Grog
In 1740, to minimise the subsequent illness, drunkenness, and disciplinary problems, British Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon ordered that the daily rum issue of one-half imperial pint (284 ml) of rum be mixed with one imperial quart (1,100 ml) of water, a water-to-rum ratio of 4:1, with half issued before noon and the remainder after the end of the working day.
Having instructed his captains to dilute the sailors' daily allowance of rum with water, he says that those members of the crew "which ... are good husbandmen may from the saving of their salt provisions and bread, purchase sugar and limes to make it more palatable to them.
[6] The word originally referred to rum diluted with water, which Edward Vernon introduced into the British naval squadron he commanded in the West Indies on 21 August 1740.
[8] Until the daily tot was discontinued in 1970, Royal Navy rum was 95.5 proof (54.6% ABV);[9] the usual ration was one-eighth of an imperial pint (71 ml), diluted 4:1 with water.
In procession, they unlocked the door of the spirit room, and witnessed the pumping into a keg of one-eighth pint of rum for every rating and petty officer on the ship aged 20 or more and not under punishment.
The sergeant of marines poured the ration under direction of the chief steward, who announced the number of drinking men present in each petty officer's mess.
The sailors were allowed plenty of hot coffee, night or day, in heavy weather, but grog was unknown on board American merchant ships.
In the early stages of British settlement in Australia, the word grog entered common usage, to describe diluted, adulterated, and sub-standard rum, obtainable from sly-grog shops.
[11] Honoring the 18th century British Army regimental mess and grog's historical significance in the military, the United States Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army carry on a tradition at its formal dining in ceremonies whereby those in attendance who are observed to violate formal etiquette are "punished" by being sent to "the grog" and publicly drink from it in front of the attendees.
A non-alcoholic variety of the grog is also typically available for those in attendance who do not consume alcohol, and can contain anything from hot sauce to mayonnaise intended to make it unappealing as well.
Similar practice continued in the Royal Navy until "Black Tot Day", on 31 July 1970,[12] when concerns over crew members operating machinery under the influence led to the rum ration being abolished.
In Australia and New Zealand, the word has come to mean any alcoholic drink; in Australian Aboriginal English in particular, the term "grog" is extremely commonly used, to the point of appearing outside of casual use, such as in surveys and official documents.
[14] In Northern Germany, grog is a "classic winter drink from East Frisia" made of rum, sugar and water and heated to boiling point.
While there are no standard recipes, some varieties are commonly known: In other parts of Europe, notably the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, grog is used for a hot drink, usually made of black tea, lemon juice, honey and a splash of rum[citation needed].
