Navy Grog

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

You’ll have no fear of scurvy when imbibing the strong, sweet and tart Navy Grog.

Tonight’s cocktail is a salty and well-worn sea dog. It has sailed the ocean blue, and settled into a cushy spot amongst other famous drinks. It’s pretty much a few centuries old, too, when you get down to it. Sounds like I’m describing a character from The Highlander. But this is no sword-wielding immortal. It’s close, but the Navy Grog is instead a potent and fruity libation that has been around since the 18th century.

Back then, sailors in the British Navy were given rations of rum, in an effort to curb their stores of water being spoiled. Since no one tells a navy man when he’s had enough to drink, inebriation ran rampant. In 1740, Admiral Edward “Old Grog” Vernon grew tired of these shenanigans, as well as the possible flow of “rear admiral” jokes that most certainly followed, and decreed that these supplies of rum were to be diluted and mixed down with water, sugar and limes. The citrus helped fight off scurvy while sailing in Caribbean waters, while the sugar and water cut the potency of the spirit. The crews were sharper and healthier, ensuring the vessels they served on were also shipshape. The swabs began to call this concoction Grog after the Admiral. As time went on, the drink would be adapted and evolve into the famous tiki cocktail we know today.

In the 1940s, tiki figurehead Donn Beach of Don the Beachcomber fame crafted his own version of Navy Grog, followed soon by one from Trader Vic’s, another icon of the scene. Even the simple and tart Rum Sour can be traced back to having its origins in the old nautical elixir.

After making a few of these for you and your shipmates, don’t be surprised if the sea shanties start up and continue well into the night.

What Are The Best Rums To Use In Navy Grog?

Our recipe here calls for white, dark and demerara rum. The white and dark are easy to find, and choosing a good bottle for each should be simple enough. For my cocktail, I used Bacardi Silver and a spiced, strong Kraken rum. But what is demerara? It’s a dark, full-bodied rum from Guyana that’s aged in bourbon barrels, featuring woodsy notes of vanilla and molasses. There are many popular brands you can find at your local liquor store. I used a very potent Hamilton 151 Overproof in my Grog. A couple of sips and I started to sound like Popeye. I yam what I yam.

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

You can use either a rocks glass or a fun tiki mug for this drink. Whichever you choose, fill it with crushed ice and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint, along with a juicy lime wheel.

ARE THERE OTHER DRINKS CALLED NAVY GROG?

There’s another, similar cocktail called Navy Grog, which is comprised of simple syrup, lime juice and Navy rum. Navy rum is an “overproof” spirit, around 57% ABV and very strong. It’s usually used as a drizzled topper in many tiki drinks.

Similar Cocktails To Navy Grog

Who doesn’t love a tiki drink or a night out at their favorite tiki bar? We’re lucky here in Southern California that we have some fun and famous places that serve up popular Polynesian potions. But if you can’t make it out, or your town hasn’t jumped on the tiki train yet, fear not. Twist & Toast has some tasty recipes that’ll have you pulling those aloha shirts and sarongs out of the closet. Try these recipes out and turn your kitchen into the coolest place in town.

• Saturn – This gin-based drink is totally cosmic and delicious.
• Zombie – This strong cocktail is guaranteed to bring you back to life after a hard week.
• Mai Tai – The “Grand Poobah” of tiki drinks.
• Singapore Sling – While predating the scene, this tipple remains popular with tiki fans.