A Clover Club cocktail is a shaken cocktail consisting of gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white. The egg white acts as an emulsifier, forming the drink's characteristic foamy head.The Clover Club cocktail is a classic that every bartender should have in their repertoire. It's a unique drink because it blends gin with the sweet taste of raspberry syrup, resulting in a delicious and delightful beverage.
As per "The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book," the drink was first created at the Bellevue-Stratford bar in Philadelphia, which was a popular hangout spot for the literary, legal, financial, and business elite of the Quaker City in the late 1800s.
Nowadays, grenadine is commonly used instead of raspberry syrup. However, Gary "Gaz" Regan recommends raspberry syrup in "The Joy of Mixology" because "without it, this drink isn't much to talk about." You'll likely agree if you compare Clover Clubs made with the two ingredients.
The addition of egg white is another essential component of the drink. It creates a luxurious foam that adds the perfect finishing touch to the cocktail.
Clover Club
The Clover Club cocktail has a rich history in Philadelphia, but like many drinks from its time, it was forgotten for most of the 1900s. However, it made a comeback with the help of modern cocktail books and the opening of a Brooklyn bar named after the classic drink. To make a great Clover Club, it's recommended to use a good quality London dry gin that complements the tart fruit and silky body of the cocktail. Although egg white is optional, it's essential for adding texture and creating a foamy head when shaken and strained. Raspberry syrup is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, but if you're short on time, you can muddle fresh raspberries with simple syrup in the shaker to get a similar result.
Are there other versions of the Clover Club?
Are there any other variations of the Clover Club cocktail? The recipe has been featured in various publications, with each one having its own twist on the original. Some include lime juice, vermouth, and even mint. However, all versions use gin and either fresh raspberries or a raspberry syrup to give it a fruity flavor.
What Ingredients are Needed for the Clover Club?
1 Egg White,
1/4 oz Raspberry Syrup (or Grenadine),
1½ oz Gin,
3/4 oz Lemon Juice
How to make a Clover Club cocktail (basic steps)
Dry shake: Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 15 seconds without ice.
Shake: Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake again for 30 seconds.
Strain: Strain into a glass and garnish.
What’s a dry shake?
Bartenders have added egg whites to cocktails since the 1860’s. Why? They add a frothy texture to each sip, and a creamy rich flavor.
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