Suffering Bastard
Created in Cairo in 1942 as a hangover cure for soldiers. Gin, brandy, lime, bitters, and ginger beer. It works. The name was a direct quote from the first person who drank it.
The History
Created by Joe Scialom at Shepheard’s Hotel in Cairo, 1942, during the North Africa campaign. Intended as a morning-after cure for British and Allied soldiers stationed nearby. The first patient to drink it looked up and said ‘What is this suffering bastard?’ The name was born. Bourbon-instead-of-brandy versions appeared later in the U.S. when cognac was scarce, but Scialom’s original was gin and brandy.
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz brandy (VS cognac or similar)
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 4 oz chilled ginger beer
- Mint sprig & orange slice (garnish)
Directions
Shake gin, brandy, lime juice, and bitters with ice.
Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice.
Top with cold ginger beer.
Garnish with a mint sprig and an orange slice.