The Fog Cutter is another of those classic cocktails from the "Tiki Era" of the 50's through the 80's that has withstood the test of time. The drink was originally created at a Hollywood bar called Don the Beachcomber's by the then head barman Tony Ramos.
The battle in those days between Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic for supremacy naturally had an effect on many of the "Tiki Cocktails" of the era. In the case of the Fog Cutter, it seems that the marketing skills of Trader Vic won out as far as history goes. Between the Special mugs (Now worth a small fortune) and the way it was presented at the bars, the cocktail that Tony Ramos created is solidly in the stable of Trader Vic.
Trader Vic (Victor Bergeron) was quoted as saying "Fog Cutter Hell, After two of these you won't even see the stuff". Being he was from San Francisco, that was a pretty bold statement, as foggy as the Bay Area can get in the evenings. Trader Vic's Fog Cutter is called a "Samoan Fog Cutter" and is slightly different that the Original Tony Ramos version.
Tony Ramos Original Version
- 1 oz White Rum
- 1/2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Brandy
- 1/2 oz Sweet & Sour
- 2 dashes Simple Sugar
Add all ingredients with ice to a cocktail shaker, shake until chilled. Pour into a cocktail glass and float some cherry brandy on top.
Trader Vic's Samoan Fog Cutter
- 1/2 oz Orgeat
- 2 oz gold rum
- 1 oz Pisco (a strong colorless grape brandy)
- 1/2 oz gin
- 1 oz orange juice
- 2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz sherry float ( Cherry Liqueur is also used in many recipes)
Place all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, shake until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with crushed ice and float sherry on top.
Like so many other classic cocktails the story of their origin is as interesting as the the drink itself. "The Fog Cutter" is no exception. Try one of these at your favorite bar, you won't be disappointed. By the way Trader Vic was right, they will knock you for a loop if you drink too many. ;o)
