Brandy, Classics, Gin, Rum, Summer, Wine

Classic Fog Cutter

Written by Monica C
May 29, 2019

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Typically I love to create new and exciting recipes for The Social, but this time around I had to give a bit of love to the people behind Smuggler’s Cove. If you want to know anything and everything to do with the Tiki Culture, this book is a must read, and today I’m sharing with you a classic cocktail of the Tiki era! It’s called the Fog Cutter, and it is one delicious blend of spirits.

There were so many classic cocktails created during the Tiki movement in the 1940s. We have the Tiki Culture to thank for the Mai Tai, Singapore Sling, The Grog, The Zombie, Planter’s Punch, but the one I find most mis-understood in the the Fog Cutter. This cocktail mixes up a plethora of spirit bases, from Pisco, Gin, an Oloroso Sherry and a lightly aged Blended Rum. It’s almost like the tiki version of the classic “Long Island Iced Tea”…but to be honest, it’s much tastier.

The thing with this cocktail is making sure you’re picking up some quality spirits. Lets chat about the Rum.

Rum is one of those spirits where switching it out for a spiced Rum, or Demerara Rum, can have a huge impact on the cocktail. So when creating the Fog Cutter, make sure that you pick up a Lightly Blended Aged Rum. For this segment, I used Mount Gay Eclipse from Barbados and it’s one of my favourite rums to mix with. Now you do have other options here, but for the value, you really don’t have to look any further.

Then we have the Gin. In the case of this cocktail, you don’t have to go fancy or expensive, just stick with the brands that really showcase the classic flavours of Gin. So in this case, I always rely on Beefeater. I don’t want anything too floral, or too citrus. This has the balance and everything I need in a quality, traditional styled London Dry Gin.

Next is the Pisco. Never heard of it? Well…I’ll have to save that topic for another time, but long story short, it’s the ‘Vodka’ of Peru/Chile (which ever side of the battle you are on). It’s a Grape Based Spirit, that is traditionally served in a Pisco Sour. If you’ve NEVER heard of a Pisco Sour, then please make sure you head over to a decent bar and they’ll whip one up for you. You’ll know it’s right if you have a delicious foamy egg white top, dressed with Angostura Bitters. I’ve always had a soft spot for Pisco and I’ll take any chance to whip up or educate anyone on the wonderful world of Pisco. Pisco Caravedo was my choice here as I’m loyal to my Pisco Porton family and the people of Peru #Gracias.

Lastly, lets talk about the Sherry dressed on top. I love that a lot of the spirits featured in this cocktail are slightly “unknown”, and I know Sherry has been a bit misunderstood the past few years. The Nutty Solera Sherry is one of my FAVOURITE spirits to mix with. You can sip it on the rocks or whip it up in the cocktail, just make sure to recork the product and leave it in the fridge. It doesn’t have the longest shelf life, but trust me, it won’t last that long in the fridge to begin with.

Now one technique used back in the day, as I’m sure it’s done now, is that Bartenders would blend the spirits and label it into a bottled glass. This was done so that the “mysterious” ingredients of the cocktails were never shared. In this case, is the perfect way to make your life easier when whipping this up at your next Tiki Party.

Check out how I shake this cocktail with the ladies on The Social by following the link here!

One more special note I want to add, is that the lovely Donna from The Crafty Bartender, has set up a discount code for my community! Simply use the code TIKI15 at the checkout, and get 15% off all tiki items! This code is valid until Sunday, June 16th, 2019.