Clover Club

Clover Club

Alessandro Scire Calabrisotto

The Clover Club is a pre-Prohibition classic that masterfully blends gin, fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white to create a silky, tart, and slightly sweet cocktail. This drink is known for its beautiful pink hue and luxurious texture, making it a favorite among both cocktail connoisseurs and newcomers alike. A symbol of elegance and refinement, the Clover Club remains a staple of classic cocktail bars worldwide.

History of the Clover Club Cocktail

The Clover Club cocktail dates back to the late 1800s and was named after an exclusive gentlemen’s club in Philadelphia. The Clover Club itself was a gathering place for lawyers, journalists, and business elites who met at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel to socialize and discuss the issues of the day. Among the club’s many indulgences was its signature cocktail, which became synonymous with sophistication and high society.

By the early 20th century, the Clover Club had made its way into cocktail books, first appearing in 1917 in The Ideal Bartender by Tom Bullock. The drink quickly gained popularity beyond Philadelphia, finding a place on bar menus across the country.

However, by the mid-20th century, the Clover Club fell out of favor as cocktail culture shifted toward simpler, more spirit-forward drinks. The rise of industrialized cocktail ingredients also meant that the drink’s fresh raspberry syrup was often replaced with artificial substitutes, diminishing its quality and appeal.

With the resurgence of craft cocktails in the 21st century, bartenders rediscovered the Clover Club and restored it to its former glory. Today, it is celebrated as a quintessential gin sour, beloved for its balance of tartness, sweetness, and creamy texture.

Recipe: How to Make a Clover Club Cocktail

The Clover Club is a simple yet refined cocktail that delivers a perfect balance of gin, citrus, and raspberry flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 60 ml (2 oz) London Dry Gin

  • 22.5 ml (0.75 oz) Fresh Lemon Juice

  • 22.5 ml (0.75 oz) Raspberry Syrup (or Grenadine)

  • 1 Egg White

  • Garnish: Fresh Raspberries or Lemon Twist

Instructions:

  1. Dry Shake: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice and shake vigorously to emulsify the egg white.

  2. Add Ice & Shake Again: Add ice to the shaker and shake for another 10-15 seconds.

  3. Strain: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

  4. Garnish: Garnish with fresh raspberries or a lemon twist for an elegant finish.

Tips for Perfection:

  • Use a high-quality gin such as Beefeater or Tanqueray to enhance the botanicals.

  • Shake without ice first (dry shake) to properly aerate the egg white, creating a silky foam.

  • Use fresh raspberry syrup instead of artificial grenadine for an authentic flavor.

Additional Recommendations

Variations:

  • Royal Clover Club: Top with sparkling wine for an effervescent twist.

  • Herbal Clover Club: Add a dash of orange bitters or muddle basil for a unique herbal note.

  • Strawberry Club: Substitute raspberry syrup with strawberry syrup for a different fruit-forward profile.

Pairings:

The Clover Club’s bright, citrusy, and creamy profile pairs well with a variety of foods. Try it with:

  • Cheese & Charcuterie: Complements creamy cheeses and savory cured meats.

  • Smoked Salmon: The acidity balances the richness of smoked fish.

  • Berry Desserts: Pairs beautifully with raspberry tarts or strawberry shortcake.

Presentation:

  • Serve in a chilled coupe glass for an elegant, vintage feel.

  • Ensure a thick foam layer by shaking vigorously before straining.

  • Garnish with fresh raspberries or a lemon twist for a refined touch.

Curiosity: A Fun Fact About the Clover Club Cocktail

The Clover Club was one of the earliest recorded cocktails to use egg white, a technique that adds a creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel. Today, egg white remains a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, but in the early 1900s, it was a sign of true mixology craftsmanship.

Sources

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