Pornstar Martini: Breaking Down What Goes Into India's Most Searched Cocktail

For two years in a row, 2024 and 2025, the Pornstar Martini cocktail found a spot in Google’s Most Searched Recipes in India. Why is this orange-hued cocktail, created over two decades ago, still among the top searches over two decades later? Is it the flavour, the ingredients, or something else? Read ahead to find the answer.

The Pornstar Martini cocktail was first created in 2002 in London by Ghanaian-born, London-based bartender and entrepreneur Douglas Ankrah. Ankrah, who passed away in 2021, claimed to have created the drink in just under 15 minutes. 

The drink was inspired by his travels to South Africa and was initially named the Maverick Martini cocktail. Later, he changed the name to the Pornstar Martini cocktail. The drink slowly became a familiar item across restaurants and bars. Over a decade later, in 2018, it became the most ordered cocktail in the United Kingdom. 

They may look similar in names, but the two cocktails could not be more different. The classic Martini cocktail is a dry, spirit-forward cocktail made with gin or vodka. Developed in the late 19th or early 20th century, the original version uses gin, along with vermouth. On the other hand, the Pornstar Martini cocktail is a modern cocktail, with fruity, sweet and sour notes. 

The serving style also differs. While the classic dry Martini cocktail is served as is (usually with a garnish of olives), the Pornstar Martini cocktail set includes a small glass of champagne on the side. 

The original Pornstar Martini cocktail recipe, devised by Ankrah, highlights the flavours of vanilla (which gives the drink its sweet notes) and passion fruit (which gives it the sourness). 

• Ingredients: 

  • 4 parts of vanilla-flavoured vodka

  • 1 part passion-fruit flavoured liqueur

  • 2 parts passion fruit puree

  •  2 bar spoons (or teaspoons) vanilla sugar. 

• Method: 

  • Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass or shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. 

  • Strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass. 

  • Cut passion fruit in half, dust with vanilla sugar and use as a garnish. 

  • Pour champagne into a chilled small glass and serve alongside the martini cocktail. 

• Pairing:

  • Fresh seafood best complements the tart passion fruit. Opt for ceviche, prawn cocktails, sashimi, sushi, or grilled scallops.

  • The sweet-tart flavour of the drink also contrasts well with spices. Try jalapeño poppers, salsa with chips, or chicken empanadas. You can also opt for Vietnamese summer rolls or creamy bruschetta.

  • For a sweet pairing, match the vanilla tones with passion fruit tart, vanilla cheesecake, crème brûlée, or mango sticky rice.

A modern adaptation of the Pornstar Martini cocktail recipe uses vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, passion fruit puree, and lime juice. If you don’t have vanilla-flavoured vodka, you can also use regular vodka with vanilla syrup. Instead of champagne, you can also serve prosecco on the side.  

While the classic cocktail recipe balances the contrasting flavour notes, there are simple variations that slightly alter the appearance, ingredients, or structure of the drink. Here are some of the common ones: 

• Frozen Pornstar Martini cocktail: While the original cocktail is a smooth pour, this version is blended with ice and sometimes frozen mango chunks for a slushy texture.

• Coconut Pornstar cocktail: Here, the Pornstar Martini cocktail recipe swaps standard vodka for coconut rum or adds coconut cream for a creamy, tropical twist to the drink.

• Spicy Rockstar cocktail: This one aligns the most with the sweet and spicy or “swicy” trend. Instead of flavoured vodka, this Pornstar Martini cocktail recipe uses spiced rum. It also adds a chilli-infused syrup to the mix. The drink is not as sweet as the original, and the sourness is balanced with a hint of chilli in every sip. 

• Pornstar Highball: Here, the variation is small but significant because it alters the appearance. As the name suggests, this version is served long over ice rather than in a martini cocktail glass; it is sometimes topped with soda.

• Pornstar Sour: Taking inspiration from the classic Whisky Sour, this version adds egg white (or their vegan alternative) for a thicker, foamy head. It makes for a more striking appearance. 

• Other variations: Apart from these, two other variations of the Pornstar Martini cocktail exist – one where, instead of passion fruit, the fruity notes of lychee are incorporated into the drink. And the other, where vodka is swapped with gin or tequila. 

Why Is The Pornstar Martini Cocktail Famous?

The drink’s continued fame can be attributed to a variety of factors, from its name and flavour to its presentation. The sweet and sour blend of vanilla and passion fruit is palatable. The floating passion fruit in the foamy top of the orange-gold coloured cocktail also creates a premium experience. It is also part of the United Kingdom’s cocktail history, marking a clear shift from stiff, traditional drinks commonly served at bars.

*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.