The tiniest changes make a huge difference to the simple serving of a Classic Martini, but the more numerous elements of a Porn Star Martini give rise to extensive potential changes, enhancements and customisations that you can use for this modern classic cocktail.

Here are some hints and tips to spice up your experience:

Go shuck yourself

This is very simple. Use a teaspoon to scrape the seeds away from the passion fruit half before serving. Think of them like a form of plant-based, zingy caviar that pop deliciously in your mouth when you bite.

It feels comparable to shucking an oyster before eating. Note that they make a very suitable pairing for a classic martini.

Whether you are serving the passion fruit floating atop the cocktail or on the side, this will make it easier for your guest to enjoy eating it using only their mouth.

Use the freezer

The Duke’s Bar method is the best thing to happen to classic martinis in decades but you can use the same principles for your Porn Star Martinis. Keep your vodka and glassware in the freezer for at least six hours before serving so they get nice and cold.

Sprinkle on some sugar

You can use plain, brown, Demerara or your own homemade vanilla sugar for this. A light dusting on the fruit adds an additional rush to the cocktail experience.

Use a blow torch

Add some drama, visual flair and a touch of caramel flavour by blowtorching the sugar.

Sprinkle some onto a passion fruit half, serve and flambé. Do it in front of any guests for added visual flair, but also please take precautions around any flammable items in the vicinity.

Include Limes

The original recipe does not include lime juice, with the tartness coming only from the passion fruit. However, the most excellent Difford’s Guide recipe includes lime as a very early variation on the original and it’s definitely how I prefer the drink.

It lightens the experience and adds a real, refreshing rush to the flavour. Recommended!

Vanilla Rim

While you’re dusting the sugar, why not rim the glass? You can use some of the juice from the limes if you’re including them. Lay some vanilla sugar on a plate and run the lip of glass over it before pouring your drink.

Pre-make your batches

This is particularly useful if you are serving a few cocktails or if your access to fresh fruit is sporadic. I recently wrote about doing this here.

I also particularly recommend using jars from IKEA as I also wrote about here because they’re a suitable size.

Upgrade the sparkling wine

I’m normally more than happy to use prosecco or cava as a cocktail ingredient. The Kir Royale and, ironically Champagne Cocktail are good examples.

However, the sparkling wine in the Porn Star Martini is not a mixer. It stands alone. As such, you can upgrade your experience by choosing higher quality.

Pair it with sexy food

If you’re going all the way with this extravagant cocktail, why not push the boat out even further and treat yourself to some extra-special food pairings to complement the flavours and really enhance the overall date-night feel of the experience?

My favourite paring is sushi – particularly sashimi – but there are numerous sexy food items you can match with your porn star martini, including dim sum, high-end tacos, steak tartare and summer rolls.

Read this post for more ideas and if you have any tips of your own for better Porn Star Martinis please share them in the comments below!