Introduction to the Royal Clover Club
Welcome to the world of the Royal Clover Club, a cocktail that exudes sophistication and a touch of royalty. This drink is a variation of the classic Clover Club, enhanced with the luxurious addition of Champagne. It’s a perfect blend of tart and sweet, with a creamy texture that’s sure to delight.
The Royal Clover Club is not just a drink; it’s an experience. The combination of gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white creates a symphony of flavors that are both bold and nuanced. The final flourish of Champagne adds a celebratory note, making this cocktail perfect for special occasions.
Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or a curious newcomer, the Royal Clover Club is a must-try. Its balance of flavors and elegant presentation make it a timeless choice for any gathering. Let’s dive into the details that make this cocktail a royal treat.
Key Facts About the Royal Clover Club
- Alcohol Volume: Approximately 20% ABV
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
- Glass Type: Chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish: Fresh raspberries
Interesting Facts about the Royal Clover Club
The Royal Clover Club is a twist on a pre-Prohibition era classic, bringing a touch of modern luxury with its Champagne topper. The cocktail’s name itself suggests a blend of nobility and tradition, hinting at its rich history. The use of egg white is a nod to vintage mixology, creating a silky foam that adds texture and visual appeal.
Tasting Notes for the Royal Clover Club
The Royal Clover Club is a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and botanical flavors. The gin provides a juniper-forward base, while the raspberry syrup adds a fruity sweetness. The lemon juice cuts through with a refreshing acidity, and the egg white rounds out the drink with a velvety mouthfeel.
This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a balance of fruit and spirit. It’s ideal for celebrations, romantic evenings, or as a sophisticated starter to a fine dining experience. The Royal Clover Club is a versatile cocktail that can suit a variety of palates and occasions.
History of the Royal Clover Club
The Clover Club cocktail dates back to the early 1900s, named after the Philadelphia men’s club of the same name. It was a favorite among the social elite and business professionals of the time. The Royal Clover Club builds on this storied past by adding Champagne, elevating the drink to new heights of elegance.
The resurgence of classic cocktails has brought the Clover Club back into the spotlight, and the Royal variant is a testament to the modern mixologist’s creativity. It’s a drink that respects its roots while embracing the flair of contemporary cocktail culture.
Royal Clover Club Ingredients
- Gin (2 oz): The backbone of the cocktail, providing a complex botanical profile.
- Lemon Juice (0.5 oz): Adds a bright, citrusy tang that balances the sweetness.
- Raspberry Syrup (0.5 oz): Offers a rich, fruity flavor and a beautiful color.
- Egg White (1 oz): Creates a smooth, frothy texture and a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Champagne (2 oz): Introduces effervescence and a touch of sophistication.
- Fresh raspberries: A visually appealing garnish that complements the drink’s flavors.
Did you know? The Clover Club was a favorite of pre-Prohibition lawyers and journalists, symbolizing camaraderie and conversation.
Royal Clover Club Method
Preparation
Begin by combining gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white in a shaker. Shake without ice to emulsify the egg white, creating a smooth texture. Then, add ice and shake again until the mixture is well-chilled.
Straining and Serving
Strain the chilled mixture into a cocktail glass, taking care to create a clean pour. Top the drink with Champagne, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles. The final step is to garnish with fresh raspberries, adding a pop of color and a hint of fruitiness.
Serving Suggestion for the Royal Clover Club
The Royal Clover Club is best served in a chilled cocktail glass, which helps maintain the temperature and effervescence of the drink. The wide mouth of the glass also allows the aromas to reach the nose, enhancing the tasting experience.
Garnishing with fresh raspberries not only adds visual appeal but also introduces a fresh element that echoes the raspberry syrup in the drink. It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate the presentation.
Elevating the Royal Clover Club
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Select a premium gin and fresh, artisanal raspberry syrup for the best flavor.
- Chill Your Glass: A chilled glass keeps the cocktail cool and refreshing from the first sip to the last.
- Master the Shake: A vigorous shake without ice, followed by a second shake with ice, ensures a perfect emulsion and chill.
For an extra touch of elegance, consider using a fine mesh strainer when pouring the cocktail to achieve a smoother texture. Additionally, the choice of Champagne can greatly influence the drink’s character; opt for a brut variety to complement the cocktail’s sweetness.
Substitutions and Alternatives for the Royal Clover Club
If you’re missing an ingredient or prefer a different taste profile, there are several substitutions you can make. Non-alcoholic spirits can replace gin for a sober version, and sparkling wine or soda water can stand in for Champagne.
Similar cocktails that share the spirit of the Royal Clover Club include the French 75 and the Raspberry Fizz. These drinks also combine the brightness of citrus with the effervescence of sparkling wine.
Add a Twist to the Royal Clover Club
Experiment with different fruit syrups, such as blackberry or strawberry, to add a new dimension to the cocktail. Infusing the gin with herbs like rosemary or basil can introduce an aromatic twist. For a festive variation, add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral note.
Preferred Liquors for the Royal Clover Club
For the Royal Clover Club, a London Dry Gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray is a classic choice that provides a clean, juniper-forward base. When it comes to Champagne, a dry brut like Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot ensures the cocktail remains balanced and not overly sweet.
Similar Cocktails to the Royal Clover Club
If you enjoy the Royal Clover Club, you might also like the Aviation, which features gin and lemon juice with the addition of maraschino liqueur and crème de violette. The Bramble is another gin-based cocktail that incorporates fresh lemon juice and berry flavors.
Food Pairings to Go with the Royal Clover Club
Classic canapés like smoked salmon blinis or mini quiches pair beautifully with the Royal Clover Club. For a more adventurous pairing, try spicy Thai spring rolls or savory goat cheese tartlets to contrast the cocktail’s sweetness.
Royal Clover Club FAQs
Can I make the Royal Clover Club without egg white? Yes, you can omit the egg white, but you’ll lose the creamy texture it provides. An alternative is to use aquafaba for a vegan option.
What can I use instead of raspberry syrup? If you don’t have raspberry syrup, you can muddle fresh raspberries with simple syrup as a substitute.
Is there a specific Champagne I should use? A dry brut Champagne is recommended to balance the cocktail’s sweetness, but any good-quality sparkling wine can work in a pinch.
Royal Clover Club
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
- chilled cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin 60 ml
- 0.5 oz Lemon Juice 15 ml
- 0.5 oz Raspberry Syrup 15 ml
- 1 unit Egg White about 30 ml or 1 oz
- 2 oz Champagne 60 ml
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white.
- Shake vigorously without ice for about 10 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Top with Champagne, pouring it gently to maintain its effervescence.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries.