If cocktails were like pop bands, the Pegu Club would be that 80s one-hit wonder that’s finally making a comeback. It’s a drink that once ruled the colonial cocktail scene but somehow fell into obscurity—until now. Today, we’re dusting off this forgotten classic, diving into its colonial-era roots, and shaking up a glass of its citrusy, gin-soaked goodness.
What Is a Pegu Club Cocktail?
Think of the Pegu Club as a jazzed-up gin sour with a kick of orange. Its main ingredients are gin, orange curaçao, lime juice, and a few dashes of bitters. It’s bright, it’s zesty, and it’s got just the right balance of sweet and sour to keep you sipping.
But behind this elegant drink is a fascinating (and slightly bonkers) history tied to one of the most exclusive British clubs of the early 20th century.
The History: Colonial Burma and a Gin-Soaked Empire
To understand the Pegu Club cocktail, we first have to travel back to 1920s Burma (modern-day Myanmar). At the time, Burma was part of the British Empire, and the British colonials stationed there needed two things: 1) an escape from the brutal tropical heat and 2) gin—lots of gin.
Enter the Pegu Club, an exclusive gentlemen’s club located near the banks of the Pegu River in Rangoon (now Yangon). The club was a refuge for British officers and officials, where they could lounge in wicker chairs, sip cocktails, and complain about the humidity in true colonial fashion.
And what did these officers drink? The house cocktail, of course—the Pegu Club cocktail.
The drink’s reputation spread far and wide thanks to travelers and cocktail enthusiasts of the time. In fact, it made its way into Harry Craddock’s famous 1930 "Savoy Cocktail Book," one of the most influential cocktail guides ever written. The Pegu Club cocktail became a darling of the 1920s and 1930s, praised for its refreshing balance of citrus and bitterness.
But after World War II, the drink fell out of fashion. Tiki culture was on the rise, and other gin classics like the Martini and the Negroni began to dominate the cocktail scene. For decades, the Pegu Club was relegated to the dusty pages of cocktail history.
The Modern Revival
Fast-forward to the early 2000s. Audrey Saunders, a legendary bartender and cocktail pioneer, opened a bar in New York City named—you guessed it—Pegu Club. Saunders’ bar specialized in classic cocktails, and the Pegu Club cocktail was the star of the menu. Suddenly, this forgotten gem was back in the spotlight, embraced by bartenders and cocktail lovers alike.
Why? Because the Pegu Club is a cocktail nerd’s dream. It’s complex yet approachable, with gin and orange curaçao playing the lead roles, supported by fresh lime juice and bitters. The orange bitters add a subtle spice that elevates the whole drink, while the lime brings brightness. It’s a cocktail that’s as refreshing as it is sophisticated.
Today, the Pegu Club cocktail is enjoying a well-deserved renaissance. And it’s easy to see why—it’s timeless, elegant, and just a little exotic.
How to Make the Pegu Club Cocktail
While the original Pegu Club members probably made this drink with whatever gin they could get their hands on, you’ve got the advantage of choice. Here’s how you can make your own:
Ingredients:
1.5 oz gin
0.75 oz orange curaçao (or triple sec)
0.75 oz fresh lime juice
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 dash orange bitters
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake until well-chilled (around 10-15 seconds).
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel or twist of lime peel.
It’s that simple—and trust me, it’s worth it.
Watch Me Make the Pegu Club Cocktail!
Want to see this classic cocktail come to life? Check out my latest YouTube video, where I’ll guide you through making the perfect Pegu Club. I’ll share tips on getting the right citrus balance, avoiding overly sweet curaçaos, and the secret to a killer shake. You won’t want to miss it! 🍸
So, whether you’re a gin lover, a cocktail history buff, or just someone who enjoys a drink with a good story, the Pegu Club cocktail is for you. It’s bright, bold, and steeped in history—just like the best cocktails should be.
Cheers!
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