Navy Grog Cocktail Recipe

Over time, the Navy Grog evolved into something much more exciting. During the Tiki era, Don the Beachcomber transformed it into the Navy Grog cocktail recipe we know today. This updated version combines a blend of rums, fresh citrus juices, and a touch of honey syrup to create a drink that’s refreshing and full of character.

The best thing about this recipe is how easy it is to make at home. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or mixing drinks for friends, the Navy Grog is always a great choice. It’s no surprise it has become a favorite at Tiki bars and home gatherings alike. Give it a try and enjoy a little piece of history in your glass.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what we’ll need to make a Navy Grog cocktail that’s full of bold and tropical flavors. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is the secret to making this drink truly unforgettable.

Rum

Our Navy Grog starts with a blend of rums, each adding something unique to the mix. Gold rum brings smooth, warm notes of vanilla. Dark rum adds depth and a touch of spice, while Demerara rum ties it all together with its rich, earthy flavor.

For gold rum, we love Mount Gay Eclipse Gold or Bacardi Gold for their subtle caramel hints. When it comes to dark rum, Myers's Dark Rum or Gosling's Black Seal are perfect for those molasses and spice notes. If you’re going for Demerara rum, try El Dorado 12 Year Old or Demerara Distillers to get that signature earthy character.

Fresh Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice is a must for this cocktail. It adds a bright, zesty punch that balances the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the rum.

We always squeeze our limes right before mixing to keep the oils and aromas fresh. Trust us, bottled lime juice doesn’t even come close to delivering the vibrant flavor you need for this drink.

Fresh Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit juice brings a refreshing tang that pairs perfectly with the honey and rums. We prefer using ruby red grapefruits for their slightly sweeter profile, but any fresh grapefruit works.

Just like with limes, fresh-squeezed is the way to go. The flavor difference is huge, and it’s worth the extra step for that fresh, citrusy kick.

Honey Simple Syrup

Honey simple syrup ties everything together, adding a gentle sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s smoother than plain sugar and highlights the rums beautifully.

Making it is super simple. Just mix equal parts honey and warm water until it dissolves. You’ll love the complexity it adds to the cocktail.

Club Soda

A splash of club soda finishes the Navy Grog with a refreshing fizz. It lightens the drink and gives it that extra sparkle.

We like using Schweppes Club Soda or Perrier Sparkling Water for their crisp, clean bubbles. Not only does it elevate the flavor, but the tiny bubbles also look amazing in a tall glass.

Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s start mixing!

How to Make a Navy Grog

Making a Navy Grog is easy and so much fun. Let’s get everything we need and dive right in.

First, we’ll grab a good citrus squeezer for fresh lime and grapefruit juices. A cocktail set will also come in handy for mixing and shaking.

To start, we’ll combine our rums, honey syrup, and fresh juices in a shaker filled with ice. Then we’ll give it a good shake to chill everything and blend those flavors perfectly.

Once it’s ready, we’ll strain the mix into a glass packed with crushed ice. This keeps the drink frosty and refreshing.

For the garnish, we can add a mint sprig or a lime wheel. If we’re feeling fancy, we could even go for an ice cone to give it that wow factor.

You’ll find the exact measurements for everything in the recipe card below. Let’s get mixing and enjoy this delicious classic together!

Navy Grog Recipe Variations

We love experimenting with different versions of the Navy Grog. It’s fun to see how small tweaks can create a whole new flavor. Here are some popular variations we think you’ll enjoy trying.

Trader Vic’s Version

This one swaps out the honey syrup for allspice dram. That little change adds a warm, spicy kick that takes the drink in a totally different direction.

Don the Beachcomber’s Recipe

Don’s take is all about complexity. It uses three types of rum and brings grapefruit juice into the mix. The result is a bold, tangy flavor with extra depth.

A Modern Twist

For something a little different, we like adding a splash of vanilla syrup. It brings a smooth sweetness that balances the citrus beautifully.

A Stronger Navy Grog

If you’re looking for more of a punch, try swapping one of the rums for overproof rum. It raises the alcohol content while keeping the flavors intact.

A Lighter Option

For a milder version, go with white rum instead of dark. You can also use less honey syrup if you want a drink that’s not as sweet.

Bartender’s Touch

Some bartenders like to add a float of 151-proof rum on top. It gives the drink a strong first sip and looks stunning with its layered effect.

Every variation changes the flavor a bit, so have fun experimenting to find the one you love most. Cheers!

Love the Navy Grog? Here’s What to Try Next

If you love the Navy Grog, why not explore some other rum-based classics? Each of these drinks has its own unique twist, and they are all worth trying.

• Fog Cutter
• Hurricane
• Zombie
• Rum Sour
• Dark and Stormy
• Dark Rum Cocktails
• Easy White Rum Cocktails
• Two-Ingredient Rum Drinks

We would love to hear about your Navy Grog experience. Did you stick with the classic recipe or add your own twist? Share your stories with us. Your creativity might inspire others to try something new.

For more cocktail ideas and inspiration, subscribe to our updates or follow us on social media. We share the latest recipes, tips, and tricks to help you explore new flavors and perfect your favorites. Let’s keep mixing and enjoying great drinks together. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navy Grog made of?

Navy Grog combines three types of rum: gold, dark, and demerara. We mix these with fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup. The gold rum adds smoothness, while dark rum brings depth. Demerara rum gives a unique flavor.

Fresh juices are key to balancing the strong rum flavors. We use 1 oz each of lime and grapefruit juice. For sweetness, we add 1 oz of honey syrup.

Some recipes call for an ice cone garnish or a mint sprig. These add flair and enhance the drink's aroma.

What is the origin of the Navy Grog cocktail?

Navy Grog has its roots in the British Royal Navy. Sailors would mix rum with water and citrus to make it drinkable. This simple mix helped prevent scurvy on long voyages.

Donn Beach later popularized Navy Grog in tiki culture. He created a more complex version with multiple rums and fresh juices. This new recipe became a hit in tiki bars across America.

What makes a drink a grog?

Grog is traditionally rum mixed with water and often flavored with citrus or sweeteners. The term has evolved over time to include various spirit and mixer combinations.

In tiki culture, grogs like Navy Grog are more complex. They use multiple spirits and fresh ingredients. While inspired by traditional grog, these drinks offer a richer flavor profile.

How strong is a Navy Grog?

Navy Grog packs a punch with its blend of three rums. A typical recipe contains about 3 oz of rum total. This makes it quite potent compared to other cocktails.

Due to its strength, many bars limit guests to two Navy Grogs per visit. We recommend enjoying this drink slowly and in moderation.

What food pairings complement a Navy Grog?

Seafood dishes pair well with Navy Grog. We love it with grilled shrimp or fish tacos. The drink's citrus notes balance rich flavors nicely.

Spicy foods also work great. Try it with chicken curry or spicy tuna rolls. For a tropical twist, pair it with teriyaki salmon or pineapple fried rice.

The cocktail's complex flavor profile makes it versatile for many cuisines. Its sweetness and acidity can cut through rich or spicy dishes effectively.

Navy Grog Cocktail Recipe

The Navy Grog is a classic tiki cocktail that packs a punch with its blend of rums and citrus. We love how it balances sweet and tart flavors for a refreshing tropical drink. Let's dive into how to make this iconic cocktail at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Double old-fashioned glass or Tiki mug
• Ice mold or Navy Grog Cone Kit (for ice cone, optional)

Ingredients

  

• 1 oz Gold Rum aged or light
• 1 oz Dark Rum Jamaican preferred
• 1 oz Demerara Rum from Guyana
• ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• ¾ oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
• 1 oz Honey Simple Syrup
• ¾ oz Club Soda chilled
• Mint sprig or lime wheel for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Pour in the three rums, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and honey simple syrup.
• Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
• If using an ice cone, place it in your glass. Otherwise, fill the glass with crushed ice.
• Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass.
• Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir.
• Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel or twist.

Notes

• If you can’t find Demerara rum, a full-bodied dark rum works well as a substitute.
• Want a lighter version? Swap gold rum for white rum.
• Watching sugar? Use a sugar-free sweetener or try agave nectar. Just go easy since it’s sweeter than honey.
• Fresh juices are best, but bottled lime and grapefruit juice can work in a pinch. Just know the flavor might not be as bright.
• Add the club soda slowly so you don’t water down the drink too much. Taste as you go.
• Don’t be afraid to tweak the rum ratios to match your taste. You might like more dark rum for a richer flavor or more gold rum for something lighter.

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