Pornstar Martini, The Ultimate Guide to Making a Perfect Cocktail

Here at Snowdonia Spirit Co, we believe that every cocktail tells a story. Some cocktails, however, have a story that’s a little more playful, bold, and exciting. The Pornstar Martini is just that—a cheeky, vibrant cocktail that’s become a modern-day favourite. Despite its provocative name, the Pornstar Martini has carved out a spot on bar menus around the world as a sophisticated yet fun drink. At Snowdonia Spirit Co, we love to shake up classic cocktails using our handcrafted Welsh Dry Gin, and the Pornstar Martini is no exception.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll dive deep into the history of the Pornstar Martini, share our recipe for a Welsh-inspired twist using our Welsh Dry Gin, and teach you everything you need to know about how to make a perfect Pornstar Martini at home. If you’re ready to elevate your cocktail game and bring a taste of Snowdonia into your glass, let’s get started.

The History of the Pornstar Martini

The Pornstar Martini may have only been created in the early 2000s, but it quickly became one of the most iconic cocktails of the modern era. This cocktail’s playful name and delicious combination of flavours have made it a favourite among cocktail lovers, and its distinctive garnish—a shot of prosecco or champagne—makes it stand out as an indulgent treat.

The story of the Pornstar Martini begins in London at the hands of Douglas Ankrah, a renowned bartender and founder of the bar LAB (London Academy of Bartenders). In 2002, Ankrah was inspired by the exotic flavours of passion fruit while visiting a South African gentlemen’s club. Although he originally named the cocktail the “Maverick Martini,” it didn’t take long before it became widely known as the Pornstar Martini, a name that reflected its cheeky, vibrant, and luxurious nature.

While the name might raise an eyebrow or two, the Pornstar Martini is not as outlandish as it sounds. Its flavours—sweet, tangy, and full of tropical passion fruit—are carefully balanced and absolutely delicious. And the tradition of serving it with a side shot of prosecco or champagne adds a unique element of indulgence, allowing drinkers to sip the prosecco or mix it into the martini as they wish.

Today, the Pornstar Martini is a global sensation, gracing the menus of high-end cocktail bars and restaurants from London to New York. And while vodka is typically the spirit of choice in a classic Pornstar Martini recipe, we’ve found that our Welsh Dry Gin adds a fresh, botanical twist that takes this drink to new heights.

Pornstar Martini Ingredients: A Welsh Twist

At its core, the Pornstar Martini is all about the vibrant, juicy flavours of passion fruit, balanced by the sharpness of lime and the smooth, vanilla sweetness of a good liqueur. While vodka is traditionally used as the base spirit, our take on this classic replaces it with our Welsh Dry Gin, adding a herbal depth that perfectly complements the tropical notes of passion fruit.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect Pornstar Martini with a Welsh twist:

Ingredients:

50ml Snowdonia Spirit Co Welsh Gin
25ml passion fruit purée (or fresh passion fruit pulp if you prefer)
15ml vanilla syrup (or a splash of vanilla extract if you want a more subtle flavour)
25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
15ml passion fruit liqueur (optional but highly recommended for added depth)
50ml prosecco or champagne (served on the side)
Ice
Half a passion fruit for garnish

How to Make the Perfect Cocktail

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the Pornstar Martini recipe. Making this cocktail at home is simpler than it might seem, and with our Welsh Dry Gin, you’ll be adding a distinctive and delightful twist to a modern classic. Follow these steps to create your very own Pornstar Martini:

Method:

Prepare your shaker: Start by filling your cocktail shaker with ice. This ensures the drink is well chilled as you combine the ingredients.

Add the ingredients: Pour in 50ml of Snowdonia Spirit Co Welsh Dry Gin, followed by 25ml of passion fruit purée, 15ml of vanilla syrup, 25ml of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 15ml of passion fruit liqueur if you’re using it. The combination of our gin with these fruity and sweet flavours creates a perfect balance of complexity and freshness.

Shake it up: Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. The goal is to thoroughly chill the ingredients and bring them together into a smooth, harmonious mix.

Double strain into a glass: Using a fine mesh strainer, double strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass or coupe glass. This ensures that no pulp or seeds from the passion fruit make their way into your cocktail, leaving you with a smooth, clean finish.

Garnish: Place half a passion fruit on top of the drink for that signature Pornstar Martini look. The vibrant orange of the passion fruit contrasts beautifully with the pale yellow hue of the drink, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.

Serve with prosecco: Pour 50ml of prosecco or champagne into a shot glass and serve it alongside the martini. Traditionally, you’re meant to sip the prosecco between sips of the martini, but some people enjoy mixing the two drinks together. The choice is yours!

Cheers and enjoy: Take a moment to admire your creation, then sip, savour, and enjoy the bold, tropical flavours of your homemade Pornstar Martini. The crisp notes of our Welsh Dry Gin elevate the fruity sweetness of the passion fruit and vanilla, adding a sophisticated botanical depth to this playful cocktail.

Why Use Welsh Dry Gin in a Pornstar Martini?

You might be wondering why we’ve chosen to swap out vodka for gin in our version of the Pornstar Martini. The truth is, we believe gin adds a layer of complexity that makes this already bold drink even more exciting.

Our Welsh Dry Gin is crafted using the finest botanicals, giving it a distinct character that’s rooted in the Welsh landscape. Juniper, citrus, and earthy herbal notes in our gin play off the tartness of the passion fruit and the sweetness of the vanilla, creating a balanced cocktail that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

In fact, gin’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for many modern cocktails. While vodka is a neutral spirit, gin brings flavour and personality to the table, allowing you to explore new depths of taste in your cocktails. With our Welsh Dry Gin, you get a truly unique spirit that enhances the drink while staying true to the tropical, fruity nature of the Pornstar Martini.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pornstar Martini

If you’re looking to really impress your friends or elevate your home bartending skills, here are a few tips to ensure you’re making the best possible Pornstar Martini:

Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime juice and ripe passion fruit purée make all the difference. Bottled lime juice or artificial flavourings can dull the vibrant flavours that make this cocktail so special.

Chill your glasses: For that extra touch of sophistication, pop your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. A chilled glass not only keeps your drink cold for longer but also adds to the overall experience.

Don’t skip the prosecco: The prosecco shot served alongside the Pornstar Martini isn’t just a fun garnish—it’s an essential part of the cocktail’s charm. The sparkling wine provides a contrast to the sweetness of the drink, balancing the flavours perfectly.

Experiment with syrups: While vanilla syrup is the classic choice for a Pornstar Martini, feel free to experiment with different flavours. A touch of passion fruit syrup or even a hint of ginger can add an exciting twist to the drink.

Make it your own: The beauty of cocktails is that they can be tailored to your preferences. If you prefer a slightly less sweet drink, reduce the amount of vanilla syrup or use fresh passion fruit instead of a pre-made purée for a more tart flavour.

Why the Pornstar Martini Has Stood the Test of Time

The Pornstar Martini may be a relatively young cocktail, but its staying power is undeniable. Its bold, tropical flavours and the playful prosecco shot make it a drink that’s both indulgent and fun, perfect for celebrations, date nights, or simply treating yourself to something special.

Part of its appeal lies in its versatility—you can adapt the recipe to suit your tastes, and it works just as well in a fancy cocktail bar as it does in your kitchen. With our Welsh Dry Gin, you’re not only getting a delicious twist on a classic recipe, but you’re also bringing a touch of Welsh craftsmanship and tradition into your glass.

Bringing the Spirit of Snowdonia into Every Sip

At Snowdonia Spirit Co, we’re passionate about creating high-quality spirits that celebrate the beauty of Wales. Our Welsh Dry Gin is crafted with care, using 12 botanicals. Each bottle is a tribute to the natural beauty and heritage of Wales, and we believe it shines in every cocktail, especially in bold, tropical drinks like the Pornstar Martini.

Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or new to the world of mixology, the Pornstar Martini with our Welsh Dry Gin is sure to impress. The bright flavours of passion fruit and vanilla paired with the crisp, botanical notes of our gin create a drink that’s both sophisticated and fun—a true celebration in a glass.

Iechyd Da!

Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know about the Pornstar Martini, it’s time to try your hand at making one. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or just in the mood for something indulgent, this cocktail is guaranteed to be a hit.