Bumbo
Bumbo has a sweet and spicy taste, with a hint of warmth from the rum. It is smooth and rich, with a velvety texture and a lingering finish.
Navy Grog Cocktail Recipe
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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: January 7, 2024
Contents
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
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the white rum, dark rum, Demerara rum, lime juice, grapefruit juice, honey syrup, and allspice dram.
- Add crushed ice and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a grog glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Top with club soda and gently stir to combine.
- 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 shakePlace 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 strainInsert 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 stirGarnishing 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).
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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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