Grog
Grog is any of a variety of alcoholic beverages. The word originally referred to a drink made with water or "small beer" (a weak beer), lemon or lime juice, and rum, which British Vice Admiral Edward Vernon introduced into the Royal Navy on 21 August 1740. Vernon wore a coat of grogram cloth and was nicknamed Old Grogram or Old Grog. However, Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, which agrees with this story of the word's origin, states that the word "grog" was first used in this sense in 1770, though other sources cite 1749. The citrus juice was added to prevent spoilage, then it was also found to prevent scurvy, two reasons to continue the practice.
In modern times the term "grog" has had a variety of meanings in a number of different cultures.
Modern Usage
Modern versions of the drink are often made with hot or boiling water, and sometimes include lemon juice, lime juice, cinnamon, or sugar to improve the taste. Additionally in the USA, Apple cider is sometimes substituted for water. Rum with water, sugar, and nutmeg was known as bumbo and was more popular with pirates and merchantmen. By contrast, in Australia and New Zealand, the word has come to mean any alcoholic drink.
