Pegu Club

Pro tips

• Use fresh lime juice, never bottled — the brightness is essential to balance the sweetness of curaçao.
• Chill your glassware in advance; a cold glass keeps the drink crisp longer.
• Shake hard for 10-15 seconds to properly dilute and chill; undershaking results in a warm, unbalanced drink.
• Add a single dash of Angostura — it's aromatic, not dominant, and too much will overpower the citrus balance.

Substitutions

• Orange curaçao → triple sec or Cointreau (slightly drier profile)
• Fresh lime juice → lemon juice (changes character; use only if limes unavailable)
• Gin → brandy or cognac (shifts to a different classic; no longer a Pegu Club)

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring glass · strainer · chilled coupe or cocktail glass

What does a Pegu Club cocktail taste like?

The Pegu Club has a bright, citrusy flavor with a balance of sweet orange, tart lime, and the herbal complexity of gin, with aromatic bitters adding depth.

Can I substitute the orange curaçao in a Pegu Club?

Yes, triple sec or Cointreau work well as replacements, though they may be slightly drier. The cocktail's balance will shift slightly but remain drinkable.

Should a Pegu Club be shaken or stirred?

Shake the Pegu Club vigorously with ice to chill, dilute, and incorporate the citrus and bitters evenly, then strain into a chilled glass.

What glassware is best for serving a Pegu Club?

Serve in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass over fresh ice, or up (without ice) in a chilled coupe for a classic presentation.

Does the Pegu Club work as a batch cocktail?

Yes, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings, chill in advance, and shake with ice before serving to maintain freshness.