The LA Girl’s Post

What would we do without the Pornstar Martini? Invented in London in 2002 by Douglas Ankrah, this drink redefined cocktail culture. In the early 2000s, Ankrah was working as a bartender and was experimenting with flavours and ingredients. It led to the birth of this iconic blend of vanilla vodka, passion fruit, And a shot of bubbly on the side, of course. The iconic drink was originally called the Maverick Martini. But Ankrah realised the name didn’t quite capture the spirit of the drink. He wanted something catchy and exciting. A name that exemplified the three things an ideal bar scene should be. Bold. Sexy. Playful. After being given its iconic name, the Pornstar Martini’s rise to fame was meteoric. And what followed was nothing short of a cocktail revolution. From high-end cocktail bars to mainstream pubs, it quickly became one of the most ordered drinks in the UK and spread rapidly to international markets. In fact, it gained such a cult following that it consistently ranks high on global lists of the most popular cocktails. In the 2020s, the Pornstar Martini remained one of the most-searched-for cocktails on social media, Its signature presentation further fueled its success on Instagram feeds and stories - the golden liquid, garnished with half a passion fruit, served alongside a sparkling shot. (Admit it, we’ve all shared a pic of our cocktail on the Ig story before. 😂) Now, it’s one of the most ordered cocktails worldwide (and one of my all-time faves). #ReclaimingNarratives

THE POWER OF PROVOCATION I really appreciated Charlotte Mair's article shining a light on Douglas Ankrah and his creation of the Pornstar Martini. It’s amazing to see how his bold, inventive approach shaped the cocktail world—and honestly, it’s a drink that’s impossible to ignore! But beyond its playful, provocative name, it sparks an important conversation about branding and the use of shock value. When we rolled out the campaign to rename the Pornstar Martini as the Passion Star Martini for Pernod Ricard a while back, I saw how much power a name can hold. Some loved it for its audacity, while others—especially empowered women—questioned why they’d order a drink with such a provocative label. This tension between edgy branding and inclusivity is something that remains relevant today. It made me think: as brands, are we still drawn to names that shock, or is there a smarter way to connect with people without alienating them? FCUK grabbed plenty of attention back in the day, and Slutty Vegan is still turning heads with its brand attitude. But the real test is staying relevant. In one of our campaigns for Ping Pong, we used humour with 'Don’t Give a Shitake' campaign, and it worked because it resonated on a deeper level—it wasn’t just about the shock factor. That campaign lasted for over eight years, and still going strong, showing that edgy branding can have real staying power when done right. Now it's become the brand signature. As the Pornstar Martini continues to inspire conversation, I think the bigger question is: do provocative names still work today? Are they empowering, or do they risk turning people off? It’s a fine balance, and one that’s worth thinking about as we move toward a more inclusive branding landscape. I'm Olçar I help brands have fun with their tone of voice!

https://amzn.to/3xvjLsC Here's a succinct yet engaging product description for your book "100 Cocktails" that would be suitable for an Amazon listing: Product Description Discover the world of mixology with "100 Cocktails: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Your Favorite Classics and Discovering New Mixes." Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the basics or an experienced bartender seeking new inspiration, this book is your go-to guide. Explore the captivating history of cocktails and the fascinating stories behind your favorite drinks. Uncover the art of crafting cocktails from the classic Martini to the modern Espresso Martini, and everything in between. This comprehensive tome includes: Classic Cocktails: Master timeless recipes that have stood the test of history. Modern Twists: Innovative takes on traditional drinks for the adventurous palate. Tropical Delights: Transport your senses to a beachside paradise. Exotic Mixes: Experience flavors from around the world in a glass. Dessert Cocktails: Satisfy your sweet tooth with indulgent concoctions. Non-Alcoholic Options: Enjoy the complexity and taste without the spirits. Each recipe is meticulously detailed, ensuring you can craft the perfect drink every time. Clear, step-by-step instructions and tips from the pros make each recipe accessible for bartenders of all levels. Take your mixology skills to new heights and impress your friends with your cocktail-making prowess. With "100 Cocktails," the possibilities are endless. Cheers to your next mixing adventure!

Seasonal Cocktails Worth Ditching the Office for – Available Until January 5th   Do you know what pairs perfectly with “just one more email”? Our Xmas cocktail range. Bold, expertly crafted, and unapologetically indulgent, these drinks are the upgrade your 5 pm (or 4:59 pm) deserves 😉   James Bennett, one of our talented bartenders says: "It’s not just a drink; it’s a show. Think flair bartending, wild combos, and the kind of cocktails you’ll talk about long after your glass is empty."   From classics like the Woo Woo It's Christmas or a decadent Black Forest Martini, there's something for everyone and they're all 2 for 1, making every day feel like a Friday.   These limited-edition drinks are calling your name, but they’ll vanish after January 5th. So, what’s stopping you? Grab Steve from Finance and let’s make it happen.   P.S. No judgment if you call it "networking."   #FestiveCocktails #JustOneMore #Its5pmSomewhere #Christmas #WorkNightOut #Festive

French Brothels and Alcohol Where being between the sheets can lead you to being two sheets to the wind. I don’t make up these stories, but I might elaborate a bit and when given the choice between a couple of boring histories and a more salacious one, you need to know I’m always going to go for the latter. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story is my motto here and having been inspired recently by American philosopher Harry G. Frankfurt’s essay from 2005 called “On Bullshit”, I can comfortably say I’m not lying because you know it’s not entirely true, I know that you know, and you know that I know that you know etc. Ok, enough, what am I talking about? I’m talking about the cocktail Between the Sheets, and like many of these unforgettable pre-prohibition era cocktails the origin is lost in the mists of a two day post party hangover. There are two contenders for creator and one great theory for where the name came from. One side of the argument cites Mr Polly, the manager of the Berkley Hotel in London with the creation of this cocktail around 1921, however by far the most popular choice seems to be Harry MacElhone, an early star in the world of bartending who owned and ran Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. This seems a more credible story given MacElhone is also credited with the invention of the White Lady and the Old Pal and authored one of the early cocktail making classics, “Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails”. This version also supports the story of where the name came from, and for that, we need to go back to the title above. As the story goes, the combination of cognac, rum, Cointreau, and lemon juice was a favourite drink among Parisien prostitutes, and since prostitution in the 1920s was largely based around managed brothels, you can imagine that there was quite a lot of laundry to be done. Hence, at any time, there was likely to be sheets hanging up to dry in all the non-public areas especially those where the ladies would hang out between clients. And so, the drink was taken, literally, between the sheets. Whoever created it, and however it came by its salacious name, I hope you have a chance to give it a try over the weekend and do let me know in the comments if there are any cocktails you love or would like to know more about. Have a great weekend. To see my review of the drink follow this link -> https://lnkd.in/ddHA6w5z For the back history and to receive future spiritual inspiration, follow me as the EthicalMixologist on Substack: https://lnkd.in/g8eHtZba

Today, in 1953, saw the publication of Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel, Casino Royale. A riffle through the pages of the OED reveals a strong presence for Fleming and his vocabulary. He provides the first records, for example, for ‘ninja'. Among his most memorable catchphrases, of course, is his very particular request for a certain cocktail – a vodka Martini, shaken not stirred. However, many a Martin connoisseur has pointed out that this instruction is the reverse of the usual state of affairs. For a perfect mix, ingredients should not be shaken, lest the melting of the ice and the dilution of the Martini spoil the taste. The etymology of the word cocktail is somewhat of a mystery. The most common theory is that it stems from the French coquetier, ‘egg cup’. It is said that the cocktail was the invention of an 18th century apothecary, Antoine Peychaud, from San Domingo. He offered brandy toddies to his fellow freemasons, duly served in egg cups. The drink is said to have gradually taken on the name of the cup and mangled to 'cocktay', and eventually, to cocktail. There is little evidence to support this theory though. Perhaps, the best explanation, is that cocktail comes form the practice of decorating a drink with rooster feathers, much like we do today with paper umbrellas. 🐓

Discover how HACIEN tequila is made, explore the different varierties of this mouth-watering spirit and the corresponding cocktails you need to try 👇🏼 https://lnkd.in/dt9bRNTB?

When it comes to classic cocktails, martinis are among the most iconic and versatile options you can find. How do you make a martini? Let’s dive into this list of all the different types of martinis. https://ow.ly/aEts50TOlQa

At Hollywood Distillery, we believe that enjoying fine spirits is not just about the taste, but also about the cultural traditions and social experiences that surround them. That's why we're excited to share with you how our spirits can elevate your next gathering with friends and family ✨ One of the most cherished cultural traditions around the world is the art of socializing over a glass of fine spirits. Whether it's sipping a smooth whiskey while swapping stories, or mixing up a signature cocktail to toast a special occasion, there's something truly special about the way spirits can bring people together 🥃 Imagine hosting an evening with your closest friends, where you bring out a bottle of our award-winning vodka and mix up some exquisite cocktails. As the conversation flows and the laughter fills the room, you'll feel the weight of the day melt away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and connection that only fine spirits can inspire 💫 At the end of the day, we believe that the true joy of fine spirits lies in the way they bring people together. So, whether you're hosting a formal event or simply enjoying a night with friends, we encourage you to embrace the cultural traditions and social experiences that our spirits can offer. After all, isn't that what life's all about – connecting with the people we love, and creating moments that we'll cherish forever 🫂 Discover our Lineup: https://lnkd.in/dnXFQyJq #HollywoodDistillery #ArtisanalSpirits #CulturalTraditions #SocialExperiences #MakeMemories

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