The Clover Club was originally popular among the elite in Philadelphia, especially at the Bellevue-Stratford hotel. This cocktail quickly became a favorite due to its smooth, frothy texture and tart flavor profile. Perfectly balancing gin and citrus, the Clover Club offers a refreshing yet complex taste.
Making this tangy cocktail at home is straightforward with the right ingredients. You shake gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white to frothy perfection. This cocktail’s vibrant history and unique taste make it a delightful addition to any home bar.
Equipment
To make a Clover Club, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing.
- Strainer: To strain the mixture into the glass.
- Measuring jigger: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Coupe glass: Traditional serving glass.
- Skewer: For garnishing with raspberries.
- Ice: Required for proper shaking and cooling.
These tools help you achieve the perfect mix and presentation for the Clover Club cocktail.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Clover Club:
- 2 oz gin
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz raspberry syrup
- 1 egg white
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
The gin provides the base, while lemon juice adds tanginess. Raspberry syrup gives it sweetness, and egg white creates a smooth, foamy texture.
Instructions
Follow these steps to craft your Clover Club:
- Add the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white into a cocktail shaker.
- Shake vigorously without ice for 15 seconds.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for at least 30 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a skewer of fresh raspberries.
Shaking twice maximizes the foam created by the egg white, enhancing the cocktail’s visual appeal and texture.
Tasting Notes
The Clover Club offers a delightful balance of fruity and tangy flavors. The initial sip presents the sweetness of raspberry and the tartness of lemon. The gin’s botanical notes emerge mid-drink, blending seamlessly. The egg white provides a creamy mouthfeel. Fresh raspberries garnish add a pleasant aroma and a bit of extra tartness as you sip.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy the Clover Club, consider trying these similar cocktails:
- Raspberry Collins: Gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and soda water.
- Aviation: Gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, and lemon juice.
- Gin Fizz: Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and soda water.
These cocktails offer variations in flavor profiles, while maintaining the refreshing qualities of gin-based drinks.
History
The Clover Club cocktail traces back to Philadelphia’s Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in the late 1800s. It was popular among members of the Clover Club, a social club for prominent figures like lawyers and writers. The drink eventually fell out of favor, but it has experienced a revival today with the resurgence of classic cocktails and remains a beloved choice for many.
Quick Pro Tips
Enhance your Clover Club with these tips:
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Chill your coupe glass before serving to keep the drink cold.
- If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a touch more raspberry syrup.
- Consider using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any ice shards.
- For added flair, freeze raspberries beforehand for garnish.
When to Serve
The Clover Club fits various occasions perfectly:
- Brunches: Its light and fruity nature is refreshing in the morning.
- Cocktail parties: Impress guests with a classic, elegant choice.
- Dinner parties: Serve as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate appetites.
This versatile drink’s tangy and fruity profile makes it suitable for a wide range of events and gatherings.
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