Club Special Cocktail Recipe
Club Special Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:10g
Alcohol:12%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Club Special cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first created at the prestigious country clubs, where it quickly gained popularity among the elite members. The cocktail is known for its refreshing taste and elegant presentation, making it a favorite choice for social gatherings and special occasions.
- Originated in the early 20th century
- Popular among country club members
- Perfect for social gatherings and special occasions
How Club Special Tastes?
The Club Special cocktail has a refreshing and well-balanced taste, with a combination of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. It is light and easy to drink, making it perfect for warm weather and outdoor events.
Interesting facts about Club Special
- The Club Special is often served in a Collins glass, which is tall and narrow, allowing the drink to stay cold and refreshing for longer periods of time.
- The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a lemon wheel and a cherry, adding a touch of color and elegance to the presentation.
- The Club Special is a versatile drink that can be easily customized by adding different fruit juices or flavored liqueurs.
Ingredients
- Gin: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Club soda: 2 oz(60ml)
- Garnish: Lemon Wheel
- Cherry:
A few good options for Club Special are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
Gin is the spirit base of our cocktail, providing a botanical background that's essential for depth of flavor. Opt for 1.5oz—no more, no less—to ensure the perfect balance between strength and subtlety.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed please, 0.75oz of lemon juice gives the drink its zesty kick. Too little and the cocktail becomes flat, too much and it's a sour face contest.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
Just a half ounce to sweeten the deal! Simple syrup rounds out the sharp edges of the lemon and gin. Without it, you might pucker up more than you'd like.
Emma Rose
Club Soda
The bubbly personality of our drink! Club soda, 2oz of it, adds fizz and dilution, making the drink refreshingly sippable. No soda? No sparkles.
Mary Mitkina
Garnish
A lemon wheel and a cherry are the icing on the cake, adding a pop of color and a hint of aroma to tantalize your senses before you take that first sip.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Club Special Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice
- Top with club soda
- Gently stir to combine
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
- Add the club soda last to maintain its fizziness.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
Grilled shrimp or oysters would complement the bright, citrusy notes of the Club Special cocktail.
Light Appetizers
Crudité platters and bruschetta make for delightful pre-dinner snacks alongside this refreshing drink.
Salads
A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing meshes well with the cocktail's crispness.
Sushi
The clean flavors of sushi and sashimi enhance and are enhanced by the Club Special's zesty lemon profile.
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What you could change in Club Special
- Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a milder flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used for a different citrus twist.
- Simple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Cucumber Club Special
Swap gin for cucumber-infused gin and add a thin slice of cucumber to the garnish. It should give a garden-fresh twist to the cocktail, great for those who like their drinks with a hint of spa-like relaxation.
Ingredients: Cucumber-infused gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, lemon wheel, cherry, cucumber slice.
Spicy Club Special
Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker before shaking. This will introduce a spicy kick to the drink, offering a contrast that's perfect for heat seekers.
Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, lemon wheel, cherry, jalapeño slice.
Berry Club Special
Muddle a few raspberries or blackberries with the simple syrup before shaking. This will bring a fruity sweetness to the cocktail, making it more of a berry delight.
Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, berry-infused simple syrup, club soda, lemon wheel, cherry, fresh berries.
In case you forgot basics how to make Club Special
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Club Special
What is the best type of gin to use for a Club Special?
The choice of gin can impact the flavor of the Club Special. A classic London dry gin is a good choice, but feel free to experiment with different brands and types to find the flavor profile you enjoy the most.
I don't have a Collins glass, can I use something else?
Yes, you can use any tall glass you have on hand. The most important thing is that the glass allows enough room for the drink and the ice.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Club Special?
Yes, you can substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or simply leave it out. Remember to balance the flavors with the other ingredients.
What is the origin of the name Club Special?
The Club Special cocktail is believed to have earned its name because it was a special recipe prepared at elite country clubs in the early 20th century.
How can I make my own simple syrup?
You can make simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, bring the mixture to a boil, and stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved. Allow it to cool before use.
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