The History of the cocktail The Pornstar Martini, a modern classic that has become a staple on cocktail menus across the world. The cocktail has a fascinating history dating back to the late 1990s. Originating from the creative mind of Douglas Ankrah, a renowned drinks…
The History of the cocktail
The Pornstar Martini, a modern classic that has become a staple on cocktail menus across the world. The cocktail has a fascinating history dating back to the late 1990s. Originating from the creative mind of Douglas Ankrah, a renowned drinks and bar consultant, this cocktail has evolved into a beloved icon in British cocktail culture. Douglas Ankrah passed away in 2021
Douglas Ankrah, the Founder of the Pornstar Martini
Douglas Ankrah, not just a mixologist but a visionary in the world of drinks, made his mark in 1996 with the London Academy of Bartending (LAB). LAB became a breeding ground for aspiring bartenders, and soon, Douglas opened the LAB bar in Soho in 1999. Later, Townhouse in Knightsbridge played a crucial role in establishing the Pornstar Martini’s fame. Ankrah’s legacy extended beyond mixology; he was passionate about creating income streams for bartenders and challenging the industry norm. Ankrah was regarded as a ‘pioneer’ for bartenders worldwide.
How the Pornstar Martini Got Its Name
The intriguing name comes from it’s distinct taste. In 2002, during a visit to Cape Town and influenced by the vibrant atmosphere of the Mavericks Gentlemen’s Club, Ankrah conceptualised the cocktail. He initially named it the Maverick Martini but later found the moniker lacked the bold, sexy, and playful essence he sought. Renaming it the Pornstar Martini, Ankrah aimed to capture attention and create a drink that embodied the spirit of a pornstar – provocative, playful, and tongue-in-cheek. Ankrah referred to the cocktail as ‘something a pornstar would drink’
Controversies of the Pornstar Martini
Over the years, the cocktail’s name has stirred controversies, with instances like the 2019 complaint against Marks & Spencer (M&S) leading to a name change to Passion Star Martini. Despite occasional controversies, the drink’s popularity has endured, with variations like Passionfruit Martini emerging to avoid potential issues.
The Original Recipe
Now, let’s dive into crafting the perfect Pornstar Martini with the original recipe created by Douglas Ankrah.
Original Recipe:
Ingredients for a pornstar martini:
- 50ml Vanilla Vodka
- 12.5ml Passion Fruit Liqueur
- 25ml Passion Fruit Puree
- 1 tsp Vanilla Sugar
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled and combined (about 20 seconds).
- Strain into a martini glass and garnish with half a passionfruit.
- Serve with a shot of bubbles (Prosecco) on the side.
Alternative Recipes:
For those seeking variations, consider experimenting with alternative ingredients like different fruit liqueurs, flavored vodkas, or unique sweeteners. The versatility of the cocktail allows for creative adaptations with variations including white rum instead of vanilla vodka.
The Flavour Profile of the Pornstar
The Pornstar Martini boasts a unique flavour profile that combines the sweet-tartness of passion fruit with the smoothness of vanilla-flavored vodka. The addition of Prosecco provides the perfect palate cleansing accomplice.
When the Pornstar Martini Gained Popularity
Introduced in 2002 at Townhouse, the cocktail gained rapid popularity, becoming a favorite among London’s cocktail enthusiasts. Its success can be attributed to its launch in prime party spots like LAB and Townhouse, as well as the influence of LAB graduates who spread the cocktail across the city.
The Evolution of the Maverick Martini to the Pornstar Martini
Initially known as the Maverick Martini, inspired by Ankrah’s experiences in Cape Town, the cocktail’s transformation to the Pornstar Martini occurred upon Ankrah’s return to London. The change in name and the cocktail’s evolution captured the ambience of London’s vibrant cocktail scene in the early 2000s.
The Future of the Pornstar Martini
As the cocktail continues to hold its place as one of the most popular drinks in the UK, the Pornstar Martini’s future looks bright. Its embedded presence in British cocktail culture ensures its longevity, with bartenders likely to keep innovating and creating new riffs on this modern classic. The Pornstar Martini symbolises bartending culture with a blend of boldness, playfulness, and a touch of cheekiness, making it a timeless favorite for cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Our team have created countless Pornstar’s for events for over 10 years and hope to continue for the next 10 years!
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