Helan Singh
February 01, 2024
Unlike the Tiki version, the original formulation by Joe Scialom at Cairo's Shepheard's Hotel in 1942 is a bourbon-based elixir intended to cure hangovers.
Conceived during World War II, the Suffering Bastard found its inception at the Shepheard’s Hotel, a haven for British officers and the press corps in Cairo. Joe Scialom, a chemist turned bartender, crafted this concoction as a hangover cure showcasing his linguistic prowess and impeccable memory for patrons' preferences.
Joe Scialom's life became a tapestry of tumultuous events, marked by the destruction of Shepheard’s Hotel in 1952 during a riot. Despite adversity, Joe's journey continued through imprisonment, exile from Egypt post-Suez Canal crisis and collaborations with Conrad Hilton.
Temporarily renamed the "Suffering Bar Steward" due to customer objections, the cocktail's original moniker was restored as Joe traversed the globe. His worldwide sojourns birthed two additional hangover cure cocktails—the Dying Bastard and Dead Bastard—each a testament to resilience amidst life's uncertainties.
As chronicled in David Wondrich's ‘Esquire Drinks’, the Suffering Bastard recipe endures, blending bourbon, gin, lime juice and Angostura Bitters, topped with chilled ginger beer. A mint sprig and an orange wedge garnish add a final touch to this time-honored libation.
Beyond its Tiki embellishments, the Suffering Bastard stands as a testament to Joe Scialom's ingenuity and resilience. From war-torn Cairo to the global expanse, this cocktail weaves a tale of history, adaptation, and enduring popularity.