GROG: A drink with a history of sea, fire, and courage
The history of grog – when rum was mixed with water and courage
Grog originated in the 18th century on British naval ships. Admiral Edward Vernon, nicknamed Old Grog (after his grogram coat – a thick fabric), ordered sailors in 1740 to dilute their daily rum ration with water to prevent drunkenness and dehydration.
This mixture of rum, water, lemon, and sugar became iconic—it ward off the cold, boosted morale, and even protected against disease (thanks to the vitamin C in the lemon).
Over time, grog spread throughout the world—from sailors to alpine huts. Today, it is synonymous with winter warmth, relaxation, and nostalgic power.
Classic grog – a recipe that warms both body and soul
Ingredients (1 serving)
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40 ml of dark rum Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva or Captain Morgan Spiced Gold
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1 tablespoon honey or 2 teaspoons cane sugar
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juice from ½ lemon
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200 ml hot water
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1 slice of lemon for garnish
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optional: a pinch of cinnamon or cloves for aroma
Procedure
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Put sugar (or honey) in a glass or mug and pour hot water over it.
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Add rum and lemon juice, mix well.
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Garnish with a slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick.
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Serve hot – ideally after a walk or skiing.
Tip: If you want a smoother and more fragrant grog, try Bumbu Rum The Original – it adds an exotic touch of vanilla and caramel.
Tip 2: Try, for example Taylor’s Port Wine for a unique twist – a few drops of port wine in the grog will give the drink depth and a caramel-fruit tone.
Homemade honey grog with rum Božkov Republica
Ingredients (for 2 servings)
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80 ml Božkov Republica Exclusive Rum
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2 tablespoons honey
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400 ml hot water
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½ lemon for juice
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cloves, cinnamon, and orange slices for garnish
Procedure
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Pour hot water into a mug, add honey and stir until dissolved.
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Add rum and lemon juice.
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Garnish with an orange slice and a pinch of cinnamon.
Tip: For an extra wintery scent, add a drop of vanilla extract or star anise.
Non-alcoholic grog – when you want warmth, but not alcohol
Ingredients (1–2 servings)
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200 ml hot black tea (e.g., Earl Grey or Ceylon)
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juice from ½ lemon
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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a pinch of cinnamon and cloves
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optional: a few drops of rum flavoring for an authentic taste
Procedure
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Pour hot water over the tea and add honey and lemon juice.
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Season with cinnamon and cloves, and add a drop of rum essence to taste.
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Serve in a mug with a slice of lemon or orange.
Tip: If you want a non-alcoholic version with a touch of luxury, add a little Carl Jung nealko vína and a drop of honey – the taste is surprisingly delicate.
Premium brands that make your grog exceptional
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva (Venezuela)
An elegant dark rum with caramel and honey notes, ideal for a smooth, fragrant grog.
Captain Morgan Spiced Gold (Karibik)
Spicy, fresh, and versatile rum – a traditional choice for winter evenings.
An intense rum with hints of vanilla, caramel, and nutmeg – for a stronger version of grog.
Božkov Republica Exclusive (Česko)
Golden rum with a slightly sweet profile – great in combination with honey and lemon.
A luxurious premium rum with aromas of vanilla and coconut – adds an exotic character to grog.
Grog – liquid warmth that has a soul
Grog is not just a drink, it is a reminder of courage, adventure, and well-being. Every mug exudes the history of the sea and a passion for rum that has brought people together for centuries. Whether you choose strong Diplomatico rum, smooth Božkov rum, or a non-alcoholic version with tea, every grog has a touch of the warmth of home and the scent of winter.
Would you like to try other Christmas recipes?
You can find them here:
How to prepare the perfect punch?
Mulled wine – the scent of winter in a glass
