THE HISTORY OF THE SUFFERING BASTARD COCKTAIL

The Suffering Bastard Cocktail was born in the heat of World War II Egypt, originally created as a hangover remedy for British officers stationed in Cairo. Its inventor, Joe Scialom, was the head bartender at the Shepheard’s Hotel — a luxury institution and watering hole for soldiers, diplomats, and spies alike.

The original formula called for equal parts gin and brandy, lime juice, bitters, and ginger beer. Its refreshing bitterness and spice earned it a reputation not just as a hangover cure, but as a surprisingly good highball — crisp, complex, and ideal for hot climates. According to legend, it became so popular that commanding officers radioed requests for „more of that Suffering Bastard mix“ to keep morale high at the front.

Over time, the drink saw variations including bourbon or rum, but the classic gin-and-brandy version remains the most balanced.

THE RIGHT SPIRITS FOR A SUFFERING BASTARD

The Suffering Bastard thrives on contrast — bold richness from brandy, crisp bite from gin, and spice from the ginger beer. With so few ingredients, your bottle choices really matter. Here’s the ideal setup for a refined, full-flavored take:

Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac
This Cognac is fruit-forward, vibrant, and bottled at a slightly higher proof, making it perfect for cocktails. It brings depth and structure without overpowering the drink — just what you want alongside sharp citrus and spice.

Citadelle Réserve Gin
A barrel-aged gin that adds subtle oak, spice, and complexity to the mix. Its elegant botanicals and mellow wood notes create a smooth bridge between the Cognac and the ginger beer. A standout choice if you want a smoother, rounder, more aromatic Bastard.

Thomas Henry Spicy Ginger
Forget mild or overly sweet ginger beers — this one brings the heat. Thomas Henry’s Spicy Ginger adds just the right amount of zing and peppery kick, giving the cocktail energy and lift while keeping it crisp and refreshing.

Together, these three components form a modern, elevated take on the classic Suffering Bastard — refined enough for slow sipping, bold enough to live up to its name.

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