A mug of strong black tea, steaming in cold morning air, with a shot of dark rum stirred through. Tannin, molasses and warmth: nothing fancy, and that is exactly the point.
6¾ oz
strong black tea
1 oz
dark rume.g. Gosling's · Myers's · Captain Morgan · Bacardi · Kraken
1 tsp
sugar (optional)
Garnish: None · Ice: Served up, no ice
Gunfire
Hot, tannic and malty with warm molasses from the rum. Lightly sweet if you add sugar, and gentle in strength.
Gunfire is a British military drink that is recorded in the British Army from at least the late 19th century. The name is usually explained by its association with early morning, around the time of the morning gun.
It lives on as a tradition. In many British regiments, officers and senior ranks serve gunfire to the soldiers on Christmas morning. In Australia and New Zealand, a gunfire breakfast with rum in coffee or tea is part of the gatherings that follow the Anzac Day dawn services. As a drink it could not be simpler, which is why it travelled so well.
The name is usually linked to its early morning serving time, around the morning gun, although the exact origin is not documented.
In British regiments on Christmas morning, and in Australia and New Zealand at Anzac Day gatherings.
Yes, it adds vanilla and spice, but plain dark rum is the classic choice.
The perfect sound
Warming comfort at dawn.
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