Navy Grog Cocktail Recipe

Navy Grog Nutrition Facts

Calories:350

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:30g

Alcohol:22%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

Navy Grog is a classic tiki cocktail that dates back to the 1940s. It was popularized by Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic's, two iconic tiki bars. The drink was a favorite among sailors, who enjoyed the strong, refreshing taste after a long day at sea.

  • The name 'Navy Grog' comes from the British Royal Navy's tradition of serving a daily ration of rum to sailors.
  • The cocktail became popular in the United States during the tiki craze of the mid-20th century.
  • Famous fans of the drink include Frank Sinatra and President John F. Kennedy.

How Navy Grog Tastes?

Navy Grog is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, yet refreshing, with a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The rum provides a rich, warm base, while the citrus juices add a bright, tangy element. The honey and spices round out the flavor, giving the drink a touch of sweetness and depth.

Interesting facts about Navy Grog

  • Navy Grog is often served in a special glass called a 'grog glass,' which has a wide, flat base and a narrow top.
  • The original recipe called for a specific type of ice called 'grog ice,' which was made by freezing water in a metal cone-shaped mold.
  • The drink is sometimes garnished with a 'rock candy swizzle stick,' a nod to the sugar cane used to make rum.

Ingredients

  • White rum: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Dark rum: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Demerara rum: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Fresh lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Fresh grapefruit juice: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Honey syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Club soda: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Allspice dram: 1 dash
  • Crushed ice: 1 cup
  • Garnish: 1 rock candy swizzle stick
  • 1 lime wheel:
  • 1 sprig of mint:

White Rum

The clean, light flavor of white rum provides a smooth canvas for the other ingredients. It's the backbone of the drink. Omitting it would make the cocktail less complex.

Mary Mitkina

Dark Rum

Dark rum introduces richness and a hint of molasses. Without it, you'd lose depth and warming notes.

Alex Green

Demerara Rum

With its caramel-like sweetness, Demerara rum adds another dimension. Skipping it would mean missing out on earthy undertones.

Emma Rose

Fresh Lime Juice

It's all about balance! Lime juice gives tartness and freshness. Leaving it out would make the drink overly sweet.

Mary Mitkina

Fresh Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice offers a bitter-sweet profile, making the taste profile more interesting. It's irreplaceable.

Alex Green

Honey Syrup

Sweet and fragrant, honey syrup provides silkiness and binds the flavors. No honey means less complexity.

Emma Rose

Club Soda

Club soda brings a fizz that lightens the drink. Without the bubbles, it's just not the same.

Mary Mitkina

Allspice Dram

A dash adds a hint of spice and mystery, evoking the feeling of the exotic. No dram, no drama!

Alex Green

Crushed Ice

It chills and dilutes the cocktail to perfection. No ice would make a too-strong and warm drink.

Emma Rose

Garnish

Garnish is not just decoration; it adds aroma and a feast for the senses. It's like wearing the right outfit to the party!

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Navy Grog Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the white rum, dark rum, Demerara rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, honey syrup, and allspice dram.
  2. Add crushed ice and shake well.
  3. Strain the mixture into a grog glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
  4. Top with club soda and gently stir to combine.
  5. Garnish with a rock candy swizzle stick, a lime wheel, and a sprig of mint.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor.
  • Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of mint for a refreshing aroma and presentation.

Perfect Pairings

Spicy Dishes

Navy Grog with its robust citrus and rum profile cuts through the heat of spicy foods, providing a refreshing balance.

Seafood

The tartness of lime and the sweetness of honey can nicely complement the delicacy of seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or ceviche.

Hawaiian & Polynesian Cuisine

Given the tropical vibe of the Navy Grog, it can be a great partner to Hawaiian pork dishes or a luau-themed barbecue.

Rich Desserts

The bold flavors of the drink can stand up to rich desserts, especially those with caramel or fruit elements.

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What you could change in Navy Grog

  • White rum: Can be replaced with any light rum.
  • Dark rum: Can be replaced with any dark rum.
  • Demerara rum: Can be replaced with any aged rum.
  • Honey syrup: Can be replaced with simple syrup or agave syrup.

Explore all drinks starting with N here

And of course - twists🍹

Ginger Navy Grog

Substitute honey syrup with ginger syrup. The spice of ginger will give a kick that's both warming and invigorating.

Caribbean Grog

Add a splash of coconut water instead of club soda for a taste of the tropics that'll make you feel like you're lounging on a Caribbean beach.

Autumn Grog

Replace grapefruit juice with apple cider and add a cinnamon stick for garnish. This'll create a more seasonal drink, perfect for crisp autumn evenings.

In case you forgot basics how to make Navy Grog

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Navy Grog

What are the origins of the name 'Navy Grog'?

The name 'Navy Grog' is derived from the British Royal Navy's tradition of serving a daily ration of rum to sailors.

Is this cocktail always served in a grog glass?

While traditional recipes recommend using a grog glass, any tall glass can be used to serve Navy Grogs.

Can Navy Grog be made without alcohol?

While the traditional Navy Grog is alcoholic, you could create a mocktail version by substituting the rums with non-alcoholic alternatives.

Are there variations to the Navy Grog cocktail?

Yes, variations of the Navy Grog might include the addition of ginger ale, different citrus fruits, or adjusting the rum ratio.

Why use three types of rum in Navy Grog?

Using three types of rum provides a complex layer of flavors, adding depth and richness to the cocktail.

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