In 1655, Admiral Edward Vernon introduced rum rations for British naval crews, diluting it with water to create 'grog' to combat water spoilage and scurvy. This practice became a staple of naval life and contributed to the culture of drinking among sailors. The introduction of rum rations not only addressed health concerns but also shaped the social dynamics aboard ships, influencing naval traditions for centuries.

The British Navy's adoption of rum rations for sailors in 1655 embedded rum into naval folklore and poetry, influencing maritime ballads and imperial adventure themes. Poets like Robert Louis Stevenson celebrated the romance of the sea, intertwining the spirit of adventure with the culture of naval life.