Happy Black Tot Day!

Today we remember the end of the daily rum ration in the British Royal Navy;Black Tot Day. On July 31st,1970,the tradition started in 1740 by Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon came to an end. Oh the sailors were given a ration of beer,but I mean….beer. That’s not rum.

So to celebrate this holiday properly,you need to make one of two drinks:

Mix #10 Traditional Grog

1.5oz navy strength rum*
1oz lime juice
1/2oz simple syrup**

*I recommend Pusser’s Gunpowder or Hamilton’s Navy Grog Blend.
**Rock candy or Demerara syrup work best.

The original grog as ‘enjoyed’ by the sailors.

Mix #41 Pusser’s Painkiller

2oz Pusser’s Rum*
4oz pineapple juice
1oz orange juice
1oz cream of coconut
ground nutmeg

*For Black Tot Day,I recommend Pusser’s Gunpowder.

Shake everything except nutmeg. Pour into mug filled with ice. Top with nutmeg.

Pusser’s was actually issued to sailors,so it’s perfect for Black Tot. Their recipe was dictated by military standards. Must be why it tastes so good. A very smooth Demerara rum made of a blend of five rums from Guyana and Trinidad. Oh,and in keeping with summertime and blending,I prefer blending my Painkillers to shaking them. Try it!

Oh,and since it’s a holiday and all,why not make both?