Port and Starboard

Pro tips

• Use a bar spoon or regular spoon held just above the grenadine to pour the crème de menthe slowly and maintain layer separation.
• Chill both liqueurs in the refrigerator before layering to reduce mixing and improve the visual effect.
• Pour the crème de menthe in a thin stream for best results—rushing creates turbulence that breaks the layers.
• Serve immediately after layering before the drinks have time to blend together.

Substitutions

• Grenadine → raspberry syrup or blackberry liqueur (adjusts sweetness and color)
• Green crème de menthe → peppermint schnapps or blue curaçao (changes flavor and visual appeal)

Equipment

bar spoon or teaspoon for layering

How do you layer Port and Starboard without the drinks mixing?

Pour grenadine into the glass first as the base (heaviest), then carefully layer the green crème de menthe over the back of a bar spoon so it floats on top without disturbing the grenadine layer.

Can you substitute the liqueurs in this shot?

Yes. Replace grenadine with other heavy syrups like raspberry or blackberry, or swap green crème de menthe for other mint liqueurs or even melon liqueur for a different color contrast.

What's the best way to drink a Port and Starboard shot?

Drink it as a single shot in one gulp to experience the full flavor blend of sweet and minty notes, or sip it slowly to taste each layer separately.

How much does one Port and Starboard shot make?

This recipe makes one standard 1.5 oz shot using 1 tbsp grenadine (0.5 oz) and 0.5 oz crème de menthe, perfect for a single serving.