name, this drink has earned its reputation as a modern classic—not because of shock value, but genuine flavor profile. The Porn Star Martini is a rich and thorough recipe made up of vanilla vodka, passion fruit, and bubbly—a drink that balances sweetness, tartness, and effervescence all in one glass.

In this post, we’re going to give you the full recipe, some expert advice, and finally dig a little into the unique backstory of this delicious cocktail. Whether you’re mixing drinks for the glamour and glitz of a party, a raucous romantic evening in, or you want to make fancy drinks better at home, this post has the information you need to make the perfect Porn Star Martini.

The Story Behind the Porn Star Martini

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s worth exploring where this drink came from — and yes, why it’s called what it’s called.

The Porn Star Martini originated in the early 2000s when Douglas Ankrah, famed bartender and owner of the LAB bar in London, created the cocktail. The drink was originally called the Maverick Martini, after a gentleman's club in Cape Town, South Africa. However, as it became popular, the more risqué name prevailed. Ankrah imagined it was, "something a porn star would drink," namely glamorous, sweet, sexy, and somewhat extravagant.

Alternative narratives attribute it to the odour of a stripper's perfume, most probably influenced by the perfume-like smell of the passion fruit and vanilla. Whatever the case, the naming has provided plenty of talking point. In recent times, some companies have diplomatically called it a 'Passion Star Martini' to sidestep the controversy, however most menus still have the original name. 

Regardless of the name, what we do know is it is a delicious drink and its popularity certainly demonstrates that it is more than a gimmick.

What Is a Porn Star Martini?

While the name implies otherwise, the Porn Star Martini isn’t a martini in a classical sense at all. It contains neither gin, nor dry vermouth, and is not served garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. The Porn Star Martini is a fruity and fragrant cocktail that is typically served either in a coupe or martini glass, with a sidecar of sparkling wine - with a small shot of Prosecco or Champagne served alongside it.  

The drink's results? A sumptuous - two-part drink, allowing for both a rich, tropical cocktail, and a crisp, fruity fizz chaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Porn Star Martini at home:

• 1 ½ ounces vanilla vodka
  
  
• ½ ounce passion fruit liqueur (Passoã or De Kuyper are common choices)
  
  
• 1 ounce passion fruit puree
  
  
• ½ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
  
  
• ½ ounce vanilla simple syrup
  
  
• 2 ounces chilled sparkling wine (Prosecco or Champagne)
  
  
• Garnish: ½ fresh passion fruit
  
  

How to Make a Porn Star Martini – Step-by-Step

Making this cocktail is easier than it looks — it’s all about balance and presentation. Here’s a simple method:

1. Chill your glass.
   Start by chilling a coupe or martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water while you prep.
   
   
2. Combine your ingredients.
   In a cocktail shaker, add vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, passion fruit puree, lime juice, and vanilla syrup.
   
   
3. Shake it like you mean it.
   Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. The goal is to fully chill the drink and blend the flavors.
   
   
4. Strain and pour.
   Discard the ice from your chilled glass. Strain the mixture into the glass, leaving the foam on top.
   
   
5. Garnish.
   Float a halved passion fruit on the surface of the cocktail for that signature look.
   
   
6. Serve the sparkling wine.
   Pour the chilled sparkling wine into a shot glass or small flute and serve on the side. Some people like to sip the bubbly between sips of the cocktail, while others pour it directly into the glass for a fizzy twist.
   
   

Tips for the Best Porn Star Martini

To elevate your Porn Star Martini from good to great, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Use quality vanilla vodka. The vanilla flavor is essential here. If possible, go with a premium brand to avoid harshness.
  
  
• Fresh passion fruit puree makes a difference. While store-bought is fine, fresh puree adds authenticity and aroma.
  
  
• Balance is key. Taste before serving. If it’s too tart, add a dash more vanilla syrup. Too sweet? A little more lime juice will balance it out.
  
  
• Chill everything. From your glassware to your sparkling wine, colder is better for this drink.
  
  
• Get creative with the bubbly. While Prosecco is traditional, Champagne adds luxury, and even a dry sparkling rosé can be a fun twist.
  
  

Why This Cocktail Is Still So Popular

The Porn Star Martini continues to dominate cocktail menus — and social media feeds — for good reason:

• It looks impressive, thanks to the floating passion fruit and bubbly sidecar.
  
  
• It’s sweet but not overpowering, making it approachable for those who aren’t fans of stronger spirits.
  
  
• It pairs well with celebrations, from date nights to brunches to girls’ nights out.
  
  

More importantly, it’s a drink that delivers on flavor, not just flash.

Variations to Try

If you’re feeling experimental, here are a few Porn Star Martini variations to try:

• Frozen Porn Star Martini: Blend the ingredients with crushed ice for a summer-ready slushy version.
  
  
• Spicy Passion Martini: Add a slice of chili or a dash of chili syrup for a spicy kick.
  
  
• No-Alcohol Version: Replace the vodka with a vanilla syrup and the liqueur with passion fruit juice. Use a non-alcoholic sparkling wine to keep the fun without the alcohol.
  
  

Read also: IPL 2025 Cocktails: 10 Must-Try Drinks Inspired by Your Favorite Teams

Final Thoughts

The Porn Star Martini may raise eyebrows with its name, but one sip and you'll understand why it's become a staple in modern cocktail culture. It's fruity, fragrant, and visually stunning — all while being relatively simple to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a party, setting the mood for a night in, or just want to indulge in a bar-quality drink without leaving your kitchen, the Porn Star Martini is a fantastic choice.

So go ahead — shake one up, pop the bubbly, and enjoy this bold, beautiful cocktail that continues to win hearts (and taste buds) worldwide.

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