This vintage Fog Cutter cocktail may be simple to make, but it is layered with flavors, starting with the dark sherry on top to the bright citrus juices on the bottom.
It packs a punch with its variety of hard liquors, so it's best to take sips and enjoy the complex flavor. I recommend serving this tiki beverage while relaxing on the backyard patio on a sunny day.
I had fun testing this recipe with my mom, although she would prefer to add some club soda. We also tested this mojito mocktail recipe that tastes just as refreshing.
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Ingredients
- white rum - a classic spirit for fruity cocktails
- gin - the taste of gin has a hint of citrus making it a great addition to this citrusy drink
- brandy - brandy is distilled wine
- orange and lemon juices - freshly squeezed
- orgeat syrup - an almond-flavored sweetener
- sherry - fortified wine made from white grapes
*Check recipe card for ingredient amounts.
Sweetener Substitutions
The orgeat is a unique ingredient because it is not a fruit or liquor; orgeat is an almond syrup, giving the cocktail sweetness with a subtle nuttiness.
If you can't find it in the grocery store, some of the best substitutions would be almond extract sweetened with simple syrup or amaretto liqueur (these would be the best options to keep the nuttiness).
Fog Cutter Mug
This drink traditionally comes in a fog cutter mug. It is a ceramic mug created by the same person who created the drink, Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron, in the early 1940s.
The mug is painted with images of hula girls, tropical fruit, or a tiki, hence why it is considered a tiki mug. It comes in different designs but is usually tall, thin and narrows in the center.
Credit: Photo by depositphotos.com
The only disadvantage to this mug is not being able to see the colorful drink, so a Collins glass or highball glass will work just as well.
How to Make a Fog Cutter Cocktail
Step 1. Build the drink. Fill a cocktail glass with ice. Pour the white rum, gin, brandy, orange juice, lemon juice and orgeat syrup over the ice and stir well.
Step 2. Float the sherry. Float the sherry on top by slowly pouring it over an upside down spoon into the drink.
Chef's Note: If you have a cocktail shaker, feel free to use it. Otherwise, simply add the ingredients straight to the glass filled with ice.
Step 3. Serve. Garnish the Fog Cutter drink with the mint sprig and serve immediately.
Top Tip
Keep your glassware in the freezer for at least 30 minutes beforehand to keep the cocktail chilled for longer!
Food Pairings
Since this is a tropical tiki cocktail, it would be great paired with Hawaiian or Caribbean finger food. One of the most popular finger foods in these regions is shrimp. What makes shrimp great is each region has a distinct flavor and texture for more options:
- Hawaiian shrimp recipes traditionally keep the shell on, giving them more flavor and crunch.
- Caribbean shrimp dishes are often marinated in ingredients like tangy lime juice and rum.
- Grilled shrimp. If you prefer some Argentinian flavors, check out my grilled jumbo shrimp served with a chimichurri sauce.
- Thai soup. Try it with this hot and sour Tom Yum shrimp soup.
- Savory finger food. If you do not like seafood, other savory finger foods like pineapple meatballs or sausage rolls will help counter the sweet and tart drink with their saltiness.
Recipe FAQs
This technique is used for presentation of the drink and to add an aromatic layer that enhances the flavor experience.
If you tend to nurse drinks, you might find that the ice eventually waters down the drink. You can add less ice but be sure to use a cocktail shaker to chill the drink before pouring it into a pre-chilled glass to help keep it cold.
More Fruity Cocktails You Will Love
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📋Recipe
Fog Cutter Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces white rum - 3 tablespoons
- ½ ounce gin - 1 tablespoon
- ½ ounce brandy - 1 tablespoon
- 2 ounces orange juice - 4 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- 1 ounce lemon juice - 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- ½ ounce orgeat - 1 tablespoon
- ½ ounce sherry - 1 tablespoon
- ice - crushed or cubes
- 1 mint sprig - to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice (a Collins glass works well or a tiki mug if you have).
- Pour the white rum, gin, brandy, orange juice, lemon juice and orgeat syrup over the ice and stir well.
- Float the sherry on top by slowly pouring it over an upside down spoon into the drink.
- Garnish with the mint sprig and serve immediately.
Notes
- Orgeat is an almond-flavored simple syrup. If you can't find it in the grocery store or make it at home, some of the best substitutions would be almond extract with regular simple syrup or amaretto liqueur (these would be the best options to keep the nuttiness).
- If you have a cocktail shaker, feel free to use it. Otherwise, simply add the ingredients straight to the glass filled with ice.
- Keep your glassware in the freezer beforehand to keep the cocktail chilled for longer!
- The Fog Cutter traditionally comes in a fog cutter mug. It is a ceramic mug created by the same person who created the drink, Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron, in the early 1940s. The mug is painted with images of hula girls, tropical fruit, or a tiki, hence why it is considered a tiki mug. It comes in different designs but is usually tall, thin and narrows in the center.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Joss says
I love the freshness of the citrus juices and the layers of flavor from the different spirits. So delicious and refreshing!