Pegu Club
The Pegu Club is a sophisticated cocktail that combines gin, orange curaçao, and fresh lime juice, creating a refreshing yet complex flavor profile. Named after a historic bar in Burma, this drink is often enhanced with a dash of bitters, adding depth to its bright citrus notes. Served in a chilled glass, the Pegu Club is a timeless classic that embodies the art of mixology.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ozGin
- 3/4 ozOrange Curacao
- 3/4 ozLime Juice
- 1 dashAngostura Bitters
- 1 dashOrange Bitters
Pairs Well With
- Grilled shrimp with cocktail sauce
- Smoked trout with dill and capers
- Curried chicken puff pastry
- Candied ginger and sesame crackers
Preparation
Shake, strain, up, cocktail glass
Best Enjoyed
Pro Tips
Use a quality London Dry gin as the foundation, as the drink's success depends on botanical balance and juniper prominence
Select a premium triple sec or orange curacao, as generic versions create muddy, unclear flavors
Fresh-squeezed lime juice is essential—the acid balance is critical to the drink's success as both aperitif and digestif
Stir over large ice and serve in a coupe glass chilled to maximize aromatic presentation.
History & Origins
The Pegu Club carries legendary status as the signature drink of the Pegu Club in colonial Rangoon (Yangon), Burma, where it became the standard by which gin cocktails were measured during the height of the British Empire. This drink represents the sophistication of colonial bartending culture and the fusion of British cocktail tradition with exotic ingredients from the empire's far reaches. Its revival in modern craft cocktail culture reflects appreciation for historically significant, ingredient-driven drinks with genuine cultural provenance.
Variations
Modern Pegu Club
Adds Angostura bitters and increases lime juice ratio for sour-style balance and complexity
Pegu Sour
Incorporates lemon juice alongside lime and adds simple syrup to create a lighter, more refreshing variation
Spiced Pegu
Substitutes Fee's Whiskey Barrel bitters for standard bitters and uses Curaçao float for spiced complexity.
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Other cocktail parties Cocktails
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The Blackthorn is a classic cocktail that combines the rich flavors of gin and sweet vermouth, enhanced by a splash of orange bitters. Often garnished with a twist of lemon or an orange peel, this drink offers a balanced blend of herbal and citrus notes, making it a sophisticated choice for any occasion. Its deep, alluring color and smooth finish make it a timeless favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Rail Splitter
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Similar Flavor Profiles
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Vesuvio
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