Clover Club Cocktail Recipe

The Clover Club cocktail has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. It was named after the Clover Club, a group of influential men who met at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. This classic cocktail was popular during the pre-Prohibition era and has experienced a resurgence in recent years.

• The Clover Club was known for its lively discussions, fine food, and excellent drinks
• The cocktail was created to represent the sophistication and elegance of the club
• It is said to be a favorite of both men and women, making it a versatile choice for any occasion

The Clover Club cocktail has a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The raspberry syrup adds a touch of sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a refreshing tang. The gin imparts a subtle herbal note, and the egg white creates a smooth, frothy texture.

• The Clover Club cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'prettier' version of the classic gin sour
• It was featured in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, solidifying its place in cocktail history
• The original recipe called for grenadine, but modern versions often use raspberry syrup for a more authentic fruit flavor

1. Combine the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker
2. Perform a 'dry shake' without ice to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously until well-chilled
4. Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass
5. Garnish with a few fresh raspberries or a lemon twist

• Dry Shake: This technique is essential for achieving the perfect frothy texture. Don't skip this step!
• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice and homemade raspberry syrup for the best flavor.
• Garnish: A few fresh raspberries or a lemon twist not only adds to the presentation but also enhances the flavor.

Food Pairings

Cheese Boards: The Clover Club's tangy and fruity notes pair beautifully with soft cheese like Brie or Camembert. The smoothness of the cheese complements the cocktail's texture, whereas its creaminess contrasts with the drink's acidity.

Seafood Dishes: The cocktail's crisp, bright flavor profile cuts through the richness of seafood. Think crab cakes or shrimp cocktails for an elegant appetizer pairing. The lemon juice in the Clover Club brings out the seafood's fresh flavors.

Snack Pairings

Mixed Nuts: The cocktail's slight nutty undertones from the gin harmonize with almonds, cashews, or pecans. The balance of savory and sweet plays well alongside the drink's complexity.

Dark Chocolate: A piece of high-quality dark chocolate can accent the berry flavors in the raspberry syrup and add a different kind of sweetness to the palate.

Drink Pairings

Sparkling Water: A simple glass of carbonated water between sips can cleanse the palate and enhance the Clover Club's refreshing qualities.

Dry Champagne: If you're feeling festive, a dry Champagne can be a great companion to the Clover Club, linking effervescence with the cocktail's own liveliness.

• Gin: If you're not a fan of gin, vodka can be a good substitute.
• Raspberry Syrup: If you don't have raspberry syrup, you can use grenadine or a simple syrup with muddled raspberries.
• Egg White: If you're vegan or allergic to eggs, you can use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a substitute.

Berry Boulevardier

Replace gin with bourbon, and use a berry-infused sweet vermouth instead of raspberry syrup. You'll end up with a Berry Boulevardier – a cocktail that strolls down the sweeter side of the street, with a bourbon backbone and an autumnal berry twist.

Peachy Club

Substitute raspberry syrup with peach syrup and add a dash of orange bitters. The Peachy Club takes you to a summer orchard, delivering a softer sweetness and a chorus of cheers from a slightly varied citrus section.

Clover Thyme

Add a sprig of thyme to the shaker and replace lemon juice with lime juice. The Clover Thyme is a herbal handshake between tradition and modernity, with a lime twist winking at you from behind the greenery.