Gin Lovers, Meet the Clover Club Cocktail

Clover Club Recipe

Ready to channel your inner mixologist? Here’s what you’ll need and how to make it happen:

Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz raspberry syrup (see below for how to make it!)
• 1 egg white
• Garnish: 3 raspberries

Directions

1. Combine the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white in a shaker. No ice yet – we’re starting with a dry shake (see the section below for why this matters).
2. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. Imagine you’re trying to whip cream by hand.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until thoroughly chilled, about 30 seconds. Feel the shaker get frosty in your hands – that’s your cue.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, letting the gorgeous foam settle at the top.
5. Garnish with three raspberries skewered on a fancy toothpick (or whatever you have handy).

And voilà! You’ve got yourself a Clover Club that would make any bartender jealous.

Clover Club Cocktail

Yield: 1 Drink

Prep Time: 5 minutes

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Ingredients

• 2 oz gin
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz raspberry syrup*
• 1 egg white
• Garnish: 3 raspberries

Instructions

1. Combine the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled (about 30 seconds).
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Garnish with three raspberries on a skewer.

Notes

*Raspberry Syrup: Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a pot. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Lower the heat, toss in 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries, and mash them into a pulp. Strain through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. For longer shelf life, you can add 1/2 oz of vodka. Store in a jar and refrigerate until needed.

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A Brief History: The Clover Club’s Glamorous Roots

The Clover Club isn’t just a drink – it’s a piece of history. Born in pre-Prohibition America, this cocktail was the signature sip of an exclusive men’s club in Philadelphia called (you guessed it) the Clover Club. These distinguished gentlemen gathered at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel to talk business, politics, and whatever else rich dudes chatted about back in the day – all while enjoying their namesake drink.

Known for its frothy top and elegant flavor profile, the Clover Club stood out even during an era of elaborate cocktails. It was sophisticated yet approachable, making it a favorite that’s stood the test of time. Sure, Prohibition knocked it out of the spotlight for a while, but this pretty pink gem has made a triumphant comeback – and rightfully so.

And, fun fact, the OG version of the Cosmopolitan was basically a Clover Club with a different name.

How to Whip Up Raspberry Syrup (AKA the Secret Sauce)

Raspberry syrup is what makes this cocktail sing, so don’t skip it. Store-bought is fine if you’re in a pinch, but homemade? Game-changer. Plus, it’s so easy your dog could make it. (Not really. Please don’t give your dog sugar.)

Here’s the scoop:

1. Toss 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water into a pot. Heat it over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves like your willpower around French fries.
2. Lower the heat and add 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries. Mash them into oblivion with a fork or potato masher. It’s therapeutic, really.
3. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, then strain it through a fine sieve. Goodbye seeds, hello smooth raspberry heaven.
4. Bonus tip: Add 1/2 ounce of vodka to the syrup before storing it in a jar. It’ll last longer in the fridge (up to two weeks) and make you feel like a syrup-making pro.

Shaking Secrets: How to Nail That Frothy Top

If you’ve ever marveled at the fluffy foam on a Clover Club, here’s the trick: the dry shake. Actually, make that the reverse dry shake. Yes, there’s a difference. No, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

The Dry Shake: Start by shaking all your ingredients without ice. This emulsifies the egg white and gives you that Instagram-worthy foam.

The Reverse Dry Shake: This is for overachievers (a.k.a. you). Shake everything with ice first, strain out the ice, then shake again without it. The result? Foam so thick you could write your name in it. Probably.

Related: Want another classic sour? This whiskey sour will make you feel fancy AF

How To Make the Clover Club Without Egg White

Not into eggs in your drinks? No judgment. Maybe you’re vegan, or maybe the idea of drinking raw egg freaks you out.

Either way, aquafaba is your friend.

Yes, the liquid from a can of chickpeas.

It sounds weird, but trust me – it works. Use about 1/2 ounce in place of the egg white, and follow the same shaking process. You’ll get that luscious foam without a single cluck involved.

Clover Club FAQs

Can I use store-bought raspberry syrup? Of course! While homemade syrup is the gold standard, store-bought will do in a pinch. Just make sure it’s high-quality and not overly sweet.

What’s the best gin for this cocktail? A London dry gin works beautifully here. Think Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire. But if you want to get fancy, try something with floral notes like Hendrick’s. Looking for a budget option? This one is what I use in my bar.

What if I hate gin? First of all, how dare you? Kidding. You can swap it out for vodka, but know that it’ll lose some of its botanical charm.

Can I batch this for a party? Totally. Just skip the egg white (foam doesn’t batch well) and serve it on the rocks with a splash of soda water for some fizz.

Over to you

There you have it – the Clover Club in all its frothy glory. It’s not just a cocktail; it’s a vibe. Whether you’re impressing guests at a dinner party or treating yourself on a Tuesday (because self-care), this drink delivers every time.

Cheers to your new favorite cocktail! Let me know how yours turns out – or better yet, invite me over to taste-test.