Cocktails with Navy rum
Navy rum is a dark, full-bodied rum style, often bottled strong. It is rooted in the British Royal Navy's rum ration. It was traditionally blended from British Caribbean rums, such as those of Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad.
ABV40–57%Pusser’s Blue Label is 40% (42% in the US), Gunpowder Proof 54.5%; full navy strength is about 57%.
Substitutes for Navy rum
Another navy rum
Swaps measure for measure, but check the strength: bottles run from 40% to 57%. A weaker bottle makes a weaker drink.
Dark Demerara rum
Use the same amount. This Guyanese rum was the backbone of the old Royal Navy blends.
White overproof rum
Brings burning strength but none of the molasses depth. In place of a 57% navy rum, use about a tenth less, and less still with anything stronger.
Dark aged rum
Usually 40%. To match the strength of a 57% navy rum, use about 1.4 times the measure.
Sweetened navy rums
Do not use. Bottles like A.H. Riise carry over 90 g of sugar per liter, which wrecks the balance.
