Wednesday, August 5, 2015

The Suffering Bastard Cocktail

The Suffering Bastard Cocktail

AKA The Suffering Bar Steward, this slow sipper was concocted as a hangover remedy

OK, the name is a bit . . . unusual. But don’t let that put you off. Because the Suffering Bastard happens to be an exceptionally refreshing drink. Which makes sense, given its origin as a hair-of-the-dog remedy.

It’s a wonderful cocktail for a lazy afternoon by the pool or on the beach. And because it’s a fairly voluminous tipple, you’ll take a while to get through one. So you won’t be drinking too many of these.

Good thing. Because you don’t want to wind up with, you know, a hangover.


The Suffering Bastard Cocktail

Recipe: The Suffering Bastard Cocktail

The Suffering Bastard was invented in 1942 by Joe Scialom, then bartender at the Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, Egypt (more about this in the Notes). Despite its lack of a Polynesian-themed origin, the cocktail often is classified as a “Tiki” drink—perhaps because one of the kings of Tiki, Trader Vic, later borrowed the name for a rum-fueled drink.

There are numerous recipes for the Suffering Bastard floating around. We present the version we like best (which happens to be the original recipe), but discuss alternatives in the Notes. 

We got our recipe for this drink from Beach Bum Berry’s Beach Bum Berry Remixed. The Bum says he found the original recipe for the Suffering Bastard while perusing some of Scialom’s private papers, which were lent to him by Scialom’s daughter Colette.

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and serves 1.

Ingredients
  • 1 ounce brandy (but see Notes for variations)
  • 1 ounce dry gin
  • ½ ounce Rose’s lime juice (see Notes for substitutions)
  • 1 or 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 4 ounces ginger beer (see Notes for substitutions)
  • garnish of an orange slice, a maraschino cherry, and/or a mint sprig (optional)
Procedure
  1. Add ice cubes to a double rocks (Old-Fashioned) or tall (Collins) glass. Add the brandy, gin, Rose’s lime juice, and bitters. Top with ginger beer.
  2. Give the mixture a quick stir, add straws, then garnish with an orange slice, a maraschino cherry, and/or a mint sprig (if using). Serve.
The Suffering Bastard Cocktail

Notes
  • If you’re not in the mood to build this drink in the glass, you can instead make this drink by shaking it: Add the brandy, gin, Rose’s lime juice, and bitters to a cocktail shaker half filled with ice. Shake for 15 seconds or so, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Top with ginger beer and add garnish (if using). Serve.
  • We don’t suggest using an expensive brandy (or cognac) for this cocktail. Something that sells for $15 a bottle or so should work fine. We like St. Remy for cocktails, but ask your liquor store what they recommend. 
  • As for the gin, any name-brand dry gin will be fine. We like to use Beefeater’s in cocktails.
  • Our usual reminder: This blog is noncommercial. We don’t receive compensation for mentioning brands. We buy our booze with our own money, and recommend only what we like.
  • Many people like to make this drink with bourbon rather than brandy. If you want to try this variation, we suggest altering some other ingredients too: Replace the Rose’s lime juice with ½ ounce fresh lime juice (or a bit less; to taste). Shake the drink, and strain into a glass filled with ice cubes. And then add ginger ale instead of ginger beer—it just works better with bourbon (at least, that’s what our taste buds tell us, and we speak as folks who usually prefer ginger beer).
  • BTW, we tried at least 8 different recipes for this drink. As noted above, our favorite is the one we present here (with brandy, Rose’s lime juice, and ginger beer). Our second choice is bourbon with fresh lime juice and ginger ale.
  • If you’re making this drink with bourbon, don’t use the expensive sippin’ stuff—it would be wasted in a cocktail. We like to use Wild Turkey 101. If you want something less pricey, Evan Williams works quite well.
  • Many modern recipes for the Suffering Bastard replace Rose’s with fresh lime juice. This works, particularly if you’re using bourbon instead of brandy. But when making the brandy version, we opt for Rose’s—it just seems a better match.
  • As noted above, Trader Vic concocted a rum drink that he called the “Suffering Bastard.” But his cocktail was quite different from Joe Scialom’s—in fact, it closely resembled a Mai Tai. Trader Vic’s version eventually became so well known that many people assume he invented the name. 
  • When Scialom created the original Suffering Bastard in 1942, much of the world was at war. Rumor says he served gallons of the drink to hungover British soldiers at his hotel bar in Cairo (they were stationed in Egypt to battle Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps). 
  • This cocktail is sometimes called the Suffering Bar Steward. So how did that alternate name arise? Some commentators claim that Scialom originally called his drink the Suffering Bar Steward; later on, a patron in a noisy bar misheard the name as “Suffering Bastard,” and the new moniker stuck. Others say that Scialom named the drink the Suffering Bastard, but adopted the alternative “Suffering Bar Steward” to avoid offending patrons; eventually, though, the drink reverted to its original name. 
  • FWIW, we’d vote for the second theory. But no matter. Most of the imbibing world now knows this drink as the Suffering Bastard.
  • After creating the Suffering Bastard, Joe Scialom created two spin-off drinks: The Dying Bastard and the Dead Bastard.
  • To make a Dying Bastard, start with the recipe for the Suffering Bastard, but replace the quantities of brandy and gin we specify with ½ ounce each of gin, brandy, and bourbon.
  • To make a Dead Bastard, start with the recipe for the Dying Bastard, then add ½ ounce light rum to the mix.
  • After World War II, Scialom worked for a while at the Marco Polo Club in Manhattan (it was there that he invented the Dying and Dead Bastards).
  • He later worked for Hilton Hotels, traveling the world as mixologist-expert for their various hotel properties.
The Suffering Bastard Cocktail

Moping Melancholy

“Wow,” I said. “We’ve tasted 8 different versions of this cocktail. Brutal!”

“Sometimes we have to suffer for our art,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs.

“True,” I said. “And as Nietzsche reminds us, to live is to suffer.”

“But we owe it to our loyal readers,” said Mrs K R. “They’re thirsty! And they’re looking to us for expert advice! So maybe just one more variation?”

That’s my Mrs K R. Always eager to comfort the afflicted.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Mai Tai Cocktail
Singapore Sling
Straits Sling Cocktail
Zombie Cocktail
Bermuda Rum Swizzle
Dr. Funk Cocktail
Fog Cutter Cocktail
Bermuda Rum Swizzle
Cocktail Basics
Or check out the index for more

84 comments:

Rocquie said...

This looks like a refreshing and beautiful drink for summer. Sparkly. I'm not a big drinker but I always enjoy your posts and your beautiful photography. --Rocquie

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, it really is a nice summer drink -- very cooling! Thanks for those kind words, and for taking time to comment.

Barb | Creative Culinary said...

Well John you've done it now. This one I had never heard of, well, except in regards to a person or two! Which means I must try it right? Love the components and can imagine how refreshing it is.

Tricia @ Saving room for dessert said...

I'm suddenly very thirsty and think the name is awesome! These photos are fantastic and it look wonderfully refreshing. Love the addition of ginger beer - which I can't stand on it's own but it does mix wonderfully with lime. Lovely!

Dottie said...

Hi John,
Wow, this is so different! What information you have given us on this drink. I have never heard of this one, or the other various names. I do not think this one is for me as I really am not a drinker, especially beer. That I do not like at all. But I love the way it looks and such wonderful photos. Looks very refreshing, I am sure. Thanks for the drink and the info. Now if I hear someone speaking of this drink, I can tell them what I have learned. Hope that your day is splendid! Cin Cin....
Dottie :)

Pat@savorthebest.com said...

Hey, I love the name of this! You do such a great job with your photos, even after 8 of these cocktails :)

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

Haha I laughed out loud at this name!! I love it! Looks super refreshing!

Fran @ G'day Souffle' said...

Lovely photography as usual, John. I imagine that after drinking several of these cocktails, one would not suffer much!

Nagi@RecipeTinEats said...

Name didn't put me off! It made me LAUGH! I love it. I LOVE your cocktail recipes!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Barb, it's a really fun drink! Odd name, but great taste. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, ginger beer and lime is a dynamite combo, isn't it? Perfect in this drink! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dottie, ginger beer actually tastes very much like ginger ale. Not really beer-like at all. It's a fun drink, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, actually we split the cocktails! And I made half portions, so it wasn't nearly as bad as it sounds. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, that name is something, isn't it? ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, I'd only suffering if I couldn't have one of these! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Nagi, it's a fun name, isn't it? And really fun drink! Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

The name is enough for me to put this on my must make cocktail list---too funny! Thanks for trying out all the versions to find the best of the best.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

Thank you for the welcome back! I LOVE the name of this drink lol! And I love all the ingredients in here, especially real ginger beer. Another winner to enjoy by the pool even if the night before was not rough.

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

I read the name aloud to my husband and he blinked several times before saying excuse me, hehe! now I think he is very interested. I know....... the things we do for our art, someone has to do it right? Another great post.

Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) said...

Assume the eight variations were not consumed in the one night:-) That Mrs KR is such a trooper isn't she:-)

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

Bah ha ah! This just sounds like a hangover ALL OVER AGAIN! ;) Although LIME JUICE is a known hang-over helper!

Maureen | Orgasmic Chef said...

Can we change it to the Suffering Food Blogger and send over a double. :) I think I need a minimum of a half gallon - to start. :) At least I'd have a reason to be dizzy and know I'd earned it. This does sound good.

mjskit said...

They always say that the best way to get rid of a hangover is to drink alcohol. At this has ginger beer to make you feel less guilty. :) Love how this drink goes from suffering to dead by just adding more and more alcohol. Never heard of any of them, but it sounds good!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, isn't the name fun? And it was, ahem, work trying out all those versions, but someone has to do it! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, ginger beer has nice a nice flavor! Love the stuff. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cheri, that name really is something! Loads of fun, though. And yes, we live for our art! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rachel, Mrs KR is a trooper! And no, not all 8 versions at once (and then we shared half-size ones, so we didn't end up consuming huge amounts). Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gigi, it does sound like a hangover all over again, doesn't it? No doubt where the suffering comes in. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maureen, oh, I like that! We definitely need a drink called the Suffering Food Blogger! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi MJ, yeah, you noticed that progression too? I think I'll stick with the original! Thanks for the comment.

Denise Browning said...

This is the funniest name ever for a cocktail. But judging by its ingredients, it is one of the most refreshing and tastier ever as well.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, isn't this a great name? And it truly is a refreshing drink! Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

It's happy hour in my office and I just sent this recipe with one of the bar guys to make me a Suffering Bastard. Im sure it is just as delicious and refreshing as your photos make it. Especially loving the addition of the ginger beer.... its my fave. Cant wait for it to be in my person. :)

Happy week to you John.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anna, hope you enjoy it! It's really a fun drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Pam said...

I try very hard to never have a hangover, but if I ever have one, I'll be trying this cocktail!

Alyssa (EverydayMaven) said...

I am loving the flavor combo here John - very interesting!

Debra Eliotseats said...

I am a HUGE Moscow Mule fan. Know I would love this twist.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, we try hard to avoid those too! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Alyssa, isn't this interesting? Really a good drink! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, this is definitely in the same family as the Moscow Mule! An even closer match might be the Dark 'n Stormy (great drink, if you haven't tried it). Thanks for the comment.

Shashi at SavorySpin said...

Hahaha - so glad y'all "suffered" to bring us the perfect blend!

Laura Dembowski said...

I love drinks with fun names. Is it wrong I want to order this the next time I'm out? ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Shashi, yup we suffered so much doing research for this post. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, definitely ask for it next time you're out! But you might want to have the recipe ready -- but a lot of bartenders don't know this drink. They haven't suffered enough. :D Thanks for the comment.

Kristi @ My San Francisco Kitchen said...

Funny name for a cocktail, haha! Looks tasty :-D

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

I love the name of this cocktail. It sounds like it would be a good one to sip on.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kristi, it really is a funny name! But an awfully good cocktail. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, isn't the name interesting? Really fun! And really good. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Lux G. said...

The name is enough. :D ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lux, isn't the name so much fun? Thanks for the comment.

sippitysup said...

These hair of the dog remedies are always cleverly named. I suppose because anyone who over imbibes is in need of a good chuckle (as long as that chuckle is not so loud as to hurt the head too much). GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, I agree about the names! My favorite might be the Corpse Reviver -- the very first post I did! Thanks for the comment.

Hotly Spiced said...

Good on Mrs KR for taking one for the team! I love the name of this cocktail and it had me intrigued from the title. I have never heard of this 'remedy' before. I think my husband will need one of these as he has gone on a weekend away with the boys, skiing in Queenstown, NZ. Between you and me, I can confirm there is more drinking going on than skiing xx

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Charlie, weekends away with the boys almost always means more drinking that whatever activity is supposed to be on tap. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

Barb Bamber said...

Yes, one does have to suffer to blog;) Fabulous cocktail, I think you should come up with one for women The Suffering B*(ch? More sampling required, sigh, but you could do it!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Barb, we're always up for more sampling. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Cathleen said...

Wow, so many notes on this drink. You sure know your stuff! The name is not putting me off. I would accept any drink in this heat :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cathleen, the name really is odd, isn't it? Great tasting drink, though! Thanks for the comment.

Bam's Kitchen said...

The name is certain catchy! I am certain if I am dying I don't want to be dead with addition of rum, but what the heck. LOL It looks refreshing. Loving how the ice cubes have held little bubbles in the cubes and your photography is just gorgeous. Wishing you a super Sunday!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bam, yup, I think I'll stop at suffering and not go on to dying or dead. :-) Thanks for the comment.

thelady8home said...

I seriously love the name, hahahaha! Imagine serving this-' here you go suffering bastard'....lol! I doubt your spam filter would even let me post this comment. What an entertaining post. Dying bastard....LOL!! Looks delicious.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Minnie, fun drink, isn't it? And the best thing is it's really, really good! Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

Okay, I need to buy some gin! I really enjoy your cocktail posts. It's so hot here, sometimes something cold is necessary and I really don't enjoy beer. Your posts have me looking forward to trying some refreshing new things!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, gin goes wonderfully well in cocktails, so you should definitely buy some! And this is such a good drink -- really refreshing. Thanks for the comment.

Beth said...

Nothing better than a blog with a Nietzsche quote.
BTW, if you gaze long enough at this drink, it gazes back at you.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, I wonder if the drink gazing back at you inspired phrase "here's looking at you, kid". :-) Thanks for the comment.

Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) said...

Well once again, fabulous photo. My favorite part of this is the Ginger beer. I'm a new fan of that stuff. And thanks to you, my cocktail board on Pinterest in growing nicely. Pinned!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Lea Ann, I need to check out your cocktail board! Ginger beer is really good stuff, isn't it? If you haven't had one, try a dark 'n stormy -- great drink that uses ginger beer. Thanks for the comment.

Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen said...

Will tell my husband about this hangover remedy.. heehee

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Peachy, should he ever need it, I'm sure he'll be grateful! :-) And it really is a refreshing drink with wonderful flavor. Thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

It was created as a hangover remedy, how very interesting. I was completely intrigued by the name. The ingredients are all so fun, I really love the bitters in it. Might have to just try this handsome drink sometime.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Asha, I love bitters in cocktails! They really do add something, even though the amount you use is small. Thanks for the comment.

Amy (Savory Moments) said...

Love the name of this drink! haha! It sounds like one I would like a lot because I love ginger beer,

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amy, isn't ginger beer good stuff? We love its flavor! Thanks for the comment.

Marcela said...

LOVE THE NAME! It makes me wanna drink it right away!

Ansh said...

ROFL I had no idea a drink like this existed!! Thank you so much for taking me on a new journey. What a fun sounding drink!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcela, you should have right away! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ansh, this really is a fun drink! And one that many people have never heard of. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Mary Frances said...

What a fun summer drink! I love it's history and the name is hilarious!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mary, this really is a fun drink! Great name, wonderful flavor. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Carol at Wild Goose Mama said...

I have been saving this post to make sure I didn't miss, so that I could read it when I had time. Which actually I don't right now either, but decided to give myself a break. I've heard of the drink, but didn't realize it was really a drink. As usual love the history behind the name. Probably more likely to drink it with bourbon because I have that on hand, but I love Rose's Lime Juice---so that would to be a 'must have'. I associate Rose's with meeting my first lover in college. That means remembering being young. Aaaaah.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carol, always fun to remember being young. It was yesterday, right? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amanda@ChewTown said...

Best cocktail name ever! I love that its a hangover cure that could possibly bring on a bigger hangover than before if you have too many!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amanda, yeah, you've spotted the problem with this cocktail as a hangover "cure." :-) Thanks for the comment.