Episode 35 - Fogcutters!

Fogcutters!  This was the drink of choice for Jason’s dad when he would go to Trader Vic’s back in the 50’s and 60’s in Seattle!  And what a drink it is!  In this episode, the Gentlemen of Elegant Leisure sample two from Ted Haigh’s book “Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails.  The Gentlemen always assumed the drink was invented by Trader Vic, but Tony Ramos (an old bartender from Don the Beachcombers) says it was actually the signature drink at place called Edna Earle’s Fog Cutters.

In the Trader Vic bartender guide, the drink is called a “Fog Cutter” and is very close to the drink that we make.  The only difference is that TV calls for “brandy” and D the B calls for ‘Pisco Brandy”.  This version of the drink is attributed to Don the Beachcombers and was unearthed by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry.   Since we’ve got Pisco, let’s give it a go!

The Fogcutter (Early)  (note that it’s all one word unlike TV’s "Fog Cutter")
-unearthed by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry and Larry Dunn, from Ted Haigh’s “Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails”.

1/2 ounce orgeat
2 ounces Gold Rum (we used Havana Club)
1 ounce Pisco Brandy
1/2 ounce Plymouth Gin
1 ounce fresh squeezed orange juice
2 ounces fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce cream sherry

Shake all the ingredients except the sherry with ice cubes.  Pour into a large glass and add more ice to fill.  Float the sherry on top.

FANTASTIC!   Make it!  Drink it!

Fog? I don't see any fog!

The other recipe we chose was the Tony Ramos version that Ted Haigh managed to wangle out the man himself.  Quite a different drink but one that cuts the fog equally well.

The Fogcutter
-Tony Ramos from Ted Haigh’s “Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails”.

1 ounce white rum
1/2 ounce gin
1/2 ounce brandy
1/2 ounce sweet and sour mix (equal parts sugar, water, lemon juice, lime juice)
2 dashes of simple syrup

Cherry flavoured brandy for float (we used Kirsch)

Combine with ice and blend.  (We shook because we didn’t read the recipe close enough.  You won’t make the same mistake!)  Pour into a goblet and float the cherry flavoured brandy on top. 

When it says blend, it doesn’t mean to make it slushy.  Just a quick blast with a drink mixer (3 seconds) to blend, mix and chill!

Look at that drink!  Doesn't it look refreshing and yummy.  Make it and put it in your mouth right now!

No fog here!

.

Another super drink.  Similar yet so different.  That’s what sampling these drinks is all about.  Who knows, we may even revisit some more Fogcutter recipes in the future.  There’s just that many of ‘em!

We also sampled an Estonian Liqueur called Vana Tallinn.  Fred's heritage is Estonian and this was a gift from his brother.  It's a rum based liqueur and we think it has all sorts of cocktail possibilities.  You can read all about this neat beverage by clicking right here.

"I'd like to buy an "N" please Pat. "Yes, there are 3 "N"s.

Until next time, keep drinking!