Grog - warm comfort on cold days
Grog - warm comfort on cold days
Grog - recipe for the Christmas market favorite
Hot grog is warming, tasty and can be prepared in just a few minutes! What's more, the original recipe for grog contains just three ingredients - water, rum and sugar.
Ingredients (for 1 cup):
- 175 ml water
- 60 ml rum
- 2 tsp sugar
How it works:
- bring the water to the boil on the stove or in the kettle.
- put the sugar in a cup and pour the boiling water over it.
- stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- add the rum just before serving to preserve the flavors.
Hot grog - where does the drink come from?
Grog has been known in Europe since the 17th century. The name of the drink is originally derived from a mixture of rum and water, which was popular in the Caribbean and was known as “grogg”. The “grogg” became known beyond the Caribbean through the British Royal Navy. Sailors were given a daily ration of rum as part of their rations on board. In order to limit the effects of the alcohol as much as possible, sailors had to dilute the spirit with water from 1740 onwards. Later, sugar and sometimes lime juice were also added to this mixture. Grog first came to Great Britain with the crew of the Royal Navy. In the wet and cold climate of the island, the mixture was often drunk hot - this version of the drink also spread to Germany over the years.
Today, grog is one of the most popular drinks at local Christmas markets alongside mulled wine.
Does grog help with colds?
The grog recipe is often touted as a miracle cure for colds. But where does this idea come from? Sugar, which in the past usually came from the Caribbean, was considered to be beneficial to health. Rum, which consists of distilled sugar cane molasses, was also used as a medicine for a long time - in the Caribbean, but also in Europe. Among other things, it was said to have an invigorating effect and alleviate gastrointestinal complaints and cold symptoms. For this reason, the mixture of rum and sugar in the form of a hot drink is still regarded as beneficial to health today.
What grog variations are there?
The original grog recipe is very simple. Over the years, however, several variations have been developed, for example apple grog or grog without alcohol. The general measurements usually remain the same as for the regular grog, but individual ingredients are changed.
Grog with white rum
Traditionally, brown rum is used for grog. However, this can easily be replaced with white rum. As light rum matures for less time, it has a lighter, milder and sweeter taste. In contrast to dark rum, however, its bouquet is less complex: it lacks the typical aromas of caramel, vanilla, spices or wood.
Apple grog
If you are looking for a slightly fruitier grog, apple grog is the right choice. Here, bite-sized pieces of apple are added to the rum, water and sugar mixture (about a quarter of an apple per cup). Alternatively, there are recipes in which apple juice is added to the recipe instead of fresh fruit.
Mecklenburger Grog
As with the classic recipe, rum and sugar form the basis for Mecklenburger Grog. However, instead of water, the drink is infused with black tea. Sometimes freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice, honey and other alcoholic drinks such as cognac are also added.t.
Grog without alcohol
Can grog also be made without alcohol? There are some recipes in which the spirit is replaced with black tea, as in Mecklenburg grog. Lemon juice is usually added here too, but the rum is of course omitted. There are also non-alcoholic grog alternatives based on fruit tea, apple juice or ginger tea. To imitate the deep taste of rum, the normal sugar can be replaced with sugar cane or malt syrup.
Serving grog
If you drink grog at the Christmas market, it will probably be served in a clear tea glass. If you make grog at home, a tea glass is also a good choice. But a stoneware cup is also perfect for serving the hot drink in an attractive way.
Grog - the perfect companion for cozy winter evenings
Grog is the ideal drink for enjoying the cold winter days. With its warming effect and aromatic taste, it brings a cozy atmosphere to any gathering. Whether classic with rum, fruity with apple pieces or as a non-alcoholic version - grog offers the right option for every taste. Especially in the cold season, when the snow is falling outside, a hot cup of grog makes for coziness and relaxation.