The History of the Pornstar Martini

Jump to the Pornstar Martini recipe

In 2018, the Pornstar Martini was named as the UK’s favourite cocktail, cementing its place on cocktail lists around the country. It may not be the most refined drink, and its name is certainly more tongue-in-cheek than sophisticated, but this sweet, fruity beverage is easy to drink and looks incredible.

TL;DR

• UK's Favorite Cocktail: The Pornstar Martini, named the UK’s favorite cocktail in 2018, is known for its sweet, fruity taste and signature Prosecco shot.
• Invented by Douglas Ankrah: Created in 1999 by Douglas Ankrah, the cocktail gained popularity for its bold name and unique flavor.
• Global Fame: It quickly spread from London to major cities worldwide, becoming a symbol of modern nightlife.
• Ankrah’s Impact: Ankrah's legacy includes his iconic cocktail, popular bars, and contributions to bartending.

There is a certain amount of theatre that comes from the ordering of a Pornstar Martini. It requires all the usual cocktail tricks, using a shaker and strainer to create a smooth experience, but it also comes with a shot of Prosecco.

This can be added to the drink or downed prior to the cocktail, depending on your preference. Even the glass and garnish have a certain j’en ai sais quoi about them that adds to the appeal. So, where did this modern classic come from?

Who Invented the Pornstar Martini?

In 1999, South African born Douglas Ankrah was walking to work on a warm summer's morning and had an idea that would soon see his popularity behind the Lab Bar soar. He decided to take three of the most popular flavours of the moment: vodka, Prosecco and passion fruit and put them together in a drink. When he got to work he was able to play with the measures and the Maverick Martini was born.

This delicious combination of passion fruits, vanilla vodka, Passoa, lime juice, sugar and Prosecco was an immediate hit, but the name didn’t seem to fit.

Ankrah chose to give his creation a new moniker: the Pornstar Martini, because he felt that it was a drink that a pornstar would drink. This helped to elevate the status of the cocktail further, as people were drawn to the jocular title and irresistible ingredients.

Rise to Popularity: From London to Global Fame

The cocktail quickly gained popularity in London’s vibrant bar scene, appealing to those looking for something new and exciting. Its unique combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with its cheeky name, made it a standout choice for adventurous drinkers. From upscale cocktail lounges to trendy nightclubs, the Pornstar Martini became a symbol of modern, sophisticated nightlife—a drink that balanced elegance with a hint of rebelliousness.

As London’s reputation as a global cocktail hub grew, so did the fame of the Pornstar Martini. It began to appear on cocktail menus far beyond the UK, thanks to its irresistible flavor profile and Instagram-worthy presentation. Influencers and celebrities helped boost its profile further by featuring it in their posts, making it a must-try drink for those wanting to capture the spirit of a stylish night out.

The cocktail’s international rise was cemented when it became a staple in major cities like New York, Sydney, and Dubai. Bartenders worldwide began experimenting with variations, further fueling its global appeal. Despite its risqué name, the Pornstar Martini has managed to carve out a place in modern cocktail culture, celebrated for its boldness and ability to bring a touch of excitement to any occasion.

Ankrah’s Legacy

Unfortunately for the cocktail world, Douglas Ankrah peacefully passed away in August, at the age of 51. As well as creating the Pornstar Martini, a top ten cocktail around the world, he was also responsible for the bottling of the drink so that people could enjoy a pre-mixed version of their favourite beverage.

He helped to found the Lab Bar, which started life as a bartending course, churning out some of the world’s best bartenders. It soon became one of the most popular drinking spots in London. He then created Townhouse, another drinking establishment that quickly became a success.

Ankrah also wrote many cocktail books, keen to help as many people as possible enjoy the bartending life.