Most bars have your standard martini offerings. There’s the Cosmo, made popular by the ladies of “Sex and the City,” Appletinis and Lemon Drops.

So when I opened the drink menu at Slainte Wine Bar & Lounge in Portland and saw offerings like Oatmeal Cookie, Crocodile and Monument Square, I knew this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill place.

A kid at heart, I was really excited to see a martini named for my favorite sandwich — the PB & J. I had to see what this martini, made with Frangelico, raspberry liqueur and a splash of cream, was all about.

Owner Ian Farnsworth was tending the bar when I stopped in for a drink. It was quiet during happy hour, but Farnsworth was good company as he mixed up my martini — which, for the record, was shaken, not stirred.

I sat perched on a bar stool, catching up on the latest political news that was on the television, but Slainte offered a plethora of seating options. There’s the bar, tables and some super-comfy couches making up the lounge space.

As Farnsworth poured the drink into a chilled martini glass, I was surprised to see the rich pink color. It reminded me of what jelly looks like when it meets Fluff. The PB & J menu price was $9.25, so I was pleased to learn that the happy hour special drops the martini prices down to $7 across the board.

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It was so worth that $7, though, because the drink tasted just like the sandwich without the messiness of the peanut butter and jelly or crumbs from the crust. Farnsworth said he’s created many of the flavor pairings featured in the bar’s drink menu. His favorite is the Blueberry Muffin.

If martinis aren’t your style, don’t worry. Slainte has about 10 wines by the glass starting at $7.50, beer bottled or on draft starting at $3, and a fully stocked bar with cocktails starting at $7.

Although Tuesday early evening was quiet, Farnsworth said that would change as soon as the weekly karaoke party kicked off. He said the bar is typically busier from 10 p.m. on. It’s also good to double-check the bar’s Facebook page in case it’s hosting a private party. I tried to swing by Slainte on a recent Saturday evening, but the place was rented out. Farnsworth said many people rent out the space for bridal showers, birthday parties or other kinds of events.

Slainte has also been known to throw parties of its own with a given theme. At the end of April, the bar hosted a “No Pants Party.” Farnsworth said the party is exactly how it sounds — come dressed in anything, but don’t wear pants. Other parties have included motifs like “Pajama Night.”

When asked what sets Slainte apart from other bars in Portland, Farnsworth said, “Our versatility.” From karaoke and comedy to local bands or themed parties, there’s always something unique happening at Slainte Wine Bar & Lounge.

Emma Bouthillette is a freelance writer who lives in Biddeford.

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