Gin underpins the Pegu Club, joined by orange Curaçao, lime juice, and a dash each of Angostura and orange bitters, shaken and strained up into a cocktail glass. The double bittering and the citrus from Curaçao and lime layer complexity over a dry gin backbone, producing a refined, spirit-forward drink near 22 percent ABV. The IBA classifies it as a New Era cocktail, and it was once counted among the world's finest; its prominence has been restored through a marked revival in the craft cocktail era, where its precise balance of citrus and bitter notes is again widely admired.
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Pegu Club
Ingrédients
- Gin 1 1/2 oz
- Orange Curacao 3/4 oz
- Lime juice 3/4 oz
- Angostura Bitters 1 dash
- Orange bitters 1 dash
Instructions
Shake, strain, up, cocktail glass
The Pegu Club is a refined, spirit-forward cocktail combining gin, orange Curaçao, lime juice, and both Angostura and orange bitters, served up in a chilled cocktail glass. An IBA New Era drink, it is noted for its complex layering of citrus and bitter notes over a dry gin backbone. It was once considered one of the world's finest cocktails and has experienced a major revival in the craft cocktail era.
History & Origins
The Pegu Club was the signature cocktail of the Pegu Club, a British officers' social club established in Rangoon (now Yangon), Burma, in the 19th century. The recipe was brought to wider international attention when it appeared in Harry Craddock's The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930). Named after the Pegu River, it became synonymous with the elegance of colonial club culture and is now celebrated as a precursor to the modern cocktail renaissance.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Dry gin botanicals, fresh lime, and a warm orange peel note from the Curaçao, with the aromatic complexity of two types of bitters. Palate: Crisp and dry with juniper and citrus peel leading, the orange Curaçao adding a bittersweet depth, lime juice providing bright acidity, and the dual bitters contributing layers of spice and herbal complexity. Finish: Long, dry, and bittersweet with a botanical and citrus echo.
Pro Tip
Use a premium orange Curaçao rather than triple sec for greater depth and complexity, and serve in a pre-chilled cocktail glass to keep this delicate drink at its optimal temperature.
Techniques utilisées
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are in a Pegu Club cocktail?
The Pegu Club is an IBA New Era cocktail built with gin, orange Curaçao, fresh lime juice, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters. The dual bitters addition sets it apart from similar sours, adding complexity and aromatic depth.
What is the history of the Pegu Club?
The Pegu Club originated at the Pegu Club bar near Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar) in the 1920s, where it was the house cocktail. It was popularized in London and the West via Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book and is now recognized by the IBA as a New Era classic.
How is a Pegu Club served?
The Pegu Club is shaken with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail coupe or Martini glass, served without ice. A lime wheel or peel twist is the traditional garnish.
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