The cocktail notebook · Gin · Brandy & grape spirit · Split base
Suffering Bastard
Two spirit bases, lime and ginger spice. A advanced comparison study made by shake and strain.
- Base
- Brandy/cognac + gin
- Method
- Shake & Strain
- Glass
- Collins glass
- Yield
- One drink
Recipe reference: IBA reference recipe. House fixes ginger beer at 90 ml; retain shaking ice in the glass as instructed.
Suffering Bastard recipe
1 serving · IBA reference recipeMillilitres control this recipe. US fluid ounces are rounded to the nearest quarter ounce for convenience and are not a different recipe ratio. Dashes, spoons, leaves and other non-liquid measures are listed as written.
| Measure | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | cognac or brandy |
| 30 ml≈ 1 US fl oz | gin |
| 15 ml≈ 0.5 US fl oz | fresh lime juice |
| 2 dashes | Angostura aromatic bitters |
| 90 ml≈ 3 US fl oz | chilled ginger beer, house top-up |
Ice: Shaking ice retained. Garnish: 1 mint sprig; orange slice optional.
Learning bar service? Find the Suffering Bastard in the free course's optional references →
How to make it
- Chill the serving glass; keep the sparkling mixer separate.
- Measure the still ingredients into a shaker with fresh ice and shake to chill.
- Pour the base unstrained into the glass, retaining the shaking ice.
- Add the measured cold sparkling ingredient gently, combine carefully and garnish.
Why it works: This reference pours the shaken base unstrained, then adds ginger beer. Do not translate that instruction into shaking a carbonated mixer.
Common mistakes, useful fixes
Unrecorded substitution
Make no medical claim; describe its two bases, lime and ginger beer.
Inconsistent finish
check the exact measures, products and preparation sequence.
Unclear guest expectation
explain this specification before preparing.
Serving the guest
What to tell the guest
Two spirit bases, lime and ginger spice. Make no medical claim; describe its two bases, lime and ginger beer.
Dietary and product checks
Check all exact product labels and relevant guest restrictions; no generic recipe guarantees safety.
Variations
- Any variant must be named and recorded. Make no medical claim; describe its two bases, lime and ginger beer.
Where does the Suffering Bastard come from?
Origin: Origin not yet verified in this edition. (Origin not yet verified in this edition)
The cited IBA page establishes this modern reference recipe, not a definitive country, inventor or date. This lesson keeps those historical questions open rather than repeating an unsupported origin tale. Its learning purpose is specific: This reference pours the shaken base unstrained, then adds ginger beer. Do not translate that instruction into shaking a carbonated mixer.
Suffering Bastard questions
What is the key decision in this study?
This reference pours the shaken base unstrained, then adds ginger beer. Do not translate that instruction into shaking a carbonated mixer.
The guest asks whether the name means it treats a hangover.
Make no medical claim; describe its two bases, lime and ginger beer.
From a recipe to a repeatable skill
Learn the method behind the order.
Suffering Bastard is an optional reference recipe in Advanced Cocktails & Refined Bar Service. Useful split-base ginger highball; overlaps agave split-base and foundation carbonation skills.
The course is free. An optional paid certificate tests knowledge in an online exam; it is not an observed practical assessment or an accredited bartending qualification.