Mom's Best Recipes

Recipe

Wholesome Pornstar Martini Recipe

A rustic, homestyle take on the famous passion fruit martini with real fruit, cozy vanilla, and a smart lower-sugar option for dialing back the sweet.

Author

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A real photograph of a rustic homemade pornstar martini in a chilled coupe glass with a passion fruit half on the rim, a small shot glass of sparkling wine beside it, and a wooden cutting board with fresh passion fruit in a warm home kitchen

I love a cocktail with a little theater, but I love it even more when it tastes like something you’d actually want to make at home on a random Friday. The classic Pornstar Martini is flashy, sweet, and totally fun, but it can also lean syrupy fast. This wholesome, rustic version keeps the iconic passion fruit and vanilla vibe, then cleans up the edges with real fruit, fresh citrus, and just enough sweetness to make it feel like a treat instead of a sugar rush.

We’re doing this “homestyle” on purpose. No rare liqueurs required, no complicated bar tools, and no stress if your passion fruit is a little wrinkly. In fact, wrinkly passion fruit is often the best one. You’ll shake up a bright, tropical martini and serve it with a small side of bubbly like tradition. Sip the bubbly on its own, or splash it in. Your kitchen, your rules.

A real photograph of a hand scooping bright yellow passion fruit pulp with a spoon over a small bowl on a kitchen counter

Why It Works

Real passion fruit flavor: Fresh pulp (or good frozen) brings tang, aroma, and those crunchy little seeds that make it feel special.
Balanced sweetness: Honey or maple adds warmth, and you can dial it up or down based on your fruit.
Vanilla without fuss: Vanilla vodka keeps it easy, or you can use regular vodka plus a careful splash of vanilla extract.
Rustic, not fussy: A quick strain is all you need. Keep a few seeds for texture, or go silky smooth if that is your thing.
Built-in lighter option: You can use sparkling water instead of bubbly, or keep the sweetener at the low end for a more grown-up sip.

Choosing Passion Fruit

Look for fruit that feels heavy for its size and has wrinkly skin. That usually means it is ripe and packed with fragrant, tart pulp. If you want fewer seeds, strain the pulp through a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to get the juice through.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Storage Tips

This cocktail is best freshly shaken, but you can absolutely prep pieces ahead so it feels effortless when it is time to pour.

Passion fruit prep

Fresh passion fruit pulp: Scoop into an airtight container and refrigerate for 1 to 3 days. Keep it tightly covered for best flavor.
Freeze for later: Portion pulp into an ice cube tray and freeze, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.

Make-ahead batch (no ice yet)

Combine vodka, passion fruit, citrus, and sweetener in a jar. Refrigerate up to 24 hours.
When ready to serve, shake each drink with ice to get that frothy, cold texture. Skipping the shake makes it taste flat.

Leftover sparkling wine

Re-cork with a sparkling stopper and refrigerate. It is best within 1 to 2 days.

Common Questions

Common Questions

Is a Pornstar Martini actually a martini?

Not in the classic gin-and-vermouth sense. It is a modern cocktail served in a martini-style glass, usually built on vodka, passion fruit, vanilla, citrus, and often a passion fruit liqueur (like Passoã) plus bubbly on the side. This recipe is a simplified at-home version that skips the liqueur on purpose.

What makes this version “wholesome”?

We’re using real fruit and a simple sweetener (honey or maple) instead of heavy syrups, plus a more balanced sweet-tart ratio. It still tastes indulgent, just less candy-like.

Can I make it without vanilla vodka?

Yes. Use regular vodka and add vanilla extract a little at a time. Start with just a few drops, taste, then add more if you want. If you like a clearer measurement, aim for up to 1/8 teaspoon per drink.

Can I use passion fruit puree or frozen pulp?

Absolutely. Frozen passion fruit pulp is a great, accessible option. If your puree is sweetened, cut back the honey or maple and taste as you go.

Why is there orange juice in this recipe?

It is not standard in many classic specs, but it helps add roundness and a little “tropical glow” when we are skipping passion fruit liqueur. If you prefer it brighter and sharper, swap the orange juice for more lime, or simply leave it out.

Do I have to serve sparkling wine on the side?

Nope. It is classic, but not required. You can use sparkling water, ginger beer for a fun twist, or skip the bubbles entirely.

How do I make it less sweet?

Use fresh lime, start with less sweetener, and consider adding a pinch of salt. It sounds weird, but it makes the fruit taste louder and the drink taste smoother.

Can I make a zero-proof version?

Yes. Swap vodka for a non-alcoholic spirit or extra passion fruit puree plus a tiny splash of vanilla extract. Shake with ice, then serve with bubbly water or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a tight lid)
Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother drink)
Jigger or small measuring cup
Citrus juicer
Chilled coupe or martini glasses
Small shot glasses for the bubbly sidecar

I first made a Pornstar Martini at home thinking it would be a whole production, then realized the “showy” part is basically just passion fruit and a little side of bubbles. The first one I tried was honestly too sweet, like tropical candy. So I started treating it like I treat a sauce. Taste, adjust, and aim for balance. More citrus, real fruit, and a sweetener that tastes like something from a pantry, not a neon bottle. Now it feels like the kind of cocktail you can make while pasta water boils, which is exactly the energy I want in my kitchen.

Wholesome Pornstar Martini Recipe

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 0 mins

Total Time 10 mins

Servings 2 cocktails

Ingredients

4 oz vanilla vodka (or regular vodka)
2 oz passion fruit pulp, measured (typically from about 3 to 5 fresh passion fruits, or thawed frozen pulp)
1 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz orange juice (optional, but adds roundness when skipping liqueur)
1/2 to 1 oz honey syrup or maple syrup (start with 1/2 oz and adjust)
Pinch fine salt (optional, but helps balance sweetness)
Ice, for shaking
4 oz chilled sparkling wine, prosecco, or sparkling water, for serving on the side
Optional garnish: passion fruit half, lime wheel, or a few passion fruit seeds
If using regular vodka: vanilla extract, added to taste (start with a few drops, up to 1/4 tsp total for the batch)

Quick honey syrup (recommended): Stir equal parts honey and hot water until smooth, then cool. It shakes in easily and makes measuring simple.

Note: If your passion fruit puree is sweetened, cut the sweetener in half and taste before adding more.

Optional “classic-ish” add-ins: If you have it and want that more traditional bar flavor, add 1 oz passion fruit liqueur to the shaker, or add 1/2 oz vanilla syrup and reduce the honey/maple.

Instructions

Chill your glasses. Pop two coupe or martini glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes, or fill with ice water while you mix.
Build the shaker. Add vodka, passion fruit pulp, lime juice, orange juice (if using), sweetener, and the pinch of salt to a shaker. If using regular vodka, add vanilla extract a little at a time. Start with a few drops and you can always add more next round.
Add ice and shake hard. Fill the shaker about 2/3 with ice. Shake for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside feels very cold and the drink looks slightly foamy when you peek.
Strain. Dump the ice water from your glasses if you used it. Strain into the chilled glasses. Use a fine mesh strainer if you want it smooth, or do a quick strain if you like a few seeds for a rustic vibe.
Serve with bubbles. Pour sparkling wine or sparkling water into two small shot glasses and serve on the side. Sip alongside, or splash a bit into your cocktail right before drinking.
Taste and tweak next round. If it is too tart, add a touch more sweetener next time. If it is too sweet, bump the lime and keep the sweetener lighter. This one is very “taste as you go” friendly.

Per cocktail guide (for easy scaling): 2 oz vodka, 1 oz passion fruit pulp, 3/4 oz lime juice, 1/2 oz orange juice (optional), 1/4 to 1/2 oz sweetener, pinch of salt.

A real photograph of hands shaking a metal cocktail shaker over a kitchen counter with fresh citrus and passion fruit nearby

Nutrition information is estimated.

Did you make this? Tag @Mom's Best Recipes