Clover Club Cocktail: A Classic and Elegant Raspberry Delight

The Clover Club is a classic cocktail that exudes sophistication with its stunning pink hue and rich, velvety texture. This gin-based cocktail is made with fresh raspberries (or raspberry syrup), lemon juice, and egg white, creating a smooth and frothy drink with a delicate balance of tartness and sweetness. Its name comes from the Clover Club, a prestigious men’s club in Philadelphia in the late 19th century, where the cocktail was originally served.

With its vibrant color, silky foam, and delightful flavor profile, the Clover Club is perfect for those who enjoy fruity and refreshing cocktails with a touch of elegance. It’s an ideal drink for special occasions or simply when you want to indulge in something classic and refined.

Quick Facts: Clover Club Cocktail

Method: Shaken
Flavor profile: Tart, fruity, smooth
How to serve it: Straight up (without ice)
Glassware: Coupe or martini glass
Alcohol content: ~ 14-16% ABV, depending on the gin

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Ingredients

The Clover Club is a cocktail that relies on fresh ingredients and a well-balanced combination of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz Gin (A floral or citrus-forward gin like Hendrick’s or Tanqueray works well)
• ¾ oz Fresh lemon juice (Freshly squeezed for brightness and tartness)
• ½ oz Raspberry syrup or 5-6 Fresh raspberries (For sweetness and fruity flavor)
• ½ oz Simple syrup (To balance the tartness of the lemon juice)
• 1 Egg white (For a silky, frothy texture)
• Ice (For shaking)
• Fresh raspberries or lemon twist (For garnish)

Ingredient Notes:
Using a high-quality gin is key, as it serves as the backbone of the cocktail. The fresh lemon juice provides acidity that balances the sweetness of the raspberry syrup, while the egg white adds a creamy, luxurious foam. If using fresh raspberries, muddle them to release their juice before mixing. Raspberry syrup is more traditional and offers a consistent sweetness, but fresh berries provide a fresher, more vibrant flavor.

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Equipment Needed

To make the Clover Club, you’ll need a few essential bar tools to ensure the cocktail is properly mixed and frothy:

• Shaker: For combining the ingredients and chilling the cocktail.
• Jigger: For accurate measurements of the gin, lemon juice, and syrups.
• Fine mesh strainer: If using fresh raspberries, this will help strain out the seeds.
• Citrus press or reamer: To extract fresh lemon juice.
• Coupe or martini glass: The wide rim allows the foam to settle beautifully and enhances the drink’s presentation.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

The Clover Club is known for its frothy texture and beautiful presentation. Follow these steps for a perfectly balanced cocktail:

1. Chill the glass: Place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer to chill while you prepare the cocktail. This keeps the drink cold and enhances its presentation.
2. Muddle the raspberries (if using fresh): If you’re using fresh raspberries instead of syrup, add 5-6 raspberries to the shaker and muddle them thoroughly to release their juice.
3. Add the ingredients: Pour 2 oz gin, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice, ½ oz raspberry syrup (or muddled raspberries), ½ oz simple syrup, and 1 egg white into the shaker.
4. Dry shake: Shake the ingredients without ice for about 10-15 seconds. This helps emulsify the egg white, creating a rich, frothy texture.
5. Shake with ice: Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 15-20 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled and frothy.
6. Strain into the glass: Double strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe or martini glass to remove any raspberry seeds and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
7. Garnish and serve: Garnish with a few fresh raspberries or a lemon twist for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the light, airy texture and balanced flavors of the Clover Club.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Clover Club is a beautifully balanced cocktail with a silky mouthfeel and vibrant flavors. The gin provides a botanical base, with the juniper and citrus notes complementing the tartness of the fresh lemon juice. The raspberry syrup or fresh raspberries add a layer of sweetness and fruitiness, while the egg white creates a rich, creamy texture that coats the palate.

Each sip starts with the bright, tart flavor of lemon, followed by the sweet and fruity raspberry notes. The gin’s botanicals provide depth, and the smooth, frothy texture adds a luxurious finish. The balance of tart, sweet, and botanical makes the Clover Club a refreshing and elegant cocktail with a sophisticated edge.

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Garnishing and Presentation

The Clover Club is as visually stunning as it is delicious, with its pale pink hue and creamy foam topping. The classic garnish is a few fresh raspberries or a lemon twist placed on the rim of the glass or floating delicately on top of the foam. This not only enhances the drink’s appearance but also adds a pop of flavor with each sip.

Serve the cocktail in a chilled coupe or martini glass to highlight its silky foam and rich texture. The wide rim of the glass allows the foam to settle beautifully, making the cocktail look luxurious and inviting. For an extra touch, consider dusting a bit of powdered sugar or adding an edible flower for a more sophisticated presentation.

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Pairing Suggestions

The Clover Club is a light and fruity cocktail that pairs well with a variety of dishes, particularly those with bright, fresh flavors. Here are a few pairing ideas to complement the cocktail’s sweet and tart profile:

• Light salads: A simple green salad with berries, goat cheese, and a citrus vinaigrette would echo the fruity and tart notes of the Clover Club.
• Seafood: Grilled shrimp, ceviche, or smoked salmon work well with the cocktail’s refreshing acidity and sweet raspberry flavor.
• Cheese boards: Creamy cheeses like brie or camembert pair beautifully with the sweet and fruity notes of the drink, while the cocktail’s acidity balances the richness of the cheese.
• Citrus desserts: A lemon tart, raspberry sorbet, or a light citrus mousse would complement the bright, fruity flavors of the Clover Club, creating a harmonious end to a meal.

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Clover Club dates back to the late 19th century, named after the Clover Club, a prestigious men’s club in Philadelphia that attracted lawyers, bankers, and writers. The cocktail became a favorite among the club’s members and soon spread to other high-society bars and lounges.

However, the Clover Club fell out of favor for several decades, overshadowed by other gin-based cocktails. It wasn’t until the modern craft cocktail movement in the early 2000s that the Clover Club was revived and reintroduced to a new generation of cocktail lovers. Today, it’s celebrated for its balance of flavor and elegant presentation, making it a staple in bars and restaurants around the world.

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Serving Suggestions

The Clover Club is an ideal cocktail for special occasions, brunches, or any time you want to impress guests with a beautiful and sophisticated drink. Its light, refreshing profile makes it perfect for outdoor gatherings, while its luxurious foam and pink color add a touch of glamour to any event.

For larger gatherings, you can pre-mix the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and simple syrup, then shake individual servings with egg white and ice to order. This ensures each drink is fresh and frothy, while also allowing you to serve multiple guests quickly.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

The Clover Club has an ABV of around 14-16%, making it a relatively light cocktail compared to stronger gin-based drinks like martinis. The balance of citrus, raspberry, and froth keeps the alcohol content moderate, allowing you to enjoy the cocktail without it being too strong.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of gin and increase the lemon juice slightly, or add a splash of soda water for a spritz-like version. For a non-alcoholic alternative, use a botanical, alcohol-free spirit in place of the gin and combine it with fresh lemon juice and raspberry syrup for a refreshing mocktail.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen raspberries can be used in place of fresh ones. Just thaw them before muddling to release the juices.

Is the egg white necessary?
The egg white is what gives the Clover Club its silky, frothy texture, but if you prefer to omit it, you can. The drink will still be delicious, but it won’t have the same rich mouthfeel.

Can I use store-bought raspberry syrup?
Yes, store-bought raspberry syrup works well in this cocktail. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand without artificial flavors or excessive sweetness.

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Conclusion

The Clover Club is a cocktail that embodies elegance, balance, and flavor. With its fruity, tart, and frothy texture, it’s a timeless classic that has been revived for modern-day cocktail enthusiasts. Whether you’re serving it at a special event or enjoying it on a quiet evening, the Clover Club is a cocktail that’s sure to impress with both its beauty and taste.