Every year on July 31st, Black Tot Day is commemorated worldwide. This day marks the end of a historic and memorable tradition of the British Royal Navy — the daily rum ration (tot) given to sailors. For nearly 239 years, this tradition was an integral part of life and duty at sea, but it came to a permanent end in 1970. Today, we will not only learn about this historic day, but also understand how to celebrate it and how to preserve the stories behind it. This is especially interesting if you have an interest in history, the navy, or rum-related heritage.
What is Black Tot Day?
Black Tot Day is the day the British Royal Navy permanently discontinued the daily rum tot (71 ml) given to its sailors. This decision was made on July 31, 1970, and the day is now remembered every year as that historic change. It was not just the end of a drink ration, but a major shift in naval culture, discipline, and maritime lifestyle.
History of Black Tot Day
- 1655: The British Navy seized Jamaica, where sugarcane was cultivated. Rum from there soon replaced beer, which was given to sailors at the time.
- 1731: The British Navy officially included rum in the daily rations of sailors. It was called a 'tot.'
- Every day at 11 a.m., rum was distributed with the call of 'Up Spirits' — a small joy and a way to relieve fatigue.
- Lemon or lime juice was often mixed with rum to protect sailors from diseases like scurvy.
However, as the navy became more modern, and new technologies and weapons were added to ships, it became necessary to eliminate high-strength beverages like rum.
Black Tot Day: Why Did the Rum End?
Handling complex things like missile systems, radar, and nuclear technology on ships required 100% concentration and restraint.
- In 1824, the amount of the tot was halved.
- In 1850, it was reduced again.
- And finally, in 1970, it was completely stopped.
When the last tot was served, the sailors expressed deep regret. It was not just the end of a drink, but the end of an era.
How to Celebrate Black Tot Day?
1. Raise a Special Toast
The simplest and most effective way to mark this day is – take a glass of rum in your hand and toast, remembering the old tradition, saying 'To the Tot!'
- You can choose Pusser’s Rum, which was the traditional rum used by the Royal Navy.
- You can also try rum neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail (such as Daiquiri or Navy Grog).
2. Learn Naval History
Make this day an opportunity to learn about naval history.
- Read about how 'Up Spirits' became a cultural tradition.
- Learn why rum was given and how it remained for sailors from 'reward' to 'cure.'
- See what the atmosphere was like when rum was served for the last time on Black Tot Day.
3. Organize a Theme Party
If you are a rum lover and want to make it special with your friends, you can host a Black Tot Day party:
- Adopt a navy dress code – sailor hat, white shirt, etc.
- Play sea shanties in the background – old sea songs.
- Keep in the menu – rum-based cocktails, British Navy dishes (such as dried biscuits, soup, beef stew).
4. Visit a Naval Museum
- If there is a naval museum in your city, be sure to visit it on July 31st.
- There you can see rare collections such as old naval uniforms, rum bottles, and tot serving mugs.
- In many places, there are also Black Tot Day special tours and talks.
Black Tot Day is not just a memory of the end of a tradition, but also an opportunity to understand the discipline, culture, and history of the British Navy. July 31 reminds us how a small ritual became part of the lives of sailors for centuries, giving them encouragement and energy. By celebrating this day, we can honor that glorious history.
