Suffering Bastard
CLASSIC · COGNAC

Suffering Bastard

A legendary Cairo-born hangover cure turned classic cocktail, blending cognac and gin with fresh lime and bitters, lifted by a generous pour of spicy ginger beer.

Ingredients
Cognac30 ml
Gin30 ml
Fresh Lime Juice15 ml
Orange Slice
Glassware
Collins glass
Chilled.
Flavor
BODYSWEETFRUITACIDHEATSMOKEEARTHBITTER

Black pepper · Caramel · Ginger · Heat (burn) · Juniper · Lime

Estimated profile

Method
  1. 1

    Add cognac, gin, fresh lime juice, and Angostura bitters to a cocktail shaker.

  2. 2

    Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds.

  3. 3

    Pour unstrained (with ice) into a Collins glass or a Suffering Bastard mug.

  4. 4

    Top up with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.

  5. 5

    Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and an orange slice. Serve immediately.

From the Bartender

The Suffering Bastard was created by bartender Joe Scialom at the Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo circa 1942 as a remedy for Allied soldiers suffering from wartime hangovers - making it one of the most storied medicinal cocktails in history.

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