Keelhaul Kicker

The Keelhaul Kicker is a favorite cocktail among weathered sailors and reckless newcomers alike. Named after the brutal punishment, it hits hard and leaves a burn. The bitterness of gunpowder tea plays against the sweet smoke of black rum, with lime and salt cutting through the heat. Served in a tarnished tin mug—tradition says the barkeep gives you a friendly punch in the arm after pouring it, “to help it hit faster.”     The Keelhaul Kicker delivers a bold, bracing punch to the palate—true to its name. The first sip hits with the smoky sweetness of aged black rum, rich and molasses-deep, followed by the earthy bitterness of chilled gunpowder tea that lingers just long enough to demand another taste. Lime cuts through the heaviness like a blade, adding a bright, citrusy tang that wakes up the tongue. There’s a slight saltiness at the end, like sea spray on cracked lips, giving the drink an almost briny finish that anchors it squarely in the world of salt-rusted ships and half-spoken oaths. Altogether, it’s sharp, smoky, and slightly astringent—perfect for those who prefer their cocktails to fight back a little.