May 28, 2025: It’s not just about rich flavours—it’s about history, flair, and a passion stirred into every glass. Mark your calendars and raise your glasses, because May 28th is World Passion Fruit Martini Day, a celebration of one of the UK’s most iconic and beloved cocktails.
Originally known as the Pornstar Martini, this vibrant drink was created in 2002 by renowned bartender Douglas Ankrah at London’s Townhouse bar. Designed to be playful yet elegant, the cocktail blends vanilla vodka, passion fruit purée, and a splash of Prosecco, combining sweetness, tartness, and tropical nostalgia. Ankrah drew inspiration from his South African roots to craft this flavourful twist on the classic Martini.
In a nod to its growing popularity, Funkin Cocktails, a UK brand known for its natural cocktail ingredients, officially established World Passion Fruit Martini Day in 2021. The drink has continued to rise in fame, topping Google’s list of most searched recipes in 2024.
What makes the Passion Fruit Martini so special? It’s the perfect harmony of ingredients:
- Vanilla vodka brings a smooth and subtly sweet base.
- Passion fruit purée and liqueur offer intense, fruity tartness and depth.
- A slice of fresh passion fruit adds visual appeal and aroma.
- A side of chilled Prosecco or champagne elevates the experience, offering a playful, bubbly contrast.
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While bars across the world may put their own spin on the recipe, here’s Ankrah’s original version to try at home:
Classic Passion Fruit Martini Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp vanilla sugar
- 50ml vanilla vodka
- 12.5ml passion fruit liqueur
- 25ml passion fruit purée
- 50ml champagne (served on the side)
- Passion fruit slice (for garnish)
Method:
Shake the vanilla sugar, vodka, liqueur, and purée with ice. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a passion fruit slice and serve with a side shot of champagne.
Whether you’re celebrating in a high-energy nightclub or a cozy home gathering, the Passion Fruit Martini brings bold character and vibrant flavour to any setting. So this May 28th, toast to the cocktail that became a global favourite—equal parts indulgent and iconic.