Fog Cutter

The Fog Cutter is a legendary Tiki drink that layers multiple spirits to create a uniquely complex flavor profile. Unlike many Tiki drinks that rely solely on rum, it incorporates brandy and gin, adding botanical and fruity depths. The bright citrus from lemon and orange juice is balanced by the nutty sweetness of orgeat syrup, all brought together and given a final savory twist by a float of dry sherry. It's a strong, refreshing, and surprisingly sophisticated cocktail.
Fog Cutter

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Fog Cutter is a cornerstone of the Tiki cocktail category, known for its exotic flavors and rum base. It is also considered a classic cocktail from the mid-20th century golden age of American mixology. Its complex build and potent nature place it firmly in the craft cocktail space.

Serving

Served cold over crushed ice in a tall Collins glass or a specialty Tiki mug, this is a long and potent drink. Its high alcohol content is masked by layers of fruit and sweet flavors.
Serving size
Approximately 300 ml / 10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-24% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins Glass or Tiki Mug
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron in the 1940s, the Fog Cutter was one of his proudest creations. It was famously potent, with his original menus warning patrons, "two of these will lift you out of the fog." The drink's name is a testament to its perceived ability to clear one's head, though its strength might suggest otherwise.
Origin
United States, circa 1940s. The Fog Cutter was invented by Victor J. Bergeron at his original Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California.

Fog Cutter

The drink is most famously known as the Fog Cutter, a name given by its creator. It is often prepended with his moniker, as in "Trader Vic's Fog Cutter," to distinguish it from other versions and to pay homage to its origin.
Original name
Fog Cutter
Alternative name
Trader Vic's Fog Cutter

Characteristics overview

The Fog Cutter presents a complex aroma of citrus and almond, with a smooth, full-bodied texture. Its taste is a masterful balance of sweet and sour with significant alcoholic strength, finishing with a long, warming, and nutty aftertaste from the sherry float.
Flavor
Complex, fruity, citrusy, nutty, strong, rich, layered
Aroma
Citrus, almond, sherry, botanical, rum funk
Taste balance
Sweet, sour, strong
Aftertaste
Long, complex, warming, nutty
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Golden-amber, orangey, sherry float
Texture
Smooth, full-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a flavor-intense drink, high in fruitiness and alcohol strength, with a balanced sweet and sour profile. It has very low bitterness and no saltiness, creaminess, or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This complex drink requires three spirits: light rum, brandy, and gin. Fresh lemon and orange juice provide the sour base, balanced by sweet and nutty orgeat syrup, with a dry sherry float to finish.
  • Light Rum60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality Puerto Rican or Cuban style light rum works best.
  • Brandy30 ml / 1 oz
    A V.S. Cognac is the traditional choice, but any good brandy will suffice.
  • Gin15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A classic London Dry Gin adds the necessary botanical notes.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice60 ml / 2 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Orange Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice provides the best balance of sweet and tart.
  • Orgeat Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A quality almond syrup that provides sweetness and a nutty flavor. Contains nuts.
  • Dry Sherry15 ml / 0.5 oz
    To be floated on top. An Amontillado or Oloroso sherry works well.

Ice type

  • Crushed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar equipment to make this drink: a cocktail shaker to mix and chill, a jigger for precise measurements, and a strainer for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing the ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurately measuring the liquid components.
  • Strainer to separate the ice from the liquid after shaking.

Instructions

The process involves shaking the main ingredients (spirits, juices, syrup) with crushed ice, straining into a glass of fresh crushed ice, and then carefully floating sherry on top before garnishing.
1. Chill your Collins glass or Tiki mug by filling it with ice and water while you prepare the drink.
2. Combine the light rum, brandy, gin, lemon juice, orange juice, and orgeat syrup in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with about a cup of crushed ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker is very cold.
4. Empty the chilling ice from your glass and fill it with fresh crushed ice.
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
6. Gently pour the dry sherry over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the drink.
7. Garnish with a large sprig of fresh mint and serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

A simple but essential garnish of a fresh mint sprig adds a fragrant aroma that complements the drink's complex flavors. An orange peel or cherry can also be used.
  • A large sprig of fresh mint, gently clapped between the hands to release its aroma before placing in the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free. However, it is not nut-free as it contains orgeat, an almond-based syrup.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a high-calorie cocktail with a significant amount of carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the fruit juices and orgeat syrup.
Calories
averagely 320 kcal / 1340 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 28 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 23 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings, poolside lounging, or any event with a tropical or Tiki theme. Its complex flavor makes it a great choice for a sophisticated happy hour or for impressing guests at a social event.
  • Summer Party
  • Tiki Themed Event
  • Happy Hour
  • Social Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Fog Cutter pairs well with classic Tiki bar appetizers, known as a Pu Pu Platter, which often includes items like egg rolls, crab rangoon, and ribs. Its complex profile also stands up to spicy nuts, grilled seafood, and other savory, Polynesian-style dishes.
  • Pu Pu Platter
  • Spicy Bar Nuts
  • Grilled Shrimp Skewers
  • Coconut Chicken Wings

The Fog Cutter: A Potent Tiki Classic to Clear Your Head

The Fog Cutter is a true giant of the Tiki world, created by the legendary Trader Vic. Its sophisticated recipe combines three different base spirits—rum, gin, and brandy—with a generous amount of citrus and a touch of almond sweetness from orgeat syrup. The crowning touch is a float of dry sherry, which adds a nutty, savory complexity that cuts through the richness. It is a potent, multi-layered, and deeply satisfying cocktail that represents the pinnacle of Tiki mixology.