Observance
July 31, 2025-July 31, 2025 -
UK, UK
Black Tot Day
The tradition of the daily rum ration, or “tot,” began in 1655 after the capture of Jamaica by the British Navy. The island’s abundance of sugar cane led to the production of rum, which soon replaced beer as the sailors’ daily beverage. The daily issue was officially codified in 1731, and for the next 239 years, sailors would gather together between 1100hrs and 1200hrs for ‘Up Spirits’ – the serving of their allocated tot of rum. This ration was not only a reward for the hard manual labor sailors endured on board ship but also acted as a morale boost and a form of medicine, with lime juice often added to help keep scurvy at bay.
However, as the Royal Navy modernized and the complexities of naval warfare evolved, it became clear that the daily tot was no longer compatible with the demands of service. The advent of complex machinery and advanced weapons systems required a level of precision and sobriety that was incompatible with the consumption of high-strength spirits.
The original half pint (284ml) was halved in 1824, and again in 1850. On July 31st 1970 the Royal Navy decided to end the daily tot (which at that time was equivalent to 71ml). This day, known as Black Tot Day, is now commemorated annually as a salute to this historic naval tradition.
31 Jul 25
00:00 - 23:59
Black Tot Day
