Clover Club

Introduction to the Clover Club Cocktail

The Clover Club is a timeless classic that has graced the menus of the world’s finest bars for over a century. With its delicate balance of tart and sweet, this cocktail is a testament to the sophistication of pre-Prohibition mixology. Its silky texture and alluring pink hue make it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.

Whether you’re a seasoned gin enthusiast or a newcomer to the cocktail scene, the Clover Club is a delightful experience. Its rich history and complex flavor profile are sure to engage your senses and leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into the world of this beloved cocktail and discover what makes it so special.

Key Facts About the Clover Club

• Alcohol Content: Approximately 14% ABV
• Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
• Preferred Glass: Chilled cocktail glass
• Typical Garnish: Fresh raspberries (optional)

Interesting Facts about the Clover Club

The Clover Club cocktail was a favorite among pre-Prohibition lawyers and businessmen, symbolizing elegance and sophistication. Its resurgence in modern cocktail culture is a nod to the timeless appeal of classic mixology. The inclusion of egg white, a hallmark of many vintage cocktails, creates a luxuriously frothy texture that distinguishes the Clover Club from its contemporaries.

Tasting Notes on the Clover Club

The Clover Club cocktail is a harmonious blend of sharp lemon and sweet raspberry flavors, underpinned by the botanical complexity of gin. Its smooth, frothy consistency adds a tactile pleasure to the drinking experience. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a drink with a balance of fruit and acidity.

It’s an ideal choice for celebratory occasions or as a sophisticated pre-dinner aperitif. The Clover Club’s versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make it a hit at gatherings, appealing to a wide range of palates.

History of the Clover Club

The Clover Club’s origins trace back to the late 1800s at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. It was named after the Clover Club, a select group of Philadelphia’s social elite. The cocktail quickly gained popularity, becoming a symbol of affluence and good taste.

Despite falling out of favor during the mid-20th century, the Clover Club experienced a revival with the resurgence of classic cocktails. Today, it stands as a testament to the art of cocktail crafting, embodying the elegance of its era with a modern appeal.

Clover Club Ingredients

• Gin (1 1/2 oz or 45 ml): Provides the botanical backbone of the cocktail.
• Lemon juice, freshly squeezed (1/2 oz or 15 ml): Adds a bright, acidic contrast to the sweetness of the syrup.
• Raspberry syrup (1/2 oz or 15 ml): Offers a sweet and fruity counterpoint to the gin and lemon.
• Egg white (about 1 oz or 30 ml): Creates the signature frothy texture.
• Ice cubes: Essential for chilling and diluting the cocktail to perfection.
• Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional): Enhances the visual appeal and adds a fresh burst of flavor.

Did you know? The Clover Club cocktail was once a staple at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, a beacon of luxury and high society.

Clover Club Method

Dry Shake

Begin by adding gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white into a shaker. Shake without ice (dry shake) to emulsify the egg white, creating a smooth texture.

Ice Shake

After the dry shake, fill the shaker with ice and shake again. This step chills the cocktail and adds the necessary dilution for a balanced taste.

Strain and Serve

Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass, ensuring a smooth pour. The fine mesh sieve (optional) can be used for an even silkier texture.

Serving Suggestion for the Clover Club

The Clover Club is traditionally served in a chilled cocktail glass to maintain its temperature and showcase its vibrant color. The wide brim of the glass also allows the aroma to enhance the sipping experience.

If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries. They not only add a pop of color but also complement the raspberry notes in the drink.

Elevating the Clover Club

• Use Premium Gin: Select a high-quality gin with a botanical profile that complements the raspberry and lemon flavors.
• Homemade Raspberry Syrup: For a more authentic taste, create your own raspberry syrup using fresh berries and sugar.
• Proper Chilling: Ensure the cocktail glass is well-chilled before serving to maintain the ideal temperature throughout the drinking experience.

Substitutions and Alternatives for the Clover Club

If you’re missing an ingredient or prefer a non-alcoholic version, consider these substitutions:

• Non-Alcoholic Spirit: Replace gin with a non-alcoholic alternative to enjoy a sober version of the Clover Club.
• Alternative Sweeteners: If raspberry syrup is unavailable, consider using grenadine or a simple syrup infused with fresh raspberries.

Similar cocktails include the French Martini and the Bramble, which share the Clover Club’s fruit-forward character.

Add a Twist to the Clover Club

Experiment with these variations to put a unique spin on the classic recipe:

• Herbal Infusions: Infuse the gin with herbs like rosemary or basil for an aromatic twist.
• Seasonal Berries: Use seasonal berries in place of raspberries for a cocktail that reflects the time of year.

Preferred Liquors for the Clover Club

For the best Clover Club experience, opt for gins like Beefeater or Tanqueray, which offer a balanced botanical profile. These brands have stood the test of time and complement the cocktail’s flavors exquisitely.

Similar Cocktails to the Clover Club

If you enjoy the Clover Club, you might also like:

• The Aviation: Another pre-Prohibition classic with a floral note from crème de violette.
• The Pink Lady: A gin-based cocktail that also features a frothy texture from egg white.

Food Pairings to Go with the Clover Club

The Clover Club pairs well with light appetizers such as smoked salmon canapés or goat cheese crostini. For a more adventurous pairing, try spicy Asian dishes to contrast the cocktail’s sweetness.

Clover Club FAQs

Can I make a Clover Club without egg white? Yes, you can omit the egg white, but you’ll lose the frothy texture that defines the cocktail.

Is there a vegan alternative to egg white? Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be used as a vegan substitute for egg white.

How can I make raspberry syrup at home? Combine equal parts sugar and water with fresh raspberries, simmer until the sugar dissolves, then strain.