Navy Grog Cocktail Drink

Navy Grog

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano
4 from 1 vote

Ready for a cocktail adventure? Check out our Navy Grog recipe, where classic ingredients come together for a drink that’s effortless and impossible to forget.

Navy Grog Recipe

Toast to the classics with this Navy Grog recipe! Rum, lime, and honey converge, offering a sip of relaxation perfect for lazy days.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

311 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Light Rum
  • 1 oz Dark Rum
  • 1 oz Demerara Rum
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz honey mix, equal parts honey and water, warmed to combine
  • Ice cubes and crushed ice
  • Grapefruit or lime slice, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Highball or Collins Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Ice Crusher if making crushed ice

Instructions

  • Fill up your collins or highball glass with ice cubes and stir it, to chill your glass.
  • Add 1 oz honey mix, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1 oz Light Rum, 1 oz Dark Rum, 1 oz Demerara Rum into the shaker.
  • Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Seal and shake the shaker vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.
  • Strain into a Collins or highball glass, then fill the glass with crushed ice.
  • Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or lime.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Light Rum: When I've run out of light rum, I've used a white or coconut-flavored rum for a tropical twist.
  • Dark Rum: You can substitute with spiced rum for a more robust flavor.
  • Demerara Rum: Any aged rum can work in its place if unavailable. I've tried it with a quality rhum agricole, and the results were delightful.
  • Honey Mix: Simple syrup can replace the honey mix, but it'll alter the drink's flavor profile.

Making a Pitcher of Navy Grog:

  • To serve 8 people, multiply all the ingredients by 8.
  • Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher.
  • Stir well, and when ready to serve, pour into individual glasses, then fill them with crushed ice and garnish.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Instead of the rums, use non-alcoholic versions available in the market. They give a similar taste without the alcohol.
  • Follow the main instructions, replacing the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic substitutes.

Making it Vegan:

The main recipe is already vegan-friendly. However, use a vegan honey substitute, like agave nectar or maple syrup, when making your honey mix. The flavor may change slightly, but it's still delicious.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
311
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sodium
 
11
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
29
g
10
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
27
g
30
%
Potassium
 
95
mg
3
%
Protein
 
0.4
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
16
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
16
mg
19
%
Calcium
 
8
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%

 

Navy Grog Cocktail Drink

Navy Grog Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
4 from 1 vote
Jump to Video
Toast to the classics with this Navy Grog recipe! Rum, lime, and honey converge, offering a sip of relaxation perfect for lazy days.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 311

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Light Rum
  • 1 oz Dark Rum
  • 1 oz Demerara Rum
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz honey mix - equal parts honey and water, warmed to combine
  • Ice cubes and crushed ice
  • Grapefruit or lime slice - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Highball or Collins Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Ice Crusher if making crushed ice

Instructions

  • Fill up your collins or highball glass with ice cubes and stir it, to chill your glass.
  • Add 1 oz honey mix, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 1 oz Light Rum, 1 oz Dark Rum, 1 oz Demerara Rum into the shaker.
  • Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Seal and shake the shaker vigorously until the mixture is well chilled.
  • Strain into a Collins or highball glass, then fill the glass with crushed ice.
  • Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or lime.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Light Rum: When I've run out of light rum, I've used a white or coconut-flavored rum for a tropical twist.
  • Dark Rum: You can substitute with spiced rum for a more robust flavor.
  • Demerara Rum: Any aged rum can work in its place if unavailable. I've tried it with a quality rhum agricole, and the results were delightful.
  • Honey Mix: Simple syrup can replace the honey mix, but it'll alter the drink's flavor profile.

Making a Pitcher of Navy Grog:

  • To serve 8 people, multiply all the ingredients by 8.
  • Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher.
  • Stir well, and when ready to serve, pour into individual glasses, then fill them with crushed ice and garnish.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Instead of the rums, use non-alcoholic versions available in the market. They give a similar taste without the alcohol.
  • Follow the main instructions, replacing the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic substitutes.

Making it Vegan:

The main recipe is already vegan-friendly. However, use a vegan honey substitute, like agave nectar or maple syrup, when making your honey mix. The flavor may change slightly, but it's still delicious.

What is a Navy Grog?

Navy Grog is a rum cocktail with lime, honey mix, and grapefruit juice.  The name signifies its maritime heritage and longstanding association with sailors. While the cocktail might sound like something only seasoned bartenders would craft, anyone can embrace its rich history. This traditional Navy Grog recipe may sound sophisticated, but remarkably straightforward.

A side shot of a Navy Grorg cocktail in a collins glass on a wooden coaster placed on a green cloth with a lime, a tweezer and a honey dipper around, and grapefruit pieces and plant leaves behind, all infront of a yellow wall.

What is a Navy Grog made of – The ingredients

Ingredients necessary for crafting a Navy Grog include:

  • Light Rum: A type of rum distilled to have a lighter taste; it forms the drink’s base.
  • Dark Rum: Adds depth and a more robust flavor to the cocktail.
  • Demerara Rum: Produced in the region of Demerara. The aged versions,  famous for their rich and complex flavors, work perfectly with the other ingredients.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Introduces acidity and a zesty brightness, balancing the sweetness.
  • Fresh Grapefruit Juice: Gives the cocktail slightly bitterness and tang, adding another layer of flavor.
  • Honey Mix: A blend of honey and water sweetens the drink and complements the tartness of the citrus.

Light Rum, Dark Rum, Demerara Rum, grapefruit juice, honey mix, and limes laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Navy Grog?

Our guide shows you each step to make a Navy Grog:

1
<p>Incorporate the honey mix to give the cocktail its signature sweetness and balance the citrusy tang.</p>

Incorporate the honey mix to give the cocktail its signature sweetness and balance the citrusy tang.

2
<p>Add fresh lime juice to the cocktail shaker.</p>

Add fresh lime juice to the cocktail shaker.

3
<p>Add fresh grapefruit juice, introducing a refreshing zestiness.</p>

Add fresh grapefruit juice, introducing a refreshing zestiness.

4
<p>Pour light rum into the cocktail shaker. </p>

Pour light rum into the cocktail shaker.

5
<p>Pour dark rum into the shaker.</p>

Pour dark rum into the shaker.

6
<p>Pour Demerara rum into the shaker, providing the drink’s robust foundation.</p>

Pour Demerara rum into the shaker, providing the drink’s robust foundation.

7
<p>Ice up the shaker.</p>

Ice up the shaker.

8
<p>Shake the mixture vigorously until it’s well chilled, ensuring the ingredients meld seamlessly.</p>

Shake the mixture vigorously until it’s well chilled, ensuring the ingredients meld seamlessly.

9
<p>Remove the ice cubes from your chilled Collins or Highball glass.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from your chilled Collins or Highball glass.

10
<p>Strain the contents into the chilled glass.</p>

Strain the contents into the chilled glass.

11
<p>Then fill the glass with crushed ice to maintain the drink’s cool temperature.</p>

Then fill the glass with crushed ice to maintain the drink’s cool temperature.

12
<p>Finish by garnishing with a slice of grapefruit or lime, enhancing the visual appeal and offering a hint of added aroma.</p>

Finish by garnishing with a slice of grapefruit or lime, enhancing the visual appeal and offering a hint of added aroma.

13
<p>Enjoy your Navy Grog cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Navy Grog cocktail!

A side shot of a Navy Grorg cocktail in a collins glass on a wooden coaster placed on a green cloth with a lime, a tweezer and a honey dipper around, and grapefruit pieces and plant leaves behind.

Best Rum for a Navy Grog Cocktail

Selecting the right rum for your Navy Grog can elevate the drink from good to unforgettable. While the cocktail typically demands a blend of light, dark, and Demerara rums, your chosen brand can play a pivotal role in the drink’s flavor profile. Bacardi Superior is a popular choice for light rum, known for its clean and crisp notes. When it comes to dark rum, Myers’s stands out for its rich, molasses-heavy taste that adds depth. For the Demerara rum, El Dorado offers that unmistakable woody and smoky character essential for a balanced Navy Grog. If you’re aiming for a top-notch experience, consider splurging on Appleton Estate’s aged rums as a dark rum option; its nuanced flavors of oak and tropical fruits work wonders in this cocktail.

A Navy Grorg cocktail, shot from above, in a collins glass on a wooden coaster placed on a green cloth with a lime, a tweezer, a grapefruit slice and a honey dipper around.

History and Origin

The Navy Grog traces its roots to the British Royal Navy and its age-old tradition of giving sailors a daily rum ration. This practice began in the 17th century when the British Navy started distributing rum to replace the previously provided beer. The term “grog” originates from Admiral Edward Vernon, who sailors fondly called “Old Grog” because of his grogram fabric cloak. In 1740, Vernon ordered the dilution of rum with water to minimize drunkenness among his sailors. This diluted rum concoction became known as “grog.”

Over time, variations began to emerge as the drink made its way to different shores and ports. In the mid-20th century, the Navy Grog gained popularity in the tiki bar scene, with establishments like Trader Vic’s and Don the Beachcomber, each having distinct renditions of the drink. These tiki versions, which added various fruit juices and syrups, turned the Navy Grog into a tropical cocktail, setting it apart from its naval origins. The cocktail’s transformation from a sailor’s ration to a sophisticated tropical beverage showcases its journey through history and across cultures.

A Navy Grog cocktail on a white marmol table with a Light Rum bottle, a Dark Rum bottle, a Demerara Rum bottle, a grapefruit juice and a honey mix bottle, and limes around.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a typical Navy Grog?
It contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities.
How strong is a Navy Grog?
It typically ranges from 25-35% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), translating to 50-70 proof, given that it incorporates multiple types of rum.
What type of alcohol is used in a Navy Grog?
The primary alcohols are light rum, dark rum, and Demerara rum.
In which type of glass is a Navy Grog typically served?
It's traditionally served in a Collins or highball glass.
What does a Navy Grog taste like?
Due to its mix of rums, citrus juices, and honey, the cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and slightly bitter flavors.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Navy Grog?
The drink generally maintains a balanced ratio between its rums and juices, typically used in equal parts.
How is the Navy Grog typically served with ice?
It's served over crushed ice, ensuring the drink remains chilled throughout consumption.

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