On 31 July, otherwise known as Black Tot Day, raise a Grog, a drink that has its origins in the British Royal Navy.
Grog – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
The ration was originally beer, not rum, but since the ale spoilt easily during long voyages, it was substituted with rum. On 31 July 1970, it was decreed that rum had no place in the modern navy and the rations were abolished. Sailors wore black arm bands and mock funerals with a shrouded coffin began taking place.
The “tot” or 70 ml of a 54.6% ABV rum was originally drunk neat. However, on August 21 1740, Vice Admiral Edward Vernon, known as “Old Grog” for the waterproof grogram cloak he wore, decreed that the ration be diluted with water, and to make it more palatable and prevent scurvy, sugar and lime can be added. And the Grog was born.
Today’s Grog cocktail is far removed from what sailors drank at the time. Below is our take on the drink, sweetened with demerara simple syrup which lends a dark colour to the drink with notes of caramel and toffee.
Grog Recipe for Black Tot Day
Ingredients
- 60 ml dark rum, preferably navy strength
- 15 ml demerara simple syrup (1:1)
- 15 ml fresh lime juice
- 50 ml water
Glassware: short glass
Garnish: lime wedge
Method
To make the demerara simple syrup, follow the same instructions for making simple syrup substituting demerara sugar for white sugar.
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a short glass and top with ice. Garnish with lime wedge.
Photo by Cocktails & Bars – © Copyright: All rights reserved.
Updated 28 July 2020.
