The Pegu Club cocktail is a classic drink that falls into the sour category of cocktails. Made with gin, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and bitters, this cocktail boasts a tart and slightly sweet flavor profile with complex citrus notes. Served in a coupe glass and garnished with a lime twist, the Pegu Club is a refreshing and approachable drink that is perfect for any occasion.
The history of the Pegu Club cocktail is a bit complicated. It is said to have been invented around the turn of the 20th century at a bar located in the Pegu Club, a members club in Yangon, Myanmar (formerly Burma). The establishment was frequented by British military and government officials during Britain’s occupation of Myanmar from 1824 to 1948. The drink eventually became the signature cocktail of the Pegu Club and was popularized by its predominantly white male members.
Although the Pegu Club cocktail has its roots in Myanmar, it is unlikely that you will find it on local bar menus across the country today. However, the simple recipe for the Pegu Club made its way into 20th-century cocktail books, helping to cement its status as a modern classic cocktail. The cocktail saw a resurgence in 2005 when bartender Audrey Saunders named her New York City-based cocktail lounge after the drink.
What makes the Pegu Club cocktail work so well is its simplicity. Similar to a Margarita or Sidecar, the Pegu Club uses fresh citrus juice and orange liqueur. However, the base of gin and inclusion of aromatic bitters set it apart from these classic drinks. While any kind of gin can be used in the cocktail, opting for gins with a citrusy flavor profile can enhance the bright and fresh notes of the drink. Citadelle Gin or Dorothy Parker Gin are great options to try.
Orange liqueur adds sweetness to the Pegu Club cocktail without being overly sugary. Opt for a high-quality orange liqueur or orange curaçao made from dried orange peels for a more complex flavor profile. Overall, the Pegu Club cocktail is a timeless favorite that continues to delight cocktail enthusiasts with its refreshing and flavorful combination of ingredients.
