Port And Starboard

The story

The Port and Starboard is a layered cocktail that showcases the technique of floating liqueurs. Its name refers to nautical terms, with 'port' being the left side of a ship and 'starboard' the right. This drink gained popularity in the mid-20th century, likely due to its visually appealing presentation and the increasing availability of liqueurs like crème de menthe.

How it tastes

The Port and Starboard features a sweet and minty flavor profile from the green crème de menthe, balanced by the fruity sweetness of grenadine. It is typically served as a dessert cocktail or a visual treat at parties.

Getting it right

The key to achieving the perfect Port and Starboard lies in the pouring technique. Pour the grenadine first, then slowly add the green crème de menthe over the back of a spoon to create distinct layers without mixing the two.

Variations

• Red and White — Replace the green crème de menthe with white crème de menthe for a lighter appearance.
• Layered Mojito — Add a layer of muddled mint and lime juice beneath the grenadine for a refreshing twist.

Substitutions

• Grenadine — Pomegranate syrup can be used as a substitute for grenadine.
• Green Crème de Menthe — Use another mint liqueur, such as peppermint schnapps, for a similar flavor.

Questions

Can I mix the drink?

No, the Port and Starboard is meant to be served layered. Mixing it would ruin the visual effect.

What glass should I use?

A pousse café glass is ideal for this cocktail, as it highlights the layers.

Is this drink strong?

With an ABV of around 6%, the Port and Starboard is relatively light, making it suitable for casual sipping.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026