The Suffering Bastard is a quirky, historically rich cocktail that was invented in Cairo during World War II. Its name and purpose are tied to its origin: it was created as a potent, refreshing "medicinal" drink to combat hangovers and re-energize weary soldiers. This peculiar mix of gin, brandy, bitters, and ginger beer is surprisingly delicious and has a complex, zesty flavor that is a fantastic alternative to a standard Gin and Tonic. It's a great conversation starter and a testament to the creativity of bartenders under duress.
Suffering Bastard Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin
- 1 oz Brandy
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 4-6 oz Ginger Beer
- Orange Twist or Mint Sprig for Garnish
How to Make a Suffering Bastard
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the gin, brandy, fresh lime juice, and Angostura bitters directly to the glass.
- Stir briefly to combine the ingredients.
- Top with cold ginger beer.
- Garnish with an orange twist or a fresh mint sprig.
The choice of mixer is crucial for this drink. If ginger beer is too bold a choice, you can substitute ginger ale, which will result in a sweeter, more mellow cocktail. Building the drink in the glass is key, as it keeps the fizz from the soda intact and makes for a simple preparation.
Suffering Bastard Riff
A more modern version of the cocktail substitutes bourbon for brandy. This swap creates a richer, sweeter, and more caramel-forward flavor profile that works exceptionally well with ginger ale. You can also experiment by adding a dash of a different type of bitters, such as orange bitters, to complement the bourbon's flavor.
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