11 Mar Fogcutter cocktail
Which rum is best for a Fogcutter cocktail?
For a rich, smooth, and complex take on the classic Fogcutter, we recommend Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum. The unique double-aging process—five years in the Caribbean followed by three years in sherry casks in Jerez, Spain—brings depth, warmth, and subtle sherry sweetness that complements the citrus and almond notes in the cocktail. Dos Maderas 5+3 elevates the Fogcutter with a velvety texture and a touch of refined oakiness.
About Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum
Dos Maderas 5+3 is a unique blend of Barbadian and Guyanese rums, aged for five years in the Caribbean before maturing for an additional three years in Jerez, Spain, in Palo Cortado sherry casks. The result? A perfectly balanced rum with notes of vanilla, hazelnut, coconut, and subtle maple.
About Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum
Dos Maderas 5+3 is a unique blend of Barbadian and Guyanese rums, aged for five years in the Caribbean before maturing for an additional three years in Jerez, Spain, in Palo Cortado sherry casks. The result? A perfectly balanced rum with notes of vanilla, hazelnut, coconut, and subtle maple.
Ingredients to make a Fogcutter cocktail
2 oz. Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum
1 oz. Gran Duque de Alba Brandy
0.5 oz. London Dry Gin
1.5 oz. Fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz. Orgeat syrup
0.5 oz. Fresh orange juice
0.5 oz. Oloroso (float on top)
Crushed ice
Garnish: Mint sprig & orange wheel
Fogcutter recipe - Step by Step
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add Dos Maderas 5+3 Rum, GDA Brandy de Jerez, gin, lemon juice, orgeat, and orange juice.
- Shake vigorously for 10 seconds to combine and chill.
- Fill a tall tiki glass or Collins glass with crushed ice and strain the mixture over it.
- Float Oloroso Sherry on top by gently pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and an orange wheel.
History and Origins of the Fogcutter Cocktail
The Fogcutter was originally created in 1947 by Victor Bergeron, the legendary founder of Trader Vic’s and great rum apostle. It appeared in his 1972 Bartender’s Guide. The drink’s potency led Vic to quip: “Fogcutter, hell. After two of these, you won’t even see the stuff.”
This tiki staple quickly gained popularity for its powerful yet smooth combination of rum, gin, and brandy, with citrus and almond flavors tying it all together. The addition of a sherry float adds a finishing touch of nutty sweetness that rounds out its tropical complexity.
Tips for making a perfect Fogcutter cockail
Tip 1: Use fresh citrus juice. The combination of lemon and orange juice provides the bright acidity that balances the Fogcutter’s bold spirits. Always use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor.
Tip 2: Shake with energy. Since this cocktail contains citrus and syrup, a firm shake for at least 15 seconds is essential to fully mix and chill the ingredients while adding a slight frothy texture.
Tip 3: Float the sherry with care. To achieve the signature sherry float, pour slowly over the back of a spoon. This keeps the layers distinct and ensures you get a subtle sherry note with each sip.
Tip 4: Choose a well-aged rum. A double-aged rum like Dos Maderas 5+3 enhances the cocktail’s depth, bringing out layers of vanilla, oak, and spice that make the Fogcutter even more refined.
Tip 5: Garnish like a pro! The mint sprig and orange wheel add both visual appeal and aroma—a key element of tiki drinks. Give the mint a gentle slap before garnishing to release its fragrant oils.
Tips for making a perfect Fogcutter cockail
Tip 1: Use fresh citrus juice. The combination of lemon and orange juice provides the bright acidity that balances the Fogcutter’s bold spirits. Always use freshly squeezed juice for the best flavor.
Tip 2: Shake with energy. Since this cocktail contains citrus and syrup, a firm shake for at least 15 seconds is essential to fully mix and chill the ingredients while adding a slight frothy texture.
Tip 3: Float the sherry with care. To achieve the signature sherry float, pour slowly over the back of a spoon. This keeps the layers distinct and ensures you get a subtle sherry note with each sip.
Tip 4: Choose a well-aged rum. A double-aged rum like Dos Maderas 5+3 enhances the cocktail’s depth, bringing out layers of vanilla, oak, and spice that make the Fogcutter even more refined.
Tip 5: Garnish like a pro! The mint sprig and orange wheel add both visual appeal and aroma—a key element of tiki drinks. Give the mint a gentle slap before garnishing to release its fragrant oils.
Fogcutter Cocktail Variations & Types
One of the most successful variants of the OG Trader Vic recipe replaces the orange juice with orange curaçao.
Samoan Fog Cutter
The Sherry Lover’s Fogcutter
In addition to floating the sherry, stir in an extra half ounce into the cocktail for an extra, nutty accent.
FAQ
Why not?! The combination of rum, gin, and brandy creates a balanced yet bold flavor profile, with each spirit contributing different elements—rum for richness, gin for botanicals, and brandy for warmth.
While both are rum-based tiki cocktails, the Mai Tai focuses solely on rum, lime, orgeat, and curaçao, whereas the Fogcutter blends multiple spirits with citrus and sherry for a more layered, potent profile.
Traditionally served in a tall tiki glass or Collins glass over crushed ice with a sherry float on top.
The Fogcutter’s citrus, almond, and sherry notes pair beautifully with grilled seafood, spicy Thai dishes, or pork bao buns.
Ready to shake up your own Fogcutter cocktail? Share your creations with us on Instagram at @dosmaderas. Tag us for a chance to be featured!
Cocktails with Dos Maderas 5+3
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