Clover Club

Clover Club

Alessandro Scire Calabrisotto

Clover Club Cocktail: A Delightful Harmony of Freshness and Elegance

The Clover Club Cocktail is a true gem of the classic cocktail world. With its bright pink hue and a delicate balance of gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white, the Clover Club has been a symbol of elegance and sophistication since its inception. Named after a private club of the same name in Philadelphia, it represents a time when cocktails were crafted with finesse and served as a social experience. The Clover Club’s blend of tart lemon, sweet raspberry, and smooth egg white makes it a refreshing choice that continues to delight both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

History of the Clover Club Cocktail

The Clover Club Cocktail dates back to the late 1800s, and it’s closely tied to one of Philadelphia’s most exclusive social clubs. The Clover Club, founded in 1882, was a gentlemen’s club that attracted Philadelphia’s high society. Its members were known for their taste in fine spirits, and it was at this club where the cocktail was first created. Though the exact bartender responsible for the creation of the Clover Club remains a subject of debate, it’s clear that the cocktail quickly became a symbol of refined taste.

The Clover Club’s popularity spread beyond Philadelphia in the early 20th century, becoming a mainstay in bars and cocktail lounges across the United States. Its inclusion of fresh raspberry syrup, a relatively rare ingredient at the time, gave the Clover Club its signature sweet and tart flavor that stood out among other gin-based cocktails.

However, like many classic cocktails, the Clover Club fell out of favor during the mid-20th century when sweeter, more fruit-forward drinks began to dominate. Thanks to the modern cocktail renaissance, the Clover Club has experienced a revival. Its balance of flavors and striking appearance make it an enduring classic that continues to win the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts.

The Clover Club Cocktail Recipe

The Clover Club is a gin-based cocktail that is both refreshing and elegant. Its combination of fresh raspberry, lemon juice, and egg white creates a beautifully balanced drink that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz gin (preferably a London dry gin)
  • 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz raspberry syrup (or raspberry liqueur)
  • 1 egg white
  • Fresh raspberries (for garnish)

Execution:

  1. Combine the gin, fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Shake vigorously without ice (known as a "dry shake") for 10-15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture.
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
  5. Garnish with a few fresh raspberries.

Additional Tips

  • Raspberry Syrup vs. Raspberry Liqueur: While raspberry syrup is the traditional ingredient for the Clover Club, you can also use raspberry liqueur (such as Chambord) if you prefer a slightly stronger, more robust raspberry flavor.
  • Egg White: The egg white is crucial for giving the Clover Club its smooth texture and foamy head. If you're concerned about using raw egg, you can opt for pasteurized egg whites or egg white powder.
  • Gin Selection: Choose a gin with a botanical profile that complements the berry and citrus notes of the drink. A London dry gin is the most common choice, but gins with floral or citrus notes can add an extra layer of complexity to the Clover Club.

Curious Facts About the Clover Club Cocktail

  • A Club Cocktail: The Clover Club Cocktail shares its name with the exclusive social club in Philadelphia, where it was originally served. The club’s members, who were known for their refined tastes, are said to have enjoyed it as their signature drink.
  • The Revival of the Clover Club: After falling out of favor in the mid-20th century, the Clover Club was rediscovered during the cocktail renaissance of the 2000s. Bartenders began reintroducing classic drinks, and the Clover Club quickly regained popularity for its refreshing taste and visual appeal.
  • A Visual Treat: The frothy top of the Clover Club, created by the egg white, gives the cocktail an elegant, almost creamy appearance. The bright pink hue, thanks to the raspberry syrup, makes it a striking drink that garners attention wherever it’s served.

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