Fog Cutter Cocktail Recipe
Fog Cutter Nutrition Facts
Calories:230
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:17g
Alcohol %:22
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Fog Cutter is a classic tiki cocktail that was invented by Trader Vic, a renowned bartender and restaurateur. It's a potent mix of rum, brandy, and gin, sweetened with orgeat, lemon juice, and orange juice. This cocktail is known for its strong alcohol content and is often referred to as a 'long drink'. It's perfect for those who enjoy a complex, multi-layered cocktail experience.
How Fog Cutter Tastes?
The Fog Cutter is a robust cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong and boozy, yet balanced with a sweet and sour tang from the citrus juices and orgeat. The gin, brandy, and rum blend seamlessly, creating a rich, layered taste that's both refreshing and invigorating.
Interesting facts about Fog Cutter
- The Fog Cutter is often served in a tall, slender glass known as a 'hurricane glass'.
- Despite its strong alcohol content, the Fog Cutter has a deceptive sweetness that can catch you off guard.
- The name 'Fog Cutter' supposedly comes from the cocktail's ability to 'cut through the fog' of a hangover.
Ingredients
- Rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Brandy: 1 oz(30ml)
- Gin: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orgeat: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Orange juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Sherry: 0.5 oz(15ml)
A few good options for Fog Cutter are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Rum
The rum (2 oz) offers a sweet and somewhat spicy flavor that acts as the cocktail's backbone. Too much and you could overshadow the other elements, too little and you risk a weak foundation. Without it, you'd miss the tropical soul of the drink.
Mary Mitkina
Brandy
Brandy (1 oz) brings depth and warmth to the cocktail. It's less than rum because it's richer and you don't want to overpower the blend. Omitting brandy would lose the matured fruity essence it contributes.
Alex Green
Gin
A splash of gin (0.5 oz) gives the cocktail a herbal twist. It's only half an ounce since it's quite potent and can easily dominate smaller quantities of other flavors. No gin? You'll miss that crisp, botanical note.
Emma Rose
Orgeat
Half an ounce of orgeat syrup adds a sweet, nutty layer and is essential for authenticity. Going overboard on orgeat risks cloying sweetness. If you leave it out, the drink loses complexity. Almond syrup can be a substitute, altering the flavor slightly more towards almond.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice (1 oz) provides the bright acidity that balances the sweet components. Too much can make the drink tart, too little and it may become overly sweet. It's irreplaceable, but in a pinch, lime juice could twist the flavor to be a bit more zesty.
Alex Green
Orange Juice
The orange juice (2 oz) offers sweetness and a citrus counterpoint to the lemon's tartness. The amount ensures that the citrus doesn't become overpowering. Substitute it with mandarin juice for a subtly different citrus profile.
Emma Rose
Sherry
Finally, a delicate float of sherry (0.5 oz) adds a dry, nutty finish that contrasts the drink's sweetness. It’s a mere cap to the flavors beneath. Missing out on this would lose that sophisticated edge. A dry vermouth could play a similar role, though with a more herbaceous end note.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Fog Cutter Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the rum, brandy, gin, orgeat, lemon juice, and orange juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
- Float the sherry on top.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh citrus juices for the best flavor.
- Don't skip the sherry float, it adds a nice depth to the cocktail.
- Serve with a straw to mix the sherry into the drink as you sip.
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Grilled Seafood: The citrus notes in the Fog Cutter will complement the smokiness of grilled fish or shrimp.
- Asian Cuisine: The sweet and sour profile great with Thai or Chinese dishes, especially those with a hint of spice.
- Fruit-Based Desserts: Pair with a light fruit tart to echo the fruity elements of the cocktail.
Drink Pairings
- Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of this strong cocktail.
- Light Beers: As a contrasting drink, choose a crisp lager or pilsner that won't overpower the Fog Cutter's flavors.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Fog Cutter
- You can substitute the orgeat with almond syrup.
- If you don't have brandy, you can use cognac or armagnac.
- For a less boozy version, you can reduce the amount of rum and gin.
Explore all drinks starting with F here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoke Cut Hemingway
- Substitute white rum with smoked rum, reduce orgeat to 0.25 oz, and add 0.25 oz of maraschino liqueur.
- Recipe: Follow the original, but with the above modifications.
- Taste: Smokier and slightly less sweet, with a complex cherry note from the maraschino.
Cutter's Garden
- Replace gin with cucumber-infused gin, add 2 slices of cucumber to the shaker.
- Recipe: Muddle cucumber in shaker before adding the other ingredients.
- Taste: Adds a refreshing vegetal twist, complementing the herbal notes of gin.
Sherry Sunrise
- Use Amontillado sherry instead of dry, and add a splash of grenadine.
- Recipe: Before floating the sherry, add grenadine and allow it to settle at the bottom for a sunrise effect.
- Taste: Richer and slightly sweeter with a visually appealing gradient.
In case you forgot basics how to make Fog Cutter
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Fog Cutter
Why is it called a 'long drink'?
A 'long drink' typically refers to a cocktail that has a large volume because of the addition of various non-alcoholic mixer drinks. The Fog Cutter fits this description because it not only contains numerous spirits, but also a significant amount of citrus juices.
What kind of rum should I use in the Fog Cutter?
You can use any type of rum you prefer, but a dark or aged rum is often recommended to give the cocktail a deeper flavor.
What's the right way to 'float' the sherry on top?
Floating a drink involves gently pouring a liquid on top of another so that it 'floats' on the surface. You can accomplish this by using a spoon. Place the spoon upside down above your cocktail, and slowly pour the sherry over it so that the sherry gently spreads over the top.
I don't like gin. Will it affect the taste much if I omit it?
Gin does have a distinct flavor that contributes to the overall taste of the Fog Cutter. However, certain flavors carry through more subtly in certain cocktails. If you're not a fan, you don't have to include it. However, keep in mind that it could subtly affect the cocktail's taste and balance.
Are there any other types of glasses I could serve the Fog Cutter in, if I don't have a hurricane glass?
Yes, if a hurricane glass isn't available, you could use a Collins glass or any tall glass you have on hand. However, the hurricane glass is traditional for tiki cocktails like the Fog Cutter.
More similar recipes to Fog Cutter!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Infante
The Infante cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy. The tequila provides a robust base, the orgeat adds a sweet almond flavor, the lime juice gives it a tangy kick, and the nutmeg adds a warm, spicy finish.
Artichoke Hold
The Artichoke Hold offers a complex flavor profile. It starts with a sweet, floral note from the St. Germain, followed by the earthy bitterness of Cynar. The Jamaican rum adds a robust, spicy kick, while the lime juice and orgeat provide a tangy sweetness that balances the drink. It's a cocktail that's both bold and nuanced, with a lingering finish that invites another sip.
Bourbon Lift
The Bourbon Lift offers a creamy texture with a rich, nutty sweetness balanced by the boldness of the bourbon. The effervescence of the club soda provides a refreshing finish to this indulgent cocktail.
Sherry Cobbler
The Sherry Cobbler has a refreshing, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of nuttiness from the sherry. The citrus notes from the orange and lemon add a pleasant tartness, while the sugar and crushed ice create a smooth and well-balanced flavor.
Sherry Flip
The Sherry Flip has a rich, creamy, and velvety texture with a delicate balance of sweetness and nuttiness from the sherry. It is a smooth and warming drink with a hint of spice from the nutmeg.
Adonis
The Adonis cocktail is light, refreshing, and slightly sweet with a hint of bitterness. The combination of sherry and vermouth creates a complex and well-balanced flavor profile.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the crème de cacao. It has a velvety texture and a warming, comforting taste that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
Porto Flip
The Porto Flip is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness. The flavors of the port wine and brandy blend beautifully, while the egg adds a creamy texture. The cocktail is well-balanced, with a warming finish.
Brandy Sour
The Brandy Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture. It has a pleasant sweetness, followed by a refreshing sourness from the lemon juice, and a subtle warmth from the brandy. The drink is neither too strong nor too light, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Jungle Bird
The Jungle Bird has a complex and well-balanced taste profile, featuring sweet, sour, and bitter notes. The sweetness of the pineapple juice is balanced by the tartness of the lime juice and the bitterness of the Campari. The dark rum adds depth and warmth to the drink.
Blue Hawaii
The Blue Hawaii cocktail has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. The combination of pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and Blue Curaçao creates a fruity and tropical flavor profile, while the vodka and light rum add a subtle kick.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
Spanish Gin and Tonic
A Spanish Gin and Tonic is refreshing, aromatic, and complex. The botanicals from the gin are accentuated by the garnishes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that's both bright and sophisticated.
Tomahawk
The Tomahawk cocktail offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors. The tequila provides a robust foundation, while the white curaçao adds a subtle bitter orange complexity. The cranberry juice introduces a tartness that is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the pineapple juice, resulting in a refreshing and invigorating drink.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Galliano. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and subtle kick.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
French 75
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Negroni
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre has a sweet and refreshing taste, with the sweetness of the cola balanced by the warmth and spice of the rum. The addition of lime juice adds a touch of tartness and brightness to the drink.