Pornstar Martini
Ingredients:
50 ml Vanilla-infused vodka
20 ml Passionfruit liqueur
20 ml Freshly squeezed lime juice
15 ml Simple syrup
Half a fresh passionfruit
Prosecco to serve on the side
Procedure:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the vanilla-infused vodka, passionfruit liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Scoop out the flesh of the passionfruit and add it into the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and give it a vigorous shake, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
Double strain the concoction into a chilled Martini glass, capturing the seeds and ensuring a smooth drink.
For garnish, take the empty passionfruit shell and float it on top of the cocktail.
Serve the Martini with a small side glass of Prosecco.
History:
As you savour the Pornstar Martini, you'll delight in the sweet and sour dance of flavours on your palate, the richness of the vanilla playing beautifully off the tropical tang of the passionfruit. The side of Prosecco provides a crisp, refreshing contrast and can be enjoyed alongside or added to the cocktail as per your preference.
The brainchild of Douglas Ankrah, an influential mixologist from London, the Pornstar Martini was born in the early 2000s. Despite its relatively young age, the cocktail has quickly found popularity and has become a staple on cocktail menus around the world, including here at 1806.
The drink's risqué name, which has certainly played a part in its fame, was coined by Ankrah as an ode to the star-quality of the drink. He believed it had the glamour, exuberance, and vivaciousness worthy of a 'pornstar.' The choice of serving it with a side of Prosecco adds an extra layer of decadence, setting it apart from more traditional Martini variations.
Despite its provocative name, the Pornstar Martini's fame is fundamentally built on its winning combination of flavours. The use of passionfruit gives it a tropical, exotic twist, while the vanilla-infused vodka adds depth and complexity, making it a drink that appeals to the modern, adventurous cocktail lover. So, as you sip your Pornstar Martini, remember that you're not just enjoying a cocktail, but also partaking in a piece of modern cocktail history that celebrates glamour, innovation, and unapologetic boldness.
Remarkably, the Pornstar Martini isn't a Martini in the traditional sense. The Martini is usually a blend of gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth, often garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. The Pornstar Martini, with its mix of vanilla-infused vodka, passionfruit liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and fresh passionfruit, is quite different in composition. Yet, served in the iconic Martini glass, it adopts the 'Martini' moniker, illustrating the creative liberties often taken in modern mixology.
The cocktail's pairing with a side of Prosecco isn't just a unique serving suggestion; it's an integral part of the Pornstar Martini experience. The effervescence of the Prosecco provides a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the Martini itself. Some enjoy it in alternating sips, while others prefer to pour the Prosecco into the Martini, creating a delightful fizz.
The Pornstar Martini's popularity has soared to such heights that it was named the UK's favourite cocktail in 2018, according to a survey by CGA Mixed Drinks Report Q1 2018. This feat signifies not only the drink's appeal but also the shifting tastes of cocktail enthusiasts, who increasingly favour bold, exotic flavours and unique drinking experiences.
Finally, it's important to remember that, as with any cocktail, the Pornstar Martini can be tailored to individual tastes. While the original recipe calls for vanilla-infused vodka, others prefer to use a vanilla liqueur or even vanilla syrup. Similarly, the balance between lime juice and simple syrup can be adjusted depending on your preference for tartness or sweetness. This adaptability contributes to the Pornstar Martini's enduring appeal, offering a cocktail experience that is as versatile as it is delicious.