Maverick Martini

The Maverick Martini is a tantalizingly sweet and tart cocktail that has become a global sensation. It combines vanilla-flavored vodka with passion fruit purée, passion fruit liqueur (like Passoa), and a hint of lime and vanilla syrup. Uniquely, it is served with a shot glass of chilled Prosecco or Champagne on the side, meant to be sipped alternately with the cocktail to cleanse the palate.
Maverick Martini

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Maverick Martini is firmly categorized as a modern classic cocktail. Its creation in the early 2000s and subsequent global popularity have cemented its status in the cocktail canon. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks due to its balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Serving

This drink is served chilled in a Coupe or Martini glass, accompanied by a separate chilled shot glass containing sparkling wine. The cocktail itself has a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Cocktail: approx. 120 ml / 4 oz. Sidecar: approx. 60 ml / 2 oz
Alcohol content
~15-18% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe or Martini
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was invented in 2002 by bartender Douglas Ankrah at The Townhouse bar in London. He originally named it the Maverick Martini, inspired by a club in Cape Town, South Africa. He later changed the name to Pornstar Martini, intending to evoke a sense of stylish, confident fun, and the provocative name undoubtedly helped it become one of the most famous cocktails of the 21st century.
Origin
London, United Kingdom, 2002

Maverick Martini

This cocktail was created under the name Maverick Martini, but it is now overwhelmingly known worldwide as the Pornstar Martini. The creator, Douglas Ankrah, has expressed regret over the more provocative name, preferring its original title. It is also sometimes generically referred to as a Passion Fruit Martini.
Original name
Maverick Martini
Alternative names
  • Pornstar Martini
  • Passion Fruit Martini

Characteristics overview

This cocktail is an explosion of tropical passion fruit and sweet vanilla, with a vibrant color and smooth texture. The aroma is intensely fruity, and the taste is a perfect balance of sweet and sour, making it refreshing and decadent.
Flavor
Passion fruit, Vanilla, Tart, Sweet, Tropical
Aroma
Passion fruit, Vanilla, Citrus
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Fruity, Clean, Lingering vanilla
Fizziness
Still (cocktail), Fizzy (sidecar)
Color appearance
Bright yellow-orange, Opaque, Hazy
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Sometimes slightly frothy
Seasonality
Summery, Refreshing, Festive

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intensely fruity and quite sweet, balanced by a pleasant tartness from the passion fruit and lime. Alcohol strength is moderate, and the main drink is still, with carbonation provided by the separate sparkling wine shot.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are vanilla vodka, passion fruit purée, and passion fruit liqueur, balanced with lime juice. A side of Prosecco or Champagne is a mandatory component for the full experience.
  • Vanilla Vodka50 ml / 1.75 oz
    If unavailable, use regular vodka and add a bit more vanilla syrup.
  • Passion Fruit Purée30 ml / 1 oz
    Unsweetened is best to control the sugar level. Can be made by blending the pulp of fresh passion fruits.
  • Passoã (or other Passion Fruit Liqueur)15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adds sweetness and reinforces the passion fruit flavor.
  • Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Essential for balancing the sweetness.
  • Vanilla Syrup10 ml / 0.33 oz(optional)
    Adjust to taste, depending on the sweetness of your purée and liqueur.
  • Prosecco or Champagne60 ml / 2 oz
    To be served chilled in a separate shot glass.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker and both a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer. The double-straining technique is key to achieving the drink's signature smooth texture.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and mix the ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice after shaking.
  • Fine-mesh strainer to ensure a smooth, seed-free texture.

Instructions

The method involves shaking all cocktail ingredients with ice, then double-straining into a chilled coupe for a smooth finish. The crucial final step is serving it with its signature sidecar of sparkling wine.
1. Chill your Coupe or Martini glass and a shot glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Add the vanilla vodka, passion fruit purée, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice, and vanilla syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled Coupe glass.
5. Garnish by gently floating half of a fresh passion fruit on top of the drink.
6. Pour the chilled sparkling wine into the chilled shot glass and serve it alongside the cocktail.

Garnishing

The traditional and most iconic garnish is half of a fresh passion fruit floated on the surface of the cocktail. This adds a dramatic visual appeal and an extra burst of aroma.
  • Half a passion fruit, placed on top of the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets. Always check the specific brand of liqueurs for any hidden allergens.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively high-sugar cocktail due to the fruit purée, liqueur, and syrup. The calorie and carbohydrate content are moderate to high for a single cocktail serving.
Calories
Averagely 220-260 kcal / 920-1090 kJ (not including the sparkling wine sidecar)
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 18-22 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a fun, celebratory drink perfect for a night out with friends, parties, and special occasions. Its vibrant flavor and interactive sparkling wine component make it a festive choice for any upbeat social gathering.
  • Celebration
  • Night Out
  • Cocktail Party
  • Bachelorette Party

Pairing suggestions

The Maverick Martini's sweet and tart profile pairs well with light desserts that won't overpower it, like panna cotta or fruit tarts. It can also cut through the spice of certain appetizers, creating a pleasant contrast. It's often enjoyed on its own as a treat.
  • Light, fruity desserts
  • Spicy appetizers (e.g., Thai spring rolls)
  • Cheese platters with creamy cheeses

Maverick Martini: The Fun and Fruity Modern Icon

The Maverick Martini, better known as the Pornstar Martini, is a titan of the modern cocktail era. Its irresistible blend of sweet vanilla and exotic passion fruit has made it a favorite worldwide. Served with a playful side of sparkling wine, it's more than just a drink; it's a fun and festive experience. Its balance of flavors and iconic presentation make it a true modern classic that is here to stay.

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