Until 1970, grog was included in the daily diet of sailors of the British Navy, which provided the drink with recognition throughout the world. I propose to consider the classic grog recipe and the best alternative with spices, honey and fruits. Cooking does not take much time.
Grog – This is an alcoholic drink with a strength of 15-20%, made by mixing rum with water and sugar in certain proportions. In some variations, in addition to the above ingredients, the composition includes lemon juice and spices (cloves, ginger, cinnamon, mint). Grog is served hot. For centuries, it has been used by sailors from different countries as a remedy for the prevention of scurvy. By its warming properties, grog is similar to mulled wine (hot wine).
Historical reference. Grog appeared thanks to Admiral of the British Navy Edward Vernon (1684-1757), who was called Old Grog by sailors for his habit of walking in a waterproof cape (English name grogram cloak). Due to constant drunkenness, the admiral ordered a daily portion of rum to be diluted with water (navy employees in those days were given about 240 ml of rum with a strength of 80 degrees). Over time, to improve the taste, sugar and lemon juice began to be added to the composition.
Classic grog recipe
Ingredients:
- dark rum – 200 ml (Jamaican or Bacardi is optimal);
- boiled water – 400 ml;
- lemon – 2 stuff;
- sugar – 4 teaspoons.
Preparation
1. Pour water into a saucepan, bring to a boil.
2. Separately squeeze the juice from two lemons.
3. Reduce heat, pour rum into water in a thin stream, then add lemon juice and sugar, mix well.
4. Boil the homemade grog for 2-3 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved, stirring with a kitchen spatula.
5. Remove the drink from the stove and pour into glasses.
Grog is drunk only hot in slow sips (possible through a straw) so as not to burn the throat.
Alternative Homemade Grog Recipe
Unlike the classic version, spices are used to improve the taste.
Ingredients:
- dark rum (cognac) – 60 ml;
- lemon juice – 40 ml;
- hot water (tea) – 60 ml;
- sugar – 1 teaspoon;
- cloves – 3 bud;
- star anise – 1 piece;
- cinnamon – 1-2 sticks.
Rum can be replaced with cognac, and water with hot black tea. Some recipes add fresh mint, but it overpowers the flavor of the alcohol base, so I don’t use it.
Preparation
The cooking technology does not differ from the previous version, spices (cinnamon and cloves) are added at the very end before pouring into glasses. In the finished drink, you can still put a tablespoon of liquid honey and a few slices of fruit, such as oranges or lemons.
