Navy Grog facts for kids
The Navy Grog is a famous tropical drink that was very popular at Polynesian-themed restaurants like Don the Beachcomber. It's still served in many tiki-style places today. This drink was first created by Donn Beach, who helped start the whole "tiki culture" trend in the 1940s and 1950s. It was one of many rum-based drinks he created, along with others like Trader Vic and his followers. The Navy Grog was not as strong as Don the Beachcomber's famous Zombie drink. However, restaurants often limited customers to two or three of these drinks.
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The Navy Grog is a classic drink known for its mix of different rums and fresh fruit juices. It became a symbol of the fun and exotic "tiki" style that became popular in the mid-20th century. This style brought a taste of the South Pacific to restaurants and bars. Donn Beach, the creator, was a pioneer in mixing different types of rum with fresh ingredients to make unique and exciting flavors.
Where Did the Name "Grog" Come From?
The word "grog" can mean different kinds of alcoholic drinks. It first referred to a drink made with water and rum. This drink was introduced to the British Royal Navy on August 21, 1740. A British Vice Admiral named Edward Vernon started this tradition. Vernon himself was nicknamed "Old Grog" because he wore a coat made of a rough fabric called grogram. His nickname then became attached to the drink.
Today, some versions of grog are made with hot water. They might also include lemon juice, lime juice, cinnamon, or sugar to make them taste better. Another old drink, called Bumboo, was popular with pirates. It was made with rum, water, sugar, and nutmeg.
The Original Recipe: A Mix of Flavors
The Navy Grog is known for its special blend of ingredients. Unlike some other famous tiki drinks, it doesn't use fancy syrups like orgeat or falernum. Instead, it focuses on the natural tastes of rum and fresh fruit.
Don the Beachcomber's Secret Mix
The original Don the Beachcomber Navy Grog used a mix of fresh juices and different kinds of rum. It included fresh lime juice, white grapefruit juice, and club soda. For the rum, it had gold Demerara rum, dark Jamaican rum, and white Cuban or Puerto Rican rum. A special honey mix, made from equal parts honey and water, was also added for sweetness. All these ingredients were shaken with ice and then poured into a glass with crushed ice. Sometimes, the ice was shaped into a cone around a straw.
There are many different ways to make Navy Grog. Most recipes use fresh lime and grapefruit juice with various rums. Some versions might also add passionfruit juice or guava juice. For sweetness, some recipes use honey mixed with unsalted butter, while others stick to honey and water.
Trader Vic's Different Take
The Trader Vic’s Navy Grog is quite different from Don the Beachcomber’s version. While Trader Vic’s Navy Grog Mix is no longer sold, people have tried to recreate it. This version often uses light rum, gold rum, and a stronger 151 demerara rum or dark rum. It also includes fresh lime juice and grapefruit juice. A unique ingredient in this recipe is Allspice Dram, which adds a spicy flavor. Simple syrup is added for extra sweetness.
Traditionally, the Don the Beachcomber version of Navy Grog was always served very cold. It came in a large, wide glass called an Old Fashioned glass. Inside the glass, there was a frozen "snow cone" made of shaved ice. Customers would sip the drink through a straw that went down through this ice cone.
The Trader Vic’s version is served a bit differently. It doesn't have the snow cone. Instead, it uses crushed ice in a special Trader Vic’s Mai Tai glass. It's often garnished with half a squeezed lime, a large sprig of mint, and a rock candy stick.
