The Pornstar Martini Meets The Aperol Spritz - The Softcore Spritz
Pornstar Martini OR Aperol Spritz? Why decide when you can have both. Introducing the Softcore spritz. Combining 2 of the UK’s favourite cocktails in a recipe that takes the ease and summer sipping elements of an Aperol spritz with the sweetness, passion and fun of a Pornstar martini to create a new classic that the UK can get behind. Easy to recreate, super simple, super accessible!
Photo: Pornstar Martini, Aperol Spritz and Softcore Spritz
The UK’s most popular cocktails
As a bartender here in the UK there are two cocktails that no matter where I go, whether it be a 1 star dive bar or 5 star award winning cocktail bar, the same two cocktails get asked for time and time again. The first is during the summer months when it's Aperol spritz heaven.
Keep in mind I’m writing this after an extremely sunny bank holiday weekend meaning I’ve spent the majority of my time stirring down Aperol spritz after Aperol Sprtiz.
The second is a Pornstar martini. What was created in 2002 and by London bartender Douglas Ankrah at the then Townhouse bar has now become a modern classic. Rarely ever do we see this much, mind the pun, passion for one single cocktail.
When it comes to the Pornstar martini, people either hate it with a (once again, mind the pun) passion. Or they live and die by it. There's no denying that what was once known as the “maverick” martini has become a very basic drink. An overly sweet and overly fruity mix that lacks complexities and character… is something that you may have heard from time to time from your fellow bartender or barman friend.
And that saying definitely rings somewhat true, I’ve said it myself once or twice, however. That does not mean I don't find it bloody well delicious! There's a time and a place for every cocktail and the Pornstar martini definitely has its moments.
The truth is the reason British bartenders tend to get so stuck up about this drink is because A) They are tired of making them. And B) they are tired of debating “what do you do with the shot of prosecco?”
Pornstar Martini shot debate
Photo: Pornstar Martini Prosecco Shot
Whilst we are on the subject of the prosecco shot, lets just end that debate right here right now. Should it be prosecco or champagne? Is it a palate cleanser? Should it be drunk first? Is it their because the cocktail was invented for a specific Pornstar who liked shots of champagne?
I’ve seen these questions debated in some form or another with everyone from families to strangers. Some years back I had the pleasure of meeting with Douglas Ankrah (RIP) at what was a champagne bar here in Manchester.
He made some fantastic Pornstars which, by the way, were quite boozy and a lot more refined once you have them in their original way - with vanilla sugar and quality vodka.
I asked Douglas personally what you’re meant to do with the shot and why it's there. He looked me dead in the face and told me “it means nothing, it just looks good. Sometimes I tell people it's a palette cleanser, sometimes I make up a story about a pornstar. But it's just a bit fun”
I’m paraphrasing of course, but its just best not to get too caught up in the whys and what to do with a pornstar martini. Just drink it how you like.
The new British Summer Classic?
Anyway… That's in the past. I’ve decided to give you a definitive answer to what to do with that prosecco by just pouring it straight into the glass in a cocktail that I’m calling the Softcore Spritz.
I’ve taken the ease and summer-ness from the Aperol spirits and gave it a Pornstar Martini up-lift to create something that's easier to recreate then a pornstar martini (no shaking required or passion fruit puree) but with all the fizz of a Aperol spritz.
Aperol spritz pros and cons
Pros
Easy to make
Only 3 ingredients
Refreshing
Cons
Can be found to be quite bitter, definitely a selected taste
Pornstar Martini pros and cons
Pros
Palatable and suited to a lot of peoples taste. A good balance of sweetness and tart
Accessible flavours
Cons
Need extra equipment: coupe glasses, shot glasses and cocktail shakers, all things that aren't always readily available at home.
Also has a number of ingredients that need to be ordered online I.e. passionfruit syrup and puree.
Softcore Spritz Cocktail Recipe
With that being said, I’ve taken all those pros and cons into consideration to bring you a new summer classic that can be easily and cheaply made with all the right sweetness and balanced bubbles. Here's how to make my Softcore Spritz.
The Softcore Spritz
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice and pour in the passoa, prosecco and vanilla syrup
- Stir to combine and top with soda
- Give a final light stir and garnish
- To garnish: Cut a ripe passion fruit in half and place it pulp side up in your cocktail. Optionally you can cut of some fresh mint sprigs, slap them to release the flavour and stick them in. You can also optionally cover the passion fruit with sugar and use a blowtorch to create a caramelised passionfruit served with a spoon for easy eating.
Notes
If you want it less sweet, try it without the vanilla syrup. It still works.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
64.02Fat
0.29Sat. Fat
0.02Carbs
10.45Fiber
4.15Net carbs
6.3Sugar
5.58Protein
0.89Sodium
11.96Cholesterol
0The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Hi, I’m Cameron, guv’nor of Smartblend. If you liked this then you’re in luck, I have a bunch more recipes like it. I share only vegetarian and pescatarian food recipes, cocktails, and drink guides with a sprinkling of wellness and mindful drinking. If that sounds like you, then stick around!
