PORNSTAR Martini pioneer Douglas Ankrah has passed away at 51-years-old.

       The co-founder of renowned London cocktail bar Lab and respected cocktail creator "went peacefully in his sleep."

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       Douglas Ankrah has passed away at age 51, his family announced 3

       The cocktail creator invented the Pornstar Martini in 2003 Credit: Getty - Contributor

       His cause of death has not yet been confirmed, though Master of Malt reported that Ankrah had a history of heart problems.

       The tragic news of the alcohol wizard's death was announced by his family in a statement on social media.

       "The Legendary Douglas Ankrah of #PornstarMartini fame is no more," it read.

       "The mighty oak [...] has indeed fallen. Our family is heartbroken. Our mum is inconsolable.

       "Dee left us without saying goodbye. We will let you know when we have further details.

       "Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers from the Ankrah, Engmann, Azu, Buckle and extended families."

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       Tributes have poured in for the Ghanaian-born entrepreneur who created the world-famous cocktail in 2003.

       Consisting of vanilla vodka, fresh passion fruit, passion fruit liqueur, vanilla syrup and lime juice, garnished with a shot of Prosecco on the side, his concoction shook up the cocktail world forever.

       The 51-year-old was also recognised for his work at the Soho-based London Academy of Bartenders (Lab), which he co-founded.

       After its opening in 1999, it became a coaching centre that birthed some of the industry's leading bartenders.

       It became one of the most sought-after cocktail-sipping spots in the capital after converting from a training school for bartenders.

       The mighty oak has indeed fallen. Our family is heartbroken. Our mum is inconsolable.

       Douglas Ankrah's family

       It closed in 2016 and has since become the site of another popular bar, Swift.

       The Pornstar Martini earned the title of the world's most popular cocktail, based on Google search data, earlier this month.

       Ankrah came up with the eyebrow-raising name after visiting a gentlemen's club during a trip to Cape Town.

       He invented the sweet-tasting alcoholic drink while continuing to craft his illustrious career at his second venue that opened in 2002, the Knightsbridge bar Townhouse.

       His humble beginnings as a bartender encouraged him to climb the ranks and make history in the booze world.

       "SO FULL OF LIFE"

       Ankrah published a book titled Shaken and Stirred in 2004, where he shared his secrets on how to prepare the perfect cocktail and how to host a flawless cocktail party.

       Ben Reed, from Cocktail Credentials, said Ankrah "defined a decade."'

       "I still remember his drinks at the LAB when it first opened: most had more than five ingredients, tasted like delicious candy and were to define a decade," he told Master of Malt.

       "Whilst he'll most likely be commemorated for, and with, the Porn Star Martini, it will be Doug's warmth, charm, quick laugh and easy smile that will be remembered and missed by myself and his countless other friends around the world."

       Dawn Davies from the Whisky Exchange also paid tribute to her late pal "who was so full of life and fun."

       "My first memory of Douglas was 20 years ago in Townhouse," she explained.

       "He was this person who was so full of life and fun and so generous with his time and friendship.

       "The Townhouse was my first true experience of a great cocktail bar and set me on my journey in the world of cocktails and spirits for which I will be eternally grateful. We have lost a bright light and we will all miss him and his beautiful smile."

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       Ankrah was well known for his work at cocktail bar Lab, which he co-founded