The Pegu Club Cocktail | Wine Enthusiast

The Pegu Club cocktail is a classic drink that dates to the beginning of the 20^th century, if not earlier. It was first published in Harry MacElhone’s 1923 book ABC of Mixing Cocktails, which contains countless other classics from the Scofflaw to the Boulevardier. But rather than an invention of MacElhone’s, the Pegu Club was created as the signature drink of a bar of the same name located in Yangon, Myanmar (then often referred to as Rangoon, in Burma).

The Pegu Club itself was a social club that was founded in the late 1800s, during the British occupation of Burma. Limited to only white patrons, despite professing to accept “all gentlemen interested in general society,” the venue became a hangout primarily for British military officers, officials and dignitaries. It briefly came under Japanese occupation in the 1940s and was converted to a brothel, before later being seized by the military of an independent Myanmar. Functioning for years as ornate office space and housing for government officials, the property recently underwent renovations aimed at turning it into a multipurpose event space.

The Pegu Club Cocktail isn’t particularly popular in its country of origin, due in part to deep-seated colonial-era resentment. But in the cocktail world, it does function as an important early pillar in the sour category of drinks.

What’s in a Pegu Club Cocktail?

The Pegu Club consists of gin, orange liqueur, lime juice and bitters. This combination puts it in the company of a similar classic cocktail of the time, the Sidecar, and both were notable for using orange liqueur rather than sugar as a balance for fresh lemon or lime juice.

However, many modern drinkers may find it easier to simply think of the Pegu Club Cocktail as a gin margarita.

The addition of two types of bitters helps to set the drink apart from many standard sours. One dash of Angostura bitters is used alongside a dash of orange bitters, the former providing depth and the latter helping to accentuate the liqueur.

The best gin for a Pegu Club Cocktail

When choosing gin for a Pegu Club, a cocktail that’s became a staple for warm-weather drinking, it often helps to use one with bright citrus notes that help bring life to the other ingredients.

Tanqueray Rangpur Gin’s signature ingredient is a fruit native to Southeast Asia that’s best described as a cross between an orange and a lime, both key flavor components for the cocktail. Brockman’s Gin is another fruit-forward option that works well, as does New York Distilling Company’s Dorothy Parker Gin, which combines traditional citrus botanicals with hibiscus, helping to add a light tartness. Citadelle Gin, from France, is another option that brings a clean profile with a solid backbone of juniper.

Rather than double-down on citrus elements, you can also opt for a more floral gin, to create a different dimension. The Botanist offers herbal and floral notes that can create a more interesting nose and finish on a Pegu Club, as does St. George Botanivore Gin. Green Hat Citrus Floral Gin from Washington D.C. combines both world, offering a spirit with solid citrus backing but floral integration from cherry blossoms.

How to make a Pegu Club Cocktail