Gunfire, drink from the United Kingdom: what it is and how it is eaten

Gunfire is a hot drink made by combining black tea and rum, first mixed by British Army soldiers in the 1890s. It is closely linked to military traditions in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, and is sometimes served at dawn on special occasions or ceremonies. The drink is usually stirred and served in a mug.

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Made by mixing black tea and rum
First prepared by British Army soldiers in the 1890s
Served on Christmas morning to deployed troops
A coffee version is used on ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand
Sometimes made with whiskey on Saint Patrick's Day

What is Gunfire?

Gunfire is a simple hot cocktail that brings together strong black tea and a measure of rum. The drink is usually served in a mug and has a warming, slightly sweet and robust taste from the rum, balanced by the tannic notes of the tea. It is known for its straightforward preparation and is associated with military rituals, but has also found its way into civilian commemorations. The color is dark, and the aroma blends the earthiness of tea with the sharp scent of spirits.

Where does Gunfire come from?

Gunfire was first mixed by British Army soldiers in the late 19th century, though the exact date is unknown. The drink became part of army tradition, especially as a gesture from officers to their troops. Over time, it spread to other countries with British military ties, including Australia and New Zealand, where it became linked to commemorative events. The name 'gunfire' also refers to early morning tea in some military contexts.

How is Gunfire made?

To prepare gunfire, hot black tea is poured into a mug, and a shot of rum is added. The mixture is stirred to combine the flavors. The drink is served hot, making it suitable for early mornings or cold weather. In some cases, especially in Australia and New Zealand, black coffee replaces tea for certain occasions.

How and when is Gunfire eaten?

Gunfire is not typically part of a meal but is served as a drink during military ceremonies or commemorations. In the British Army, it is sometimes brought to soldiers in bed on Christmas morning or before special parades. On ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, a similar drink is served before dawn services. Civilians may also drink gunfire at commemorative events.

Kinds of Gunfire

While the classic version uses black tea and rum, some regiments substitute whiskey, especially on Saint Patrick’s Day. In Australia and New Zealand, black coffee is often used instead of tea for the ANZAC Day version. In German-speaking countries, a related drink called Jagertee combines tea and spirits in a similar fashion.

What Gunfire means

Gunfire has a strong association with military traditions and ceremonies. It is part of rituals marking special days such as Christmas, ANZAC Day, and regimental anniversaries. The drink symbolizes camaraderie and shared experience among soldiers. Its use in civilian life, especially in Australia and New Zealand, reflects its role in remembering military service and sacrifice.

When Gunfire is on the table

Christmas Day Anzac Day St Patrick's Day

Questions people ask about Gunfire

What is gunfire made of?

Gunfire is made by combining hot black tea with a shot of rum, stirred together in a mug. In some traditions, black coffee replaces tea.

Where did gunfire originate?

Gunfire was first mixed by British Army soldiers in the 1890s and became a part of military tradition in the United Kingdom.

When is gunfire usually served?

It is often served during military ceremonies, on Christmas morning for deployed soldiers, and at dawn on ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand.

Are there variations of gunfire?

Yes, some regiments use whiskey instead of rum, and in Australia and New Zealand, black coffee can be used instead of tea for ANZAC Day.

Is gunfire only for soldiers?

While it began as a military drink, gunfire is also made and enjoyed by civilians, especially during commemorative events.

Good reading and sources

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Gunfire (drink)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Gunfire