Fog Cutter Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 fluid ounces orange juice
• 1 fluid ounces white rum
• 1 fluid ounce lemon juice
• fluid ounce gin
• fluid ounce brandy
• fluid ounce dry sherry
• fluid ounce orgeat (almond) syrup
• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry
• 1 fresh mint leaf
• 1 toothpick

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
2. Add orange juice, rum, lemon juice, gin, brandy, sherry, and orgeat syrup to the shaker.
3. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well blended.
4. Strain the mixture into a tiki glass filled with more crushed ice.
5. Skewer the orange slice, maraschino cherry, and fresh mint leaf on a toothpick for garnish.
6. Place the toothpick garnish into the drink and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 276
• Total Fat: 0g (0% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 96mg (4% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g (9% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 1g (1% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 53mg (58% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 21mg (2% Daily Value)
• Iron: 0mg (2% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 207mg (4% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. Consult a doctor or dietitian if you are on a medically restrictive diet.

A tropical Fog Cutter with rum, gin, brandy, and sherry will definitely break the ice at your next tiki party.

History of the Fog Cutter

The Fog Cutter is a classic tiki cocktail that emerged in the 1940s, a time when exotic cocktails were all the rage in American bars and restaurants. It was created by renowned bartender, Trader Vic (Victor Bergeron), who is credited with popularizing tiki drinks worldwide. Trader Vic's establishments, particularly his flagship restaurant in Oakland, California, became famous for their elaborate, tropical-themed cocktails that combined rum with an array of fruit juices, syrups, and unique liquors. The Fog Cutter was specifically designed to be a bold and flavorful drink, perfect for a party atmosphere. Its complex combination of spirits and tropical flavors made it a standout in tiki bars and is still a favorite for cocktail enthusiasts today.

Regional Features

The Fog Cutter is closely associated with American tiki culture, particularly the West Coast of the United States, where Trader Vic's empire was established. While it has gained popularity globally, it remains a staple in tiki-themed bars and restaurants, especially in tropical and beachside locations. The cocktail is also a prominent feature on many classic tiki drink menus. Its appeal lies in its bold combination of rum, gin, brandy, and sherry, a concoction that showcases the spirit-forward, layered flavors typical of tiki drinks from the mid-20th century. Although it has spread far beyond California, it maintains strong ties to the region's drinking culture and history.

How It Differs from Similar Drinks

The Fog Cutter stands out among other tiki drinks due to its unique blend of spirits. While drinks like the Mai Tai or Zombie are primarily rum-based, the Fog Cutter includes gin, brandy, and dry sherry, which adds a depth and complexity not typically found in most tropical cocktails. These additional ingredients balance out the sweetness of the juices, creating a more nuanced and less sugary flavor profile. The Fog Cutter is also notably stronger in alcohol content than some other popular tiki cocktails, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more potent drink. Its distinctive combination of ingredients, alongside its colorful presentation, makes it a memorable addition to any tiki-themed gathering.

Where the Fog Cutter is Typically Served

The Fog Cutter is most commonly served at tiki bars, Polynesian-style restaurants, and themed parties. It is a quintessential drink for those looking to transport themselves to an island paradise, even if they're miles away from the beach. You'll find it on the menus of places like Trader Vics and other tiki-inspired establishments, where the drink's elaborate presentation and complex flavor profile complement the laid-back, festive atmosphere. The cocktail is typically served in a large tiki glass, often garnished with an array of colorful fruits, mint, and a decorative toothpick, which adds to its visual appeal and tropical charm.

Interesting Facts About the Fog Cutter

• The name "Fog Cutter" is said to refer to the strong kick of alcohol in the drink, which could "cut through the fog" of a foggy, overcast day a playful nod to its potent nature.
• Although Trader Vic is often credited with the creation of the Fog Cutter, some claim the drink was originally developed by another tiki legend, Don the Beachcomber. Both of these figures played pivotal roles in the birth of tiki culture in America.
• In some tiki bars, the Fog Cutter is served in a specially designed ceramic mug shaped like a traditional tiki mask, further adding to its exotic allure.
• Due to its high alcohol content, the Fog Cutter is often regarded as a "strong" tiki cocktail. Some aficionados believe it embodies the true spirit of tiki drinks complex, bold, and unapologetically potent.
• Despite its popularity in the mid-20th century, the Fog Cutter's resurgence came with the tiki revival in the 2000s, as modern bartenders rediscovered and experimented with classic tiki recipes.

Fog Cutter Recipe

Ingredients

• Crushed ice
• 2 fluid ounces orange juice
• 1 fluid ounces white rum
• 1 fluid ounce lemon juice
• fluid ounce gin
• fluid ounce brandy
• fluid ounce dry sherry
• fluid ounce orgeat (almond) syrup
• 1 orange slice
• 1 maraschino cherry
• 1 fresh mint leaf
• 1 toothpick

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add orange juice, rum, lemon juice, gin, brandy, sherry, and orgeat. Cover and shake until well blended. Strain into a tiki glass filled with crushed ice.

2. Skewer orange slice, maraschino cherry, and mint on a toothpick to garnish the drink.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 276
• Fat: 0g
• Carbs: 25g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 96mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 16g

FAQ about Fog Cutter Recipe