The U.S. Navy’s impact on Key West dates back more than 200 years — to March 25, 1822, when Navy Lt. Matthew Perry arrived on the island to plant the American flag, physically claiming the Florida Keys as U.S. territory.
Not long afterward, when Key West was a brand-new seafaring settlement, the U.S. government sent Commodore David Porter to banish pirates from area waters. The first naval base was established in 1823, and the Navy’s role in local history has been profound ever since.
Key West was headquarters for the Navy’s blockade of Confederate shipping during the Civil War. The island was home to the Atlantic Fleet during the Spanish-American War and a submarine base during World War I, and was a strategic reconnaissance hub during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Today Naval Air Station Key West is the Navy’s premier air-to-air combat training station, and reminders of the thriving military presence can be found around the island — even in a featured cocktail at Bar 1 at the Key West Cooking School.
It’s fitting that Bar 1 honors the Navy, as the restored building at 291 Front St. that houses the bar and cooking school was the first permanent brick structure the Navy built in the island city. It was originally a coal depot and storehouse, with the high-ceilinged second level used as a sailmakers’ loft — all serving naval vessels that anchored at the port.
The structure was the Naval Administration headquarters for many years after its construction, and later became the Coast Guard’s Key West Station headquarters.
Patrons at Bar 1 can salute the region’s military importance with a cocktail dubbed the Fly Navy Grog, incorporating three types of rum, fruit juices, sweet syrup and soda water.
The original Navy grog, blending rum and water, was actually introduced to Great Britain’s Royal Navy in 1740 by a vice admiral whose nickname was “Old Grog.” Its more modern popularity is credited to Donn Beach, a pioneer of “tiki culture” in the 1940s and ’50s, who adapted and refined the drink to serve in his Polynesian-themed restaurants.
Other elements at Bar 1 also commemorate its building’s proud military history. The polished wood floors are original, installed by the Navy during the construction from 1856 to 1861. And a beautifully crafted model of the USS Bear, known as the most famous Coast Guard ship of all time, is displayed in a specially crafted niche in the lounge area.
Bar 1 welcomes everyone Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stop by and enjoy the cocktail that recalls Key West’s naval heritage — and a full menu of other history-rich drinks.
Last Call
Drink of the month: Fly Navy Grog. Both strong and refreshing, the Fly Navy Grog incorporates three fine rums, Bar 1’s house-made local honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, fresh grapefruit juice, real passion fruit syrup and soda water. The mixture is shaken until chilled, and garnished with an ice cone or fresh mint tips and lemon.
Helpful bar hack: It’s common knowledge that a chilled glass keeps cocktails cold longer, heightening flavor and enjoyment. To chill glasses at home, don’t just fill them with ice — use a combination of ice and water to achieve a reliable, consistent chill in just a few minutes.
Thirsty for more? Visit keywestcookingschool.com.
