The Pornstar Martini is a cocktail that demands attention, not just for its provocative name, but for its vibrant, complex flavor profile and the ritualistic way it is served. It is not a true Martini, but a modern classic that revolutionized the cocktail scene with its bold combination of vanilla, passion fruit, and a signature shot of sparkling wine.
As someone who appreciates the artistry behind a well-crafted drink, I find the Pornstar Martini’s unique serving method to be part of its charm. It turns a simple sip into a small, playful ceremony.
If you have ever ordered this gorgeous, frothy drink and wondered, “How exactly am I supposed to drink this?” you are not alone. This guide is dedicated to explaining the intended ritual, offering the history behind it, and helping you master the three accepted ways to enjoy this delicious, fruity sensation.
The Story Behind the Icon: What is a Pornstar Martini?
To understand how to drink the Pornstar Martini, you must first know what it is and where it came from. This cocktail is a relatively recent addition to the cocktail canon, but it quickly became one of the most ordered drinks, especially across the UK and Europe.
A Modern London Classic
The Pornstar Martini was created in 2002 by renowned South African mixologist Douglas Ankrah at his Townhouse bar in London. Ankrah reportedly wanted to create a drink that was “bold, sexy, and playful.”
He was inspired by the exotic allure of passion fruit, combining it with vanilla, a hint of citrus, and a surprising, effervescent accompaniment.
- The Name: While Ankrah once suggested the name came from what he imagined a porn star would order, the drink’s original name was the Maverick Martini. The playful, slightly scandalous name change, however, certainly helped cement its place in popular culture.
The Essential Components
This cocktail is defined by a beautiful balance of flavors- sweetness from the vanilla, tartness from the passion fruit and lime, and a boozy backbone.
| Component | Role in the Cocktail | Flavor Profile |
| Vanilla Vodka | The Base Spirit | Smooth, neutral foundation with a hint of sweet warmth. |
| Passion Fruit Liqueur (e.g., Passoã) | Flavor Enhancer | Intense, sweet, tropical fruit flavor. |
| Passion Fruit Purée | Texture and Intensity | Rich, tart, and velvety texture; essential for the frothy head. |
| Lime Juice & Vanilla Syrup | Balance | The lime provides necessary acidity, and the syrup rounds out the flavor. |
| The Sparkling Sidecar | The Ritual | Dry, effervescent contrast, traditionally Prosecco or Champagne. |
The most distinctive feature is that the cocktail is served in a chilled coupe glass, accompanied by a shot glass (or ‘sidecar’) of chilled sparkling wine. This dual service is the source of all the delightful confusion and the key to its unique consumption ritual.
The Ritual: How to Drink a Pornstar Martini
When your Pornstar Martini arrives, you are presented with three distinct elements: the vibrant, frothy cocktail itself, the half-slice of fresh passion fruit floating on top, and the chilled sidecar of sparkling wine.
There is no wrong way to enjoy it- it is your drink, after all- but there is a traditional, intended way designed by the creator to maximize the flavor experience.
Method 1: The Intended Way (The Flavor Contrast)
This is the way I recommend trying it first, as it delivers the full, intentional flavor contrast that makes the cocktail so special.
- The Garnish: First, use a spoon (if provided) or simply scoop out and eat the fresh passion fruit half resting on the surface. The garnish provides a burst of highly acidic, tart pulp that prepares your palate. Eating the garnish first is considered the true ‘purist’ starting point.
- The Sip-and-Sip: Take a sip of the Pornstar Martini cocktail. Its flavor is sweet, tart, and creamy.
- The Palate Cleanser: Immediately follow that with a sip of the chilled Prosecco (or Champagne) from the sidecar. The dry, crisp bubbles of the sparkling wine cleanse your palate and provide a refreshing, sharp contrast to the rich sweetness of the cocktail.
- Why it Works? The Prosecco is meant to be a palate cleanser, balancing the intense sweetness and acidity of the passion fruit mix. Alternating sips creates a dynamic, multi-layered taste experience.
Method 2: The Mixer (The Effervescent Cocktail)
This is the most common and arguably the simplest way to enjoy the drink, especially in a social setting.
- The Garnish: Eat the fresh passion fruit garnish first (optional, but recommended).
- The Pour: Carefully pour the entire shot of Prosecco directly into the coupe glass with the cocktail.
- Why it Works? Adding the sparkling wine immediately introduces a delightful effervescence to the entire drink. The foam on top of the Martini mixes with the bubbles, creating a lighter, more refreshing, and instantly festive cocktail that is sweeter and less intense than the separate sips.
Method 3: The Shot (The Bold Finish)
This method is perhaps the least common, but it is embraced by those who enjoy a sharper contrast.
- The Cocktail: Drink the entire Pornstar Martini cocktail first, enjoying the blend of vanilla and passion fruit.
- The Shot: Finish by taking the Prosecco shot straight at the end.
- Why it Works? This method saves the Prosecco as a “celebratory” finisher or a hard palate cleanser after the main flavor experience. It’s a bold way to end the drink, giving a distinct separation between the cocktail and the sparkling wine.
| Method | Ritual Order | Main Effect on Flavor | Common Usage |
| The Intended Way | Eat garnish, alternate sips of Martini and Prosecco. | Contrast and Balance: Prosecco cleanses and balances sweetness. | For savoring and appreciation. |
| The Mixer | Pour Prosecco into the Martini glass, then drink. | Effervescence: Makes the whole drink lighter and bubblier. | The easiest, most common way to drink. |
| The Shot | Drink Martini, then take the Prosecco shot last. | Bold Finish: Prosecco serves as a distinct, dry palate “reset.” | For a quick, sharp contrast at the end. |
Mastering the Craft: A Home Recipe
If you want to experience the true Pornstar Martini ritual at home, I insist on using fresh passion fruit purée, as it is crucial for creating the signature frothy head on top of the cocktail.
Ingredients (Classic Ratios)
- 1.5 oz (45 ml) Vanilla Vodka
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) Passion Fruit Liqueur (Passoã is standard)
- 1.0 oz (30 ml) Passion Fruit Purée
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz (15 ml) Vanilla Syrup
- 2 oz (60 ml) Chilled Prosecco (served on the side)
- Garnish: Half a fresh passion fruit
Instructions
- Chill Your Glass: Always start by placing your coupe or Martini glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice water, to ensure it is icy cold.
- Combine and Shake: Add all the liquid ingredients (except the Prosecco) to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake Vigorously: Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds. This is vital. The purée and lime juice need intense agitation to create the beautiful, thick foam that sits on the surface of the finished drink.
- Strain and Serve: Double strain the mixture into your chilled glass. The foam should float perfectly on top.
- Garnish and Ritual: Garnish with the fresh passion fruit half, and serve the chilled Prosecco in a separate shot glass alongside the cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Pornstar Martini served with a shot of Prosecco?
The Prosecco (or Champagne) is intended to be a palate cleanser and contrast. The Pornstar Martini is quite sweet and tart due to the passion fruit and vanilla. The dry, effervescent Prosecco cuts through this richness, balancing the intense flavors and making the next sip of the cocktail taste fresh and vibrant.
Can I use Champagne instead of Prosecco?
Yes, absolutely. While the cocktail is often served with Prosecco for its slightly sweeter and softer bubbles, Champagne (especially a dry Brut style) is a premium alternative. Champagne provides a crisper, more refined contrast to the cocktail and elevates the overall presentation.
Does the Pornstar Martini contain coffee?
No, the Pornstar Martini does not contain coffee. This misconception might arise because the Espresso Martini is another very popular cocktail served in a Martini glass. The Pornstar Martini’s key ingredients are vanilla vodka, passion fruit, lime juice, and sparkling wine, offering a tropical, tart, and sweet flavor profile.
Is the Pornstar Martini a “real” Martini?
Despite its name, the Pornstar Martini is not a true Martini. The classic Martini contains only gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth. The Pornstar Martini is a spirit-based cocktail served in a Martini-style glass, falling into the category of “Martini-named” drinks that have little to do with the original classic.
What creates the foam on top of the drink?
The thick, creamy foam on top of the Pornstar Martini is created by the intense agitation (vigorous shaking) of the passion fruit purée and the fresh lime juice. The combination of the fruit’s natural fibers and the acid, when shaken hard, emulsifies, resulting in that desirable, velvety head.