LIQUORMASTERY

CLOVER CLUB COCKTAIL RECIPE

Created on August 5, 2023
Table of Contents
  1. Ingredients
  2. Method
  3. Recipe Tips
  4. What's In A Clover Club?
  5. History

The Clover Club is pink, it's foamy, and it's a classic! It combines gin's herbal notes with raspberry's sweetness, lemon's tartness, and a smooth egg white finish.

Picture yourself sipping on this in a cozy jazz club or mixing it up for friends at a casual get-together. It's less about posh elegance and more about real, tangible taste and good company.

Pink, foamy Clover Club cocktail with raspberries, in a cocktail glass.

Ingredients

  • 2 Ounces Gin
  • ¾ Ounce Lemon Juice
  • ¾ Ounce Raspberry Syrup
  • 1 Egg White
  • 3 Raspberries (garnish)

Method

  1. Add the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white into a shaker without ice.
  2. Dry shake (shake without ice) for about 10 seconds, to make the foam.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice, and shake again for 10-15 seconds to chill the drink.
  4. Double strain into a cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with 3 speared raspberries.
  6. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • Raspberry Syrup: If you can't find ready-made raspberry syrup, you can make it at home by simmering fresh or frozen raspberries with sugar and water. Strain it to remove seeds.

  • Egg White: The egg white gives the drink its signature frothiness. If you're concerned about using raw egg white, you can use pasteurized egg whites available in most grocery stores.

  • Dry Shake: The dry shake (shaking without ice) is essential for getting that lovely froth. Don't skip this step!

  • Chill Everything: Use a chilled glass and even consider chilling your cocktail shaker. It helps maintain the frothiness.

  • Double Straining: This helps to make sure that no ice shards get into your drink, keeping it smooth and enjoyable.

What's In A Clover Club?

The Clover Club cocktail is a delightful blend of the following ingredients:

  • Gin: The foundational spirit, bringing herbal and botanical flavors.

  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the sweetness.

  • Raspberry Syrup: Provides a sweet and fruity dimension to the drink.

  • Egg White: Contributes a smooth and frothy texture to the cocktail.

  • Fresh Raspberries: Used as a garnish, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor consistency.

Best Gin For A Clover Club

This drink is very spirit-forward, and the gin is the real star of the show. This means you shouldn't go too cheap, because your patrons will notice! I've found that Beefeater London Dry Gin works well here, giving a crisp, clean juniper taste.

History

The Clover Club cocktail boasts a rich and intriguing history, reflecting an era of elegance and camaraderie.

Origin: The cocktail is named after the Clover Club, a group of Philadelphia journalists, lawyers, and other business-minded gentlemen who would meet regularly at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel. Their meetings began in the late 1800s and continued into the early 20th century.

Creation: The actual creator of the drink is somewhat obscured by time, but it's known that the cocktail was being served at the Bellevue-Stratford by at least the first decade of the 1900s. The Clover Club's members enjoyed good food, lively conversation, and of course, fine drinks, and this cocktail quickly became a favorite.

Popularity: The Clover Club cocktail spread to other cities and became a staple of high-end bars, especially during the pre-Prohibition era. Its popularity waned during the latter half of the 20th century, possibly overshadowed by new and trendy drinks.

Resurgence: In recent years, there has been a revival of classic cocktails, and the Clover Club has reclaimed its spot on many craft cocktail menus.

Cultural References: The drink has been referenced in various bartending books over the years. In the 1930 edition of "The Savoy Cocktail Book," the Clover Club is described, reflecting its status as a recognized classic even during a time when its popularity was declining.

Today: The Clover Club continues to be enjoyed by those who appreciate classic cocktails with a balanced and elegant taste. Its resurgence is part of a broader trend of exploring and enjoying the rich tapestry of cocktail history.

The history of the Clover Club cocktail is not just a story about a drink; it's a glimpse into a bygone era of social clubs, a testament to the timeless appeal of well-crafted flavors, and an inspiring example of how classic tastes can find their way back into modern culture. It's a drink with a story to tell, and each sip is a taste of that history.