July 31st is Black Tot Day, a day that commemorates the day in which the Royal Navy discontinued its daily rum ration – this was known as the tot on 31st July 1970.
“Round the world” on board every Royal Navy ship glasses were raised in their final salute and this year is the 45th anniversary of Black Tot Day.
The final tot was poured as usual at 6 bells in the forenoon watch (11am) after a pipe of ‘up spirits’. Some of the sailors wore black arm bands; tots were ‘buried at sea’ and even mock funereal processions complete with coffin, accompanying drummers and piper commiserated the occasion; it was a day of mourning.
Daily tot was abolished because the Royal Navy had much sophisticated equipment and weaponry on-board and needed sober sailors to operate it. In the years that followed, until 1975, the navy saw the highest voluntary redundancy rate.
Heritage rum-maker Pusser’s, the only rum blended in exact accordance with the Royal Navy specification, donates a portion of sales to the Royal Naval Association which is better known as the ‘Tot’ Fund. Donations have exceeded over $1.5million, which provides for serving Naval personnel. Today this money helps to support serving and ex Navy personnel and provides everything from bedding to hospital and rehabilitation equipment.
Pusser’s Rum will be commemorating the 45th anniversary of Black Tot Day this year with a tot of rum. Across the UK bars will be marking 31st July in true navy style and there will also be a special event taking place on The Beach, at Camden’s Roundhouse venue from 12pm onwards.
Want to join in on the celebrations? Why not give this Pusser’s Rum which is called the “Painkiller” cocktail recipe a try:
Ingredients:
- 35ml Pusser’s 40%ABV Rum (or 54.5% ABV)
- 25ml Coco Re’al Cream of Coconut
- 25ml Orange Juice
- 100ml Pineapple Juice
You can find all of these ingredients at: Tesco Groceries
Method:
1. Shake all ingredients together with ice. Strain in to service vessel over fresh ice.
2. Garnish with further 15ml of Pusser’s 54.5%abv rum and fresh ground nutmeg
What will you be doing to celebrate Black Tot Day? Comment below and let us know.
