Few cocktails have achieved the instant impact and worldwide popularity of the Pornstar Martini. Crowned in the top Google searched cocktail recipes in 2024 by The Spirits Business, this cocktail's blend of sweet and tart flavours, combined with its unique presentation, has made it a modern classic.
At The Shropshire Distillery, we've taken this beloved drink and given it our own handcrafted twist.
A Brief History of the Pornstar Martini
The Pornstar Martini, despite its risqué name, is a sophisticated concoction that traces its origins back to 2002. It was created by renowned bartender Douglas Ankrah, founder of the LAB Bar in London. Initially dubbed the "Maverick Martini," the drink was inspired by the vibrant, glamorous atmosphere of the cocktail bars in Cape Town, South Africa. Its provocative name was intended to capture the playful and indulgent spirit of the drink, resonating with the allure of the cocktail's bold flavours and presentation. For more about the history of this cocktail, check out Difford's Guide.
The Components of a Classic Pornstar Martini
At its core, the Pornstar Martini is a delightful blend of:
- Vodka
- Passion fruit puree
- Lime juice
- Vanilla syrup
- Prosecco on the side
The drink is traditionally served in a martini glass, with half a passion fruit floating on top and a shot of prosecco on the side.
The Process Shot: A Unique Serving Style
One of the distinguishing features of the Pornstar Martini is the accompanying shot of Prosecco. This "Prosecco shot" isn't merely for show; it's an integral part of the cocktail experience. The Prosecco acts as a palate cleanser, balancing the sweetness of the passion fruit and vanilla in the martini. Some aficionados prefer to sip the Prosecco before enjoying the martini, while others like to alternate between the two, creating a dynamic interplay of flavours. This ritual adds an element of fun and sophistication, making the Pornstar Martini more than just a drink — it's an experience.
Recreating the Pornstar Martini at The Shropshire Distillery
At The Shropshire Distillery, we celebrate the rich heritage of cocktails while adding our own unique touch to each creation. Our version of the Pornstar Martini stays true to the original's flavour profile but incorporates our handcrafted spirits and carefully selected ingredients to elevate the experience, whilst also keeping it easy and simple to recreate at home, embracing our 'no faff' approach to crafting cocktails
Our Ingredients:
- Shropshire Distillery Spring Vodka: Distilled by us with precision and blended with Wenlock Spring Water , our Spring Vodka forms the smooth, pure base of the cocktail.
- Oldfield's Apple Fresco: This locally produced apple fresco adds a crisp, refreshing note, enhancing the depth of flavours. Served on the side as a palette cleanser
- Fresh Passion Fruit: We use fresh passion fruit to ensure every sip bursts with vibrant tropical flavour.
- Freshly squeezed Lime Juice - Adds a zesty, citrusy kick, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Passion Fruit Puree: Passion fruit puree complements the fresh fruit, creating a rich, consistent taste.
- Vanilla Syrup - Provides a smooth, sweet undertone that enhances the overall flavour profile
Our Method:
- Chill the Glass: Pre chill the martini glass in the freezer. This will ensure the cocktail remains perfectly cool.
- Shake the Ingredients: Add Spring Vodka, lime juice, fresh passion fruit, passion fruit puree and vanilla syrup to your cocktail shaker with plenty of ice . Shake it up to blend and cool the balance of flavours and to create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Strain and Garnish: Strain into the chilled Martini glass and garnish with the remaining half of passion fruit.
- Serve with Apple Fresco: A shot of Apple Fresco is served alongside, to be sipped as a palette cleanser.
For full recipe details see our ‘Serving Suggestions’
Why Our Version Stands Out
Our no faff approach to the Pornstar Martini emphasises ease with quality and craftsmanship. By using our Spring Vodkaand fresh, locally sourced ingredients like Oldfield's Apple Fresco and fresh passion fruit, we ensure that every glass offers a rich, authentic taste experience.
Our dedication to small-batch production allows us to maintain high standards, making each cocktail a testament to our commitment to excellence.
Check out our TikTok video to see how we created our version of the Pornstar Martini.
The Legacy Continues
The Pornstar Martini's journey from a trendy London bar to becoming one of the most searched cocktails on Google is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Its unique combination of flavours, textures, and presentation has secured its place in the pantheon of modern cocktails.
At The Shropshire Distillery, we are proud to be part of this legacy, bringing our version of the Pornstar Martini to life with the same passion and creativity that has made it a global sensation.
Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a curious newcomer, we invite you to visit our distillery and experience our handcrafted spirits.
