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Black Tot Day

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BLACK TOT DAY July 31, 1970
WHAT IS BLACK TOT DAY AND WHY CELEBRATE IT?
When it comes to memorable duos, rum and the Royal Navy have a long and storied history together. Their connection dates back to 1655 when the Royal Navy began issuing sailors a daily ration of the spirit.
Not only was rum cheap and easy to store aboard ships, but it also kept well and didn't spoil, unlike beer and even water, which could grow algae. Life at sea was also difficult, and the ration was a bright spot during long days.
That everyday ritual quickly became known as "the daily tot." And up until 1740, the ration consisted of half a pint of neat rum, two times a day.
The tradition carried on for hundreds of years — until one day in the 1970s.
1. BLACK TOT DAY EXPLAINED
So, what's Black Tot Day? It marks the exact date, July 31, 1970, when the Royal Navy's daily rum ration stopped and the final tot was served onboard Royal Navy ships. To show their disappointment, some Royal Navy sailors wore black armbands.
The demise of the long-standing tradition was mainly due to safety concerns. The Admiralty Board was worried about the mix of alcohol and sailors needing to operate complicated machinery, navigational tools, and weapons systems.
2. RECIPES TO TRY ON BLACK TOT DAY
While rum is always welcome at parties, Black Tot Day is a great reason to shine the spotlight on the spirit. Break out your favorite bottle, try a new recipe, and celebrate the final salute to the Royal Navy rum ration.
A navy grog cocktail, for instance, pays homage to a cocktail that became common with sailors. For a vintage tiki cocktail, try the fruity Fog Cutter, which packs a punch by blending orange and lemon juice with rum, brandy, gin, and sherry.
You can even try rum made especially according to the historic recipe used by the Admiral's in their daily rations — the blend features a mix of rich molasses and sweet brown sugar, with notes of nutmeg, caramel, and toffee.
Try a Painkiller made with Pusser's Navy strength Rum.
3. CELEBRATE THE 51TH ANNIVERSARY
You can honor the final daily tot any year, but July 31, 2021 marks a special occasion: the 51st anniversary of Black Tot Day. So, if you're never celebrated before, it's the perfect time to pay tribute to a 300-year-long tradition.
Along with delicious cocktails, you can also add to the festivities with other rum-themed items.
RAISE A GLASS TO BLACK TOT DAY
Ready to celebrate Black Tot Day? Try out a new recipe or make an old favorite cocktail, and honor the 51st anniversary of the day the Royal Navy ended its daily rum ration. There's plenty of history to learn about the 300-year tradition.

BLACK TOT DAY July 31, 1970
WHAT IS BLACK TOT DAY AND WHY CELEBRATE IT?
When it comes to memorable duos, rum and the Royal Navy have a long and storied history together. Their connection dates back to 1655 when the Royal Navy began issuing sailors a daily ration of the spirit.
Not only was rum cheap and easy to store aboard ships, but it also kept well and didn't spoil, unlike beer and even water, which could grow algae. Life at sea was also difficult, and the ration was a bright spot during long days.
That everyday ritual quickly became known as "the daily tot." And up until 1740, the ration consisted of half a pint of neat rum, two times a day.
The tradition carried on for hundreds of years — until one day in the 1970s.
1. BLACK TOT DAY EXPLAINED
So, what's Black Tot Day? It marks the exact date, July 31, 1970, when the Royal Navy's daily rum ration stopped and the final tot was served onboard Royal Navy ships. To show their disappointment, some Royal Navy sailors wore black armbands.
The demise of the long-standing tradition was mainly due to safety concerns. The Admiralty Board was worried about the mix of alcohol and sailors needing to operate complicated machinery, navigational tools, and weapons systems.
2. RECIPES TO TRY ON BLACK TOT DAY
While rum is always welcome at parties, Black Tot Day is a great reason to shine the spotlight on the spirit. Break out your favorite bottle, try a new recipe, and celebrate the final salute to the Royal Navy rum ration.
A navy grog cocktail, for instance, pays homage to a cocktail that became common with sailors. For a vintage tiki cocktail, try the fruity Fog Cutter, which packs a punch by blending orange and lemon juice with rum, brandy, gin, and sherry.
You can even try rum made especially according to the historic recipe used by the Admiral's in their daily rations — the blend features a mix of rich molasses and sweet brown sugar, with notes of nutmeg, caramel, and toffee.
Try a Painkiller made with Pusser's Navy strength Rum.
3. CELEBRATE THE 51TH ANNIVERSARY
You can honor the final daily tot any year, but July 31, 2021 marks a special occasion: the 51st anniversary of Black Tot Day. So, if you're never celebrated before, it's the perfect time to pay tribute to a 300-year-long tradition.
Along with delicious cocktails, you can also add to the festivities with other rum-themed items.
RAISE A GLASS TO BLACK TOT DAY
Ready to celebrate Black Tot Day? Try out a new recipe or make an old favorite cocktail, and honor the 51st anniversary of the day the Royal Navy ended its daily rum ration. There's plenty of history to learn about the 300-year tradition.

More about The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar
The Honu opened in February 2016. We have evolved from a 16 seat cafe serving food, beer and wine to a 150 seat full service restaurant with a full liquor Polynesian tiki bar. We offer a 20 seat private dining room and multiple options for outdoor private parties. We excel at hosting full luau themed parties for weddings, special birthdays or holiday events. The Honu hosts a variety of live music, entertainment and events. Our creative food menu, craft and classic tiki cocktails are ever changing and contribute to our overall Polynesian escapism. Our polynesian tiki bar offers an adult oasis for guests 21 years of age and older. The front lanai and inside dining is open to families of all ages. Don’t forget your furry friends, your “Ilio” (means dog in Hawaiian) is welcome in any outdoor area and we offer a doggie dining menu. Your “Keiki” (means child in Hawaiian) can choose from our Keiki menu full of turtle themed activities. We offer unique merchandise and house tiki mugs created by local artists for you to take home and remember your experience. Come discover the hidden world of the original tiki bar located in downtown Dunedin.
When & Where
Jul 31, 2021, 12:00pm to 11:00pm Timezone: EDT
Free


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