Grog is a mixture of water and rum, originally introduced by the British Royal Navy to reduce severe drunkenness and prevent water from spoiling on long voyages. The standard recipe often included lime juice and sugar to make the stale water palatable and combat scurvy. The daily issue of this ration became a deeply entrenched naval ritual until the tradition was formally abolished.
Heard on the job
The chief joked that a daily issue of grog would do wonders for crew morale on this miserable deployment.
Insider tip
The name comes from Admiral Edward Vernon, nicknamed Old Grog for his grogram cloak, who first ordered the pure rum ration to be watered down.