“Pornstar Martini” Is the Cocktail Indians Can’t Stop Googling – Here’s What It Really Is

The Pornstar Martini is a vibrant, tropical cocktail that balances sweet, sour, and mildly acidic notes, depending on how well its ingredients are blended. Loved for its refreshing taste and eye-catching appearance, the drink has been around for decades but continues to dominate search engines, thanks largely to its intriguing and unforgettable name.

In fact, the Pornstar Martini ranked second on Google’s list of most searched recipes in India this year – placed right after India’s beloved South Indian staple, idli. Its unexpected rise in popularity reflects not just curiosity about its bold name, but also a growing interest among Indians in global cocktail culture.

For those unfamiliar with it, the Pornstar Martini is a vodka-based cocktail that has gained international fame due to its flavor profile, decadent presentation, and catchy name. Google India once again featured it in its year-end search list for 2024, reaffirming its continued demand and curiosity among users. (Image: Pexels)

The Origin Story of the Pornstar Martini

The Pornstar Martini is far more than a fleeting bar trend. Its signature mix of passion fruit, vanilla vodka, and prosecco has secured its position as one of the most iconic modern cocktails. The drink was created by the late celebrity mixologist Douglas Ankrah, and although its recipe was strong from the start, it wasn’t until the name changed that it became a global hit.

Ankrah first conceptualized the drink in 1999 while sitting at the bar “Maverick” in Cape Town, South Africa. He initially named it the Maverick Martini, but it failed to gain commercial traction.

Realizing the cocktail needed a bold, memorable identity, he decided to rename it. “I called it Pornstar because I thought it was something a pornstar would drink; there’s nothing sexual there,” Ankrah once told The Buyer in an interview. His insight proved correct – the name changed everything, launching the drink into worldwide fame.

The cocktail’s continued global popularity decades later is a testament to Ankrah’s creativity and understanding of what captures people’s attention.

How to Make a Classic Pornstar Martini

A traditional Pornstar Martini is a perfectly balanced blend of:

• Two spoonfuls of vanilla sugar
• 50 ml vanilla vodka
• 12.5 ml passion fruit liqueur
• 25 ml rich passion fruit purée

The mixture is shaken well, strained into a chilled martini glass, and then topped with a slice of fresh passion fruit for its signature look. A 50 ml shot of prosecco is served on the side – a luxurious finishing touch that enhances the drink’s sparkling, indulgent appeal.

One reason the cocktail continues to trend is its versatility. Many mixologists and home bartenders experiment with flavors by swapping passion fruit purée with mango, kiwi, or pineapple, making the drink a canvas for playful customisation.

Other Recipes Trending in Google’s “India in Search 2025” Report

Alongside idli and the Pornstar Martini, several traditional Indian and international dishes captured attention this year. Google’s report lists favourites such as Yorkshire pudding, thekua, ugadi pachadi, thiruvathari kali, kolukattai, and modak (ukadiche modak) as some of the most searched recipes.

Health-oriented beverages like gond katira and beetroot kanji also made their way into the trending list, reflecting India’s increasing preference for nutritious, immunity-boosting drinks.

As global culinary curiosity rises, India’s search patterns show a unique blend of tradition, experimentation, and adventurous exploration – with the Pornstar Martini holding its own among both classic and contemporary favourites.