Originally, grog was a naval drink. Knowing this helps understand its traditional context. The naval tradition of drinking grog dates back to the 18th century.
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Watered Down
Grog used to be rum diluted with water, often to make a limited supply last longer on ships. To prevent scurvy among sailors, citrus was sometimes added to their grog.
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Naval Tradition
Understanding grog's naval tradition reveals why it's often associated with sailors. The pirate stories often mention grog as the sailors' favored drink.