Grog

From the Monkey Island video games   

 

updated photo coming soon

Ahoy, ye bilge rats! Time to raise yer mugs and drink up some GROG! Not only does this alcoholic beverage make frequent appearances in the Monkey Island games, but it's also considered the #1 drink of swashbuckling pirates everywhere.

 

Some historical context: The word "grog" originally referred to a mixture of water and rum, which was introduced to the British Royal Navy by Vice Admiral Edward Vernon in 1740. This was done to dilute the rum and reduce the risk of drunkenness among sailors. Sometimes, citrus juice was added to help prevent scurvy, a common issue for sailors on long voyages.

 

But I'm going to take Monkey Island’s approach to pirate history and not let historical facts get in the way of a good time. Rather than sticking with the traditional Navy version, I’ve opted emulate the fruitier Caribbean versions of grog, which tended to incorporate fruit juices and spices. Why? Because where do pirates come from? That's right! Also, fruit juices are acidic, and we know MI's version of grog is very acidic. But we'll just go ahead and skip the industrial solvents.

 

So the Geeky Chef take on Grog leans more into tiki territory. It includes rum, fresh fruit juices, and a hint of nutmeg. Swashbuckling flavors that make this punch pack a real... punch. Perfect fuel for a long, grueling night of insult sword-fighting! Or just playing with this thing.

Ingredients:

2 ounces overproof rum

2 ounces Demerara rum (or another dark/aged rum)

1 ounce pineapple juice

3/4 ounce coconut water 

1/2 ounce lime juice

1/2 ounce falernum or spiced syrup

A pinch of sea salt 

¼ ounce blue curacao

Small pinch spirulina (it's from the ocean, right?) or a drop or two of green food coloring (optional, for a stronger greenish color)

Pinch of grated nutmeg  (for garnish)

Directions:

 

1. Add the rums, coconut water, juices, syrup, sea salt, blue curacao, and spirulina or food coloring (if using) to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake for 20 to 25 seconds until well-chilled and slightly foamy.
3. Strain into the serving glass (ideally a tankard, pewter mug, or mule mug) over fresh ice.
4. Top with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg. 
5. Tell your scurvy that it fights like a dairy farmer!

 

 

Serves 1

 

 

 

 

This recipe has been reworked and scaled down to 1 serving.