Port and Starboard

Name: Port and Starboard Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 oz Grenadine; 1/2 oz Green crème de menthe

Port and Starboard is a classic two-ingredient layered shot that uses the density difference between grenadine and green crème de menthe to create distinct red and green layers. The drink is prized for its visual appeal and ease of preparation.

🏷️Equipment: pousse-café glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$8–$13

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

1/2 oz Grenadine
1/2 oz Green crème de menthe

2 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Pour grenadine into pousse-cafe glass.
2
Carefully float creme de
3
menthe over back of barspoon on top of grenadine.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pour grenadine into the glass first and let it settle completely before layering the crème de menthe.
Use a bar spoon held just above the grenadine surface and pour the crème de menthe slowly down the spoon's back to prevent mixing.
Chill both liqueurs before serving for better layer definition and a smoother taste.
Shoot it quickly or sip slowly—letting it sit allows the layers to gradually blend.

Substitutions

Grenadine → pomegranate syrup (similar density and flavor profile)
Green crème de menthe → peppermint schnapps (slightly different flavor, similar layering property)

Equipment

bar spoon · shot glass

Common Questions

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

Pour the denser grenadine first, then slowly pour the green crème de menthe over the back of a bar spoon to create a distinct separation between layers.