Clover Club Cocktail Recipe

The Clover Club cocktail recipe has a history as rich as its flavor. It first made waves at Philadelphia’s Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in the early 1900s, becoming a go-to drink for the city’s elite. We love how this pink gin-based cocktail stood out with its smooth, velvety texture and bright, refreshing taste.

Back in its heyday, the Clover Club cocktail recipe was a pre-Prohibition favorite. With a mix of gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white, it had the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. But after Prohibition, it fell off the radar. Esquire even called it one of the worst drinks of the 1930s.

Thankfully, the cocktail revival of the 2000s brought it back to life. When Julie Reiner opened the Clover Club bar in Brooklyn in 2008, it helped reintroduce this stunning drink to a whole new generation. Now, we can all enjoy its silky smoothness and vibrant pink hue once again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a great Clover Club cocktail isn’t just in the technique. It all comes down to the ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing out the drink’s smooth, refreshing, and slightly tart flavor. Let’s break it down so we can mix up the perfect batch.

Gin

A good London Dry Gin is our top pick for the Clover Club cocktail. Its crisp, botanical notes balance beautifully with the raspberry and citrus flavors. Beefeater and Plymouth are solid choices, but feel free to experiment.

If we want to switch things up, a more floral gin can add a unique twist. It might change the classic profile a bit, but sometimes that is part of the fun. No matter what, it is always best to choose a gin we actually enjoy since it is the backbone of the cocktail.

Raspberry Syrup

For the best flavor, homemade raspberry syrup is the way to go. It brings a bright, natural sweetness that store-bought versions just cannot match. Plus, making it is easier than it sounds. We just need equal parts sugar and water with fresh raspberries. Simmer and strain. That is it.

If we are short on time, store-bought syrup works fine. Raspberry liqueur like Chambord can also add a deeper, richer flavor. If nothing else is available, grenadine can step in, though it does not quite have the same fresh raspberry taste.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice gives the Clover Club cocktail the perfect amount of tartness to balance the sweetness of the syrup. Bottled juice just does not have that same bright, zesty punch.

Squeezing lemons takes a little extra effort, but the flavor makes it completely worth it.

Egg White

Egg white gives this cocktail its signature silky texture and frothy top. It does not change the flavor but adds that smooth mouthfeel that makes the Clover Club cocktail so special.

If raw egg is not an option, aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, works just as well. It foams up the same way and keeps the texture just right.

A good shake is the key to getting that perfect layer of foam. The harder we shake, the better the results.

How to Make a Clover Club Cocktail

Ready to mix up a classic Clover Club cocktail? This elegant pink drink is smooth, refreshing, and easier to make than it looks. Let’s walk through the steps so we can shake up a perfect batch together.

Gather the Ingredients

First, we need gin, fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and an egg white. These simple ingredients come together to create a cocktail that is tart, slightly sweet, and irresistibly smooth.

Shake Things Up

Now for the fun part. We use a two-step shaking technique to get that signature frothy texture.

We start with a dry shake, which means shaking everything without ice. This helps the egg white create a light, airy foam.

Next, we add ice and shake again. This second shake chills the drink and gives it that silky, smooth consistency we love.

Strain and Garnish

Once everything is well shaken, we strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. The result is a beautifully pink drink with a soft layer of foam on top.

For the finishing touch, we add a few fresh raspberries or a lemon twist. It is a simple garnish, but it makes the drink look even more stunning while adding a hint of fresh aroma.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t picture-perfect. With each shake, you’ll get closer to mastering this classic cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Clover Club cocktail?

The Clover Club gets its name from a gentlemen’s club in Philadelphia. This club met at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in the early 1900s.

The cocktail became a signature drink for the club’s members. It was popular before Prohibition but fell out of favor afterward.

In recent years, the Clover Club has made a comeback during the modern cocktail renaissance.

What does the Clover Club cocktail taste like?

The Clover Club offers a perfect balance of flavors. You’ll taste tart lemon juice, sweet raspberry syrup, and botanical gin.

The egg white gives it a silky texture and smooth, frothy mouthfeel. It’s similar to other gin cocktails like the Ramos Gin Fizz or Gin Sour.

How strong is a Clover Club cocktail?

A Clover Club typically has an alcohol content of 20-25% ABV. This can vary based on the gin used and how much it’s diluted.

It’s stronger than a Tom Collins but not as potent as a Martini. Shaking with ice helps dilute the alcohol a bit.

What’s the best gin for a Clover Club?

For a classic taste, we recommend using a London Dry Gin. Brands like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Plymouth work well.

If you want a more floral twist, try a botanical gin like Hendrick’s or The Botanist. Avoid gins that are too heavy on juniper.

Can I make a Clover Club without egg white?

Egg white is key for the Clover Club’s texture and foam. It gives the drink its silky finish.

If you prefer not to use egg, try aquafaba (chickpea water) as a vegan alternative.

Without egg white, you’ll get a lighter drink with more focus on the juice flavors.

Is it safe to consume raw egg whites in cocktails?

There’s a small risk of salmonella with raw eggs. Using pasteurized eggs can eliminate this concern.

We suggest using fresh, high-quality eggs and storing them properly. If you’re still worried, try aquafaba or skip the egg white.

Clover Club Cocktail Recipe

The Clover Club is a classic gin cocktail with a beautiful pink hue. It's tart, sweet, and frothy, with a velvety texture that's hard to resist. Let's break down how to make this delightful drink at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine mesh Strainer
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Coupe Glass

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz gin we recommend London Dry Gin like Beefeater
• 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz raspberry syrup
• 1 egg white
• Fresh raspberries or lemon peel twist for garnish

Instructions

 

• Add the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white to a shaker.
• Dry shake (without ice) for 10 to 15 seconds to whip up the egg white.
• Open the shaker, add ice, and shake again for another 10 to 15 seconds to chill and dilute the drink.
• Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
• Garnish with fresh raspberries or a lemon twist.

Notes

• Always use fresh ingredients. Fresh lemon juice makes a huge difference.
• Never skip the dry shake. It is the secret to a smooth, creamy foam.
• Pre-chill your coupe glass. A cold glass keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
• Fine-strain homemade raspberry syrup to avoid seeds in your cocktail.
• Get creative with presentation. A dropper of bitters can create a beautiful design on the foam for an extra fancy touch.

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