Trashy Cocktails Are Making A Comeback In New York

Sleazy cocktails with unmentionable names are cluttering the menus at ritzy Manhattan bars in New York. Why, you might ask?

“Sometimes New Yorkers want cheesy cocktails,” according to Salvatore Tafuri, who directs the bar program at the swanky new Times Square Edition.

Take a look at some of the retro refreshments that are making a comeback.

Porn Star Martini

The titillating tipple, made of Champagne, vodka, passion fruit, lime and vanilla, first hit the scene in London’s Soho back in 1999. The Porn Star Martini was created by Douglas Ankrah for Lab Bar. It’s a super simple drink and the name isn’t really based on anyone, in particular. According to Douglas, the eureka moment behind the name came after a trip to Cape Town, where he frequented gentlemen’s club Mavericks while writing his book “Shaken” Douglas Ankrah’s Cocktails.

Midori Sour

This college-girl favourite originated at Studio 54 in the late ’70s. It made its U.S. debut at the launch party of Saturday Night Fever, where the film’s cast and crew quaffed brightly-hued “Japanese Gin & Tonics.” Previously known in Japan as Hermes Melon Liqueur, parent company Suntory renamed the liqueur for the Japanese word for “green.” Midori’s comeback isn’t an overnight success story: it’s been inching back since 2012, when Suntory tweaked the neon-green liqueur to be less sweet and less artificial.