Properly Sauced: The Suffering Bastard

By Rob Christopher in Food on Mar 17, 2009 6:00PM

That's what some of us will be by the end of the day, no doubt. Might as well get there pleasantly. And that means avoiding the stupid green beer -- or anything else that looks like the slime mold from Swamp Thing. Instead, try some nice Irish whiskey with a goodly portion of lime juice. To be honest, the Suffering Bastard is really more of a summertime drink. But since it's so gorgeous out there today, what's the harm in having a little wishful thinking?

The original Suffering Bastard was created by Joe Scialom, bar steward at the Shepheard's Hotel In Cairo, sometime in the 1940's. As befits a cocktail created in a desert climate, it's an amazingly effective thirst-quencher. We've substituted the brandy in his recipe for whiskey, which gives it a little more bite (if you want to make the original, watch this). Bourbon or rye also work well. Don't skimp on the lime juice.

THE SUFFERING BASTARD

1.5 oz. whiskey
1.5 oz. gin
freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 large lime
ginger beer (or ginger ale)
dash Angostura Bitters

Fill a large chimney glass with crushed ice. Douse ice with the bitters. Add the liquor and lime juice and stir. Top up with ginger beer. Serve with a straw.

P.S. Some say it works well as a hangover cure.