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Gin CocktailsMedium

Clover Club

A pre-Prohibition Philadelphia classic with gin, raspberry syrup, lemon, and a silky egg white foam.

The Clover Club stands as one of America's most elegant pre-Prohibition cocktails, a ruby-red gem that once graced the tables of Philadelphia's most exclusive gentlemen's club. This sophisticated sipper combines the botanical complexity of gin with the vibrant tartness of fresh raspberries and lemon, all crowned with a luxuriously silky egg white foam that transforms each sip into pure velvet. Far from being just another pretty pink drink, the Clover Club represents the pinnacle of early American cocktail craft—a testament to the era when bartenders were true artisans who understood that beauty and flavor could dance together in perfect harmony.

5 min
4 oz
🥃Coupe
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Clover Club cocktail served in a Coupe

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Fresh raspberries

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a shaker without ice and dry shake vigorously.

  2. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.

  3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

  4. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Flavor Profile

FruityTartSilkyRefreshing

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Fine Mesh Strainer

Fine Mesh Strainer

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Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

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Coupe Glass Set

Coupe Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use fresh egg whites at room temperature for the best foam—cold eggs won't emulsify as effectively, and older eggs create weaker foams that dissipate quickly.

  • 2

    Make your own raspberry syrup by gently simmering equal parts fresh raspberries, sugar, and water for 10 minutes, then strain—it's infinitely superior to artificial syrups and adds genuine fruit complexity.

  • 3

    The dry shake is crucial: shake without ice first for at least 15 seconds to properly emulsify the egg white, then add ice and shake vigorously again to chill and dilute.

  • 4

    Double strain through both a Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh strainer to remove any pulp or ice chips that could mar the cocktail's silky texture and pristine appearance.

  • 5

    Choose a London Dry gin with pronounced juniper character—the botanical backbone needs to stand up to the fruit without being overwhelmed by the raspberry's natural sweetness.

📜 History & Origin

The Clover Club cocktail was born in the gilded halls of Philadelphia's prestigious Clover Club, a pre-Prohibition gentlemen's establishment that counted lawyers, writers, and businessmen among its membership from the 1880s through the 1920s. The club's bartender created this signature drink to embody the sophistication and refinement of its clientele, crafting what would become one of America's first truly celebrated cocktails. The drink gained national recognition when it was featured in numerous cocktail books of the era, including Jacques Straub's 1914 'Drinks' and subsequent publications. However, like many egg white cocktails, the Clover Club fell from grace during the mid-20th century as tastes shifted toward simpler serves. The cocktail experienced a renaissance in the early 2000s craft cocktail revival, with bartenders rediscovering its perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and texture. Today, the Clover Club has reclaimed its position as a modern classic, celebrated for its Instagram-worthy pink hue and sophisticated flavor profile that bridges the gap between historical significance and contemporary appeal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Clover Club taste like?

The Clover Club has a fruity, tart, silky, refreshing flavor profile. A pre-Prohibition Philadelphia classic with gin, raspberry syrup, lemon, and a silky egg white foam.

What ingredients do I need for a Clover Club?

A Clover Club requires 5 ingredients: Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Raspberry Syrup, Egg White, Fresh Raspberries.

How long does it take to make a Clover Club?

A Clover Club takes about 5 minutes to prepare and is considered medium difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Clover Club?

A Clover Club is traditionally served in a Coupe, garnished with Fresh raspberries.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Clover Club?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Clover Club by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Clover Club?

The Clover Club cocktail was born in the gilded halls of Philadelphia's prestigious Clover Club, a pre-Prohibition gentlemen's establishment that counted lawyers, writers, and businessmen among its membership from the 1880s through the 1920s. The club's bartender created this signature drink to embody the sophistication and refinement of its clientele, crafting what would become one of America's first truly celebrated cocktails. The drink gained national recognition when it was featured in numerous cocktail books of the era, including Jacques Straub's 1914 'Drinks' and subsequent publications. However, like many egg white cocktails, the Clover Club fell from grace during the mid-20th century as tastes shifted toward simpler serves. The cocktail experienced a renaissance in the early 2000s craft cocktail revival, with bartenders rediscovering its perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and texture. Today, the Clover Club has reclaimed its position as a modern classic, celebrated for its Instagram-worthy pink hue and sophisticated flavor profile that bridges the gap between historical significance and contemporary appeal.