Righteous Bastard

The Righteous Bastard is the clever non-alcoholic counterpart to the famous Suffering Bastard cocktail. It maintains the spicy, citrusy, and refreshing character of the original, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a complex flavor profile without the alcohol. The combination of fiery ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and aromatic bitters creates a sophisticated and satisfying long drink that is anything but boring.
Righteous Bastard

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Righteous Bastard is classified as a mocktail, or a non-alcoholic cocktail. It's considered a classic due to its historical origins and connection to the famous Suffering Bastard. Its flavor profile also places it in a Tiki-adjacent category, known for refreshing, citrus-forward drinks.

Serving

Serve this refreshing, non-alcoholic drink cold in a tall Collins or Highball glass filled with ice. It's a long drink designed for easy sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 250-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV (contains trace amounts from bitters)
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

Created by the legendary bartender Joe Scialom at the Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo during the 1940s, the Righteous Bastard was his solution for patrons who did not consume alcohol. It was served alongside its potent sibling, the Suffering Bastard, ensuring everyone could enjoy a well-crafted beverage. The name is a humorous nod to its "sober" or "righteous" state compared to the "suffering" hangover induced by the original.
Origin
The Righteous Bastard was invented in the 1940s by Joe Scialom at the Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.

Righteous Bastard

The drink is also known as the Sober Bastard, a name that clearly indicates its non-alcoholic nature. The term "Righteous" is a playful contrast to the original alcoholic cocktail, the "Suffering" Bastard, suggesting a more virtuous choice.
Original name
Righteous Bastard
Alternative name
Sober Bastard

Characteristics overview

This drink has a vibrant flavor profile dominated by spicy ginger and sharp lime, with an aromatic nose from the bitters. It presents a crisp, fizzy texture and a refreshing quality perfect for any season.
Flavor
Spicy ginger, zesty lime, aromatic, complex, slightly bitter
Aroma
Ginger, fresh lime, herbal spice
Taste balance
Balanced, sour, spicy
Aftertaste
Clean, spicy, warming ginger finish
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Hazy pale gold, light brown
Texture
Light, crisp, carbonated
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is defined by a pleasant balance of sourness from lime and spiciness from ginger beer, with a subtle bitterness. It's a non-alcoholic drink with a satisfyingly robust taste and strong carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The recipe calls for three simple ingredients: a quality spicy ginger beer, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a couple of dashes of Angostura bitters for aromatic complexity.
  • Ginger Beer180 ml / 6 oz
    Use a good quality, spicy ginger beer for the best flavor. Check the label for gluten-free certification if required.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the bright, zesty taste.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters2 dashes(optional)
    While bitters contain alcohol, the amount used is negligible, making the final drink virtually non-alcoholic. Can be omitted for a completely alcohol-free version.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

No special equipment is needed to make this drink. A simple jigger for measuring and a bar spoon for stirring are all that's required.
  • Jigger or measuring cup for measuring ingredients
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

This is a "built" drink, meaning you simply add the ingredients one by one into an ice-filled glass, stir gently, and garnish before serving.
1. Fill a Collins or highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the freshly squeezed lime juice over the ice.
3. Top with the cold ginger beer, leaving a small amount of space at the top.
4. Add two dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the top of the drink.
5. Gently stir with a bar spoon just enough to combine the ingredients.
6. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel and a sprig of mint.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Garnishing

A fresh lime wedge or wheel serves as the primary garnish, complemented by a sprig of mint to add a pleasant aroma.
  • Lime wedge or wheel placed on the rim of the glass
  • Mint sprig placed in the drink for aroma

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, and nuts, making it suitable for many dietary needs. To ensure it is gluten-free, select a certified gluten-free ginger beer.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie mocktail, with nearly all its calories, carbohydrates, and sugar content derived from the ginger beer used.
Calories
averagely 80-100 kcal / 335-418 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 18-23 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, barbecues, or as a simple afternoon refresher. Its non-alcoholic nature makes it a great choice for brunches and casual gatherings where guests may prefer a sober option.
  • Summer Party
  • Brunch
  • Afternoon Refresher
  • Casual Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Righteous Bastard's spicy and citrusy profile makes it an excellent match for flavorful and spicy dishes. It cuts through the richness of grilled foods and complements the saltiness of various appetizers and snacks, particularly from Middle Eastern cuisines.
  • Spicy food (e.g., Thai, Indian, Mexican)
  • Grilled meats and vegetables
  • Salty snacks like nuts or pretzels
  • Middle Eastern mezze platters

The Righteous Bastard: A Sober Classic with a Kick

The Righteous Bastard is a historically significant mocktail, born from the need to cater to all patrons at Cairo's famous Shepheard's Hotel in the 1940s. It offers a complex and satisfying flavor profile without alcohol, relying on the fiery spice of ginger beer, the tartness of fresh lime, and the aromatic depth of bitters. Easy to make and incredibly refreshing, it's a sophisticated non-alcoholic choice that stands proudly alongside its classic alcoholic counterpart, proving that a great drink doesn't need spirits to be memorable.

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