This page is about How to Make a Pegu Club Cocktail. It’s a “rediscovered” classic, and one that should not be forgotten. Since this is a cocktail from the 1920’s (give or take), it was consumed by "Brits" far afield from their beloved gentlemen’s clubs. In places like the “Pegu Club,” in Rangoon.

Here is some history. Like the Pegu Club Cocktail, the Gin and Tonic stemmed from the era of the British East India Companyhttp://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/History/British/EAco.html in India. To prevent malaria, those lacking immunities needed a daily dose of quinine. There are brands of tonic water actually referred to as quinine water, but Tonic took the prize. It is, in the truest sense of the word, a tonic. But the tonic water of the 18th century was nasty. Bitter. How to make it more palatable? Add gin! Tonic water available today contains less quinine, because it is primarily consumed by gin lovers who have no need to battle malaria. It is consequently less bitter.

This cocktail holds an impressive legacy and might possibly go on record for its longevity and popularity as a very refreshing cocktail.

Read on to learn how to make a Pegu Club cocktail.

Angostura Bitters are available in any liquor store, and most comprehensive grocery stores. Amazing genuine miracle fact: 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters on a lime wedge, bitten into and swallowed (lime juice plus bitters) will cure any case of the hiccups. Swear to (insert name of higher power here)! Works every time.

An interesting “trend” in the not-too-recent past, has been the resurgence of the martini. However, this is not your grandma’s martini. Let’s look at the basics of a martini-style drink, and why there are bars devoted to them and beloved by their patrons. A martini? Predominantly one liquor, and then lesser ingredients. Such is the Pegu Club Cocktail.

A Pegu Club cocktail combines the great tastes of gin, orange curacao, and lime with a splash of bitters. Most Pegu Club cocktails are shaken, not stirred. Even if you don’t have a martini shaker handy, simply find a container into which you can place some ice cubes, the cocktail ingredients, and a tight lid, and shake.

Here are the specific quantities of the ingredients you’ll need for our version of the Pegu Club cocktail:

• 2 oz. gin (traditionally, “London Dry Gin,” but pick your favorite)
• 3/4 oz orange curacao
• 1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
• 2 dashes angostura bitters
• A lime wedge or wheel for garnish

1. Cut a lime wedge or wheel from your lime before you squeeze it.
2. Pour the gin, orange liqueur, lime juice, and bitters ingredients into a cocktail shaker (or a jar with a tight top) filled with ice cubes, not crushed ice.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
5. Add the lime wedge or wheel on the side of the glass.

1. Some prefer their Pegu Club cocktail stirred, not shake.
2. You can substitute a lime twist for the wheel or wedge.
3. Include a dash of orange bitters if you can find it.