rum rations

Rum rations were daily allotments of rum given to sailors, most famously in the British Royal Navy, where the practice continued until 1970.

The tradition dates to the 17th century when rum replaced beer as the standard naval drink.

A sailor's daily tot became both reward and ritual.

The phrase now sometimes appears nostalgically or humorously for any alcoholic allotment: The captain dispensed rum rations after the project wrapped.