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Writer's pictureBamboo Sam

Foul Weather

A slight twist on a found recipe.


Foul Weather Cocktail

During a very rainy week I found myself perusing Trader Vic's Bartending Guide (1972) where I came across the recipe for Foul Weather. In typical Trader Vic fashion there's not a lot information about it. He only seems to expound on "Trader Vic Originals". I think the thing that caught my eye was the use of vanilla extract. Also (in typical Trader Vic fashion) the ingredient volumes are less than specific, as in lots of dashes instead of measured units. I looked around and I can't seem to find mention of the drink anywhere else. It's not in any other bartending or cocktail book I have including the 1947 edition of Trader Vic's Bartending Guide. An internet search found a plethora of lists of drinks to have when the weather is bad, but nothing resembling the "Foul Weather".


That being the case, I took it upon myself to alter it a bit and come up with measurable amounts for the dashes of vanilla and simple syrup. As for the alterations, I cut back on the lemon juice as the original called for a full ounce which was enough to make you pucker up! In the end I found a refreshing drink with lemon on the intake that is overtaken by the rum and then a nice warm vanilla on the exhale after swallowing.


Last but not least, as an option, try topping this with a couple of ounces of soda water to turn it into a refreshing long pull.

Foul Weather Cocktail

Foul Weather

Source -Trader Vic;'s Bartender's Guide (1972)

  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice

  • 1 ounce orange juice

  • 1/2 ounce passion fruit nectar

  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract*

  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup*

  • 1 ounce Jamaican blended rum*

  • 1 ounce Cruzan White



Pour each ingredient into a tall highball glass over cracked ice and stir well. Garnish with a lemon wedge and an umbrella.


*Bamboo Sam's customizations: I think this would be great using Smuggler's Cove's vanilla infused syrup instead of the extract and syrup. I haven't had a chance to work out the proportions on that yet but I'll edit this when I do. For the Jamaican rum you want a smoother less funky blend with more molasses flavor. Myers and Appleton works well, I used Blackwell Jamaican Rum.





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