The Passion Star Martini is probably best known by another, more risqué, name 😉 Whatever the name, this passion fruit cocktail served with a shot of Prosecco on the side is deliciously seductive and photogenic!
You must also try my Passionfruit Martini
I debated blogging this flavoured martini recipe for such a long time… but the cheeky name has no place on this blog. Especially since I had my 8 year old son literally reading over my shoulder as I was typing up this post. Now that he is safely occupied playing I can whisper it… it’s actually a Pornstar Martini.
I don’t know about you, but the name would actually put me off ordering this cocktail which would be a shame because it is delicious, especially if you love passion fruit drinks which I do! I call it a Passion Star Martini to protect the innocent 😉
What’s in a name
This cocktail has probably shot up in popularity thanks to the playful name – it supposedly is the most popular cocktail in the UK! It certainly appears to be very instagrammable…
These days you can even find pre-mixed bottled versions at your local supermarket, but I will always maintain making a cocktail from scratch is the only way to enjoy it.
The Pornstar Martini was created by Douglas Ankhra and it was originally known by another name – the Maverick Martini. The creator named it after a disreputable gentleman’s club in Cape Town.
He later changed the name to reflect the “evocative and tantalising” essence of the cocktail, perhaps influenced by the passion fruit. According to the creator you were supposed to scoop out and eat the passion fruit, drink the Champagne then sip the cocktail.
What’s in a Pornstar Martini
There’s a few different versions of this cocktail but the main elements are:
- Vodka or Vanilla vodka if you happen to have some!
- Fresh passion fruit purée
- Passion Fruit Liqueur such as Passoa
- Fresh lime juice – optional, to cut the sweetness
- Simple syrup (sugar syrup)
- Vanilla – you can use Vanilla vodka or use vanilla extract, paste or even a fresh vanilla pod. Or you can make vanilla simple syrup, recipe in notes below
- A large shot of chilled Prosecco or Champagne served on the side
- Fresh passion fruit slice to garnish
How to make a Passion Star Martini
STEP 1. Put two martini glasses in the freezer to chill.
STEP 2. Slice the passion fruit and scoop out the seeds into a small sieve set over your cocktail shaker. Press on the seeds with the back of a spoon to extract the juice.
STEP 3. Half fill your cocktail shaker with cubed ice. Add the vodka, passionfruit liqueur, lime juice, sugar syrup and vanilla extract. Shake hard for 30 seconds. Taste your cocktail – is it too sweet or too sour? Adjust the lime juice or sugar syrup (simple syrup).
STEP 4. Strain the drink into the chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with a thin slice of passion fruit. Serve the shots of Prosecco on the side. Snap a couple of Instagram shots and enjoy!
Passion Star Martini tips and FAQs
- I can’t find fresh passion fruit – what can I use instead? You can replace the fresh passion fruit purée with store-bought versions. The only slight drawback is that they usually come if large containers and need to be used quite quickly.
- I don’t have Vanilla vodka – you don’t really need it, simply add a couple of drops of real vanilla extract (used in baking) or scrape the seeds from a vanilla pod. Alternatively you can make vanilla simple syrup (see recipe notes).
- Do I pour the prosecco into the cocktail? The prosecco or Champagne is meant to be drunk on its own and served on the side. You can certainly pour it into your martini if you prefer, I usually do.
Passion Star Martini
Ingredients
- 4 passion fruit , juice only
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) Vodka or Vanilla vodka
- 1 tablespoon Passoa liqueur (passionfruit liqueur)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp sugar syrup (optional)
- Drop of vanilla extract (leave out if using Vanilla vodka)
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) chilled Champagne or Prosecco to serve on the side
- 1 passion fruit , sliced or halved to garnish
Instructions
- Put two martini glasses in the freezer to chill.
- Slice the passion fruit and scoop out the seeds into a small sieve set over your cocktail shaker. Press on the seeds with the back of a spoon to extract the juice.
- Half fill your cocktail shaker with cubed ice. Add the vodka, passionfruit liqueur lime juice, sugar syrup, vanilla extract and shake hard for 30 seconds.
- Strain the drink into the chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with a thin slice of passion fruit. Serve the shots of Prosecco on the side.
Notes
Passion Star Martini tips and FAQs
- I can’t find fresh passion fruit - what can I use instead? You can replace the fresh passion fruit purée with store-bought versions. The only slight drawback is that they usually come if large containers and need to be used quite quickly.
- I don’t have Vanilla vodka - you don’t really need it, simply add a couple of drops of real vanilla extract (used in baking) or scrape the seeds from a vanilla pod. Alternatively use homemade vanilla simple syrup, recipe below.
- Do I pour the prosecco into the cocktail? The prosecco or Champagne is meant to be drunk on its own and served on the side. You can certainly pour it into your martini if you prefer, I usually do.
Vanilla Simple Syrup
Bring 135g (2/3 cup) of sugar and 120ml (1/2 cup) of water to a simmer over medium low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Take off the heat when bubbles just rising to the surface. Stir in 1 tbsp vanilla pasta until dissolved. Cool and transfer to a clean jar or bottle. Keep in the fridge for up to a week to use in cocktails.Nutritional Info
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Kellie Anderson says
May 26, 2019 at 8:49 amI love the new name you’ve given this otherwise very delightful cocktail. I’ve never ordered one just because of it’s name, although I’ve certainly enjoyed one or two in my time. I’d be very happy to order your iteration whatever the name though. And, can I just say, I love how you’ve colour-matched your dress to the drink.