Paul Kushner
The Fog Cutter stands as a beacon of tropical allure, promising a palate-pleasing odyssey that transcends the ordinary. The original recipe called for rum, gin, brandy, and lemon juice, topped off with a sherry float for a complex layered cocktail. Over the years, the Fog Cutter’s recipe has gracefully embraced variations, with the addition of orange juice, orgeat syrup, and other eclectic ingredients, further enhancing its multidimensional character.
What sets the Fog Cutter apart is not just its diverse lineage but the way it effortlessly marries seemingly disparate elements into a harmonious whole. The combinations of spirits, citrus, and nuanced sweetness create a flavor profile that is nothing short of a tropical symphony.
History
The Fog Cutter cocktail is a Tiki classic that is credited to Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron. It was first created in the mid-1940s and was one of his most popular creations, after the Mai Tai and the Scorpion Bowl.
Bergeron was a pioneer of the Tiki culture and is often credited with popularizing it. He was the founder of the Trader Vic’s chain of restaurants and bars, which became famous for their tropical decor and exotic drinks served in Tiki mugs.
The Fog Cutter is a complex cocktail that contains a mix of different alcohols, including London Dry Gin, Cognac or Brandy, and Light Puerto Rican Rum. The original recipe also called for a small amount of sherry to be floated on top.
The Fog Cutter was not the only Tiki drink that Bergeron created, but it was one of his most unique. It was named after the tool used to cut through the fog in San Francisco Bay, where Bergeron was from. The cocktail was also known as the Samoa Fog Cutter or the Viking Fog Cutter, depending on the type of rum used.
How to Make It
Fog Cutter
To make a Fog Cutter cocktail, you will need a cocktail shaker, a highball glass or Collins glass, and crushed ice.
Here's how to make this classic tiki cocktail:
Ingredients
- 1 oz cognac or brandy
- ½ oz London Dry gin
- 1 ½ oz light rum
- 2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup
- 1/2 oz oloroso sherry
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add all the ingredients except the sherry to the shaker.
- Shake the ingredients well until they are chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a highball glass or Collins glass filled with crushed ice.
- Float the oloroso sherry on top of the drink.
- Garnish the cocktail with a mint sprig.
Variations
The Fog Cutter is a classic tiki cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. As with many classic cocktails, there are numerous variations of the Fog Cutter that have been created over the years. Here are a few of the most popular variations:
Samoa Fog Cutter
The Samoa Fog Cutter is a variation of the classic Fog Cutter that was created by Martin Cate at Forbidden Island in Alameda, CA. This version of the cocktail features Pisco instead of gin, and pineapple juice instead of orange juice. The Samoa Fog Cutter is a sweet and fruity cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy tropical flavors.
Viking Fog Cutter
The Viking Fog Cutter is a variation of the classic Fog Cutter that was created by Jeff Berry at Latitude 29 in New Orleans. This version of the cocktail features aquavit instead of gin, and lime juice instead of lemon juice. The Viking Fog Cutter is a strong and flavorful cocktail that is perfect for discerning drinkers.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is another classic tiki cocktail that is often compared to the Fog Cutter. While the two cocktails share some similarities, the Mai Tai is typically made with rum, lime juice, and curaçao, while the Fog Cutter features a variety of spirits and juices. The Mai Tai is a sweet and fruity cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy tropical flavors.
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