Navy Grog

First created by Donn Beach, who almost single-handedly originated the tiki cultural fad of the 1940s and 1950s, it was one of dozens of rum concoctions that he, and later Trader Vic and numerous other imitators, sold in exotic tropical settings.

Reportedly, Phil Spector consumed at least two Trader Vic’s Navy Grogs at the Beverly Hilton restaurant, without eating any food, the night he later killed actress Lana Clarkson.

It originally referred to a drink made with water and rum, which was introduced into the Royal Navy by British Vice Admiral Edward Vernon on August 21, 1740.

[3] Unlike other famous tiki cocktails such as the Zombie or Mai Tai, Navy Grog uses no exotically flavored syrups such as orgeat or falernum.

Although Trader Vic’s Navy Grog Mix is no longer available for purchase (But Hamilton now makes a good Beachbum Barry’s Navy Grog mix), this recipe seems to duplicate it: Ideally, use a Trader Vic’s large Mai Tai glass (available for purchase on their website) and fill it about a quarter inch (6 mm) or less from the top with blender-crushed ice (a few larger pieces keep it colder).