Classic Clover Club Cocktail Recipe with a Modern Twist
Article & Photos by: allie albanese
Creamy, fruity, and enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts for over a century, this modern-day twist on a classic Clover Club cocktail is sure to please even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur.
A couple of days ago I was scrolling through Instagram and came across a gorgeous photo that my friend posted of a Clover Club cocktail and it immediately made me nostalgic for my life in NYC. I moved there just as the craft cocktail movement was beginning and spent nearly 15 years patronizing amazing bars, lounges, and speakeasies, learning from the extremely talented mixologists who were changing the face of craft cocktails as we know it.
I remember when The Clover Club cocktail bar opened in Brooklyn in 2008. At the time Brooklyn wasn’t exactly where you went for a high-end cocktail experience. But then, owner Julie Reiner and her partner, Tom Macy, came along and had a huge hand in changing that.
Reiner was already very well-known and respected in the Big Apple for opening Flatiron Lounge and Pegu Club, so the opening of The Clover Club was a highly anticipated event. And when it finally opened its doors, it brought with it a different kind of vibe than many of the cocktail joints that seemed to be taking over the city. It was the kind of place you knew was something special but where you also felt at home. And it didn’t take long to become one of the most sought-after drink destinations in all of NYC.
This delicious cocktail recipe comes directly from Clover Club cocktail Queen Julie Reiner herself (whom you might recognize from Netflix’s 2022 show “Drink Masters”). It’s the namesake of her now world-renowned cocktail bar and a drink that I think is perfect in every way. Sophisticated, fresh, and pretty to boot, trust me when I tell you that the Clover Club cocktail is a drink you want to make!
What Is a Clover Club Cocktail?
The Clover Club Gin cocktail is a classic drink known for its sweet and tart flavor profile and its silky, frothy texture. Although many variations of it exist, a classic Clover Club cocktail almost always includes Gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white. The egg white gives the drink its signature light and foamy texture, while the raspberry syrup adds a sweet and fruity note that balances out the tartness of the lemon juice.
Typically served in a chilled coupe or martini glass and garnished with a fresh raspberry or lemon peel, the Clover Club is a timeless classic that remains a beloved favorite among cocktail enthusiasts around the world.
Clover Club Cocktail History
The history of the Clover Club cocktail dates back to the late 1800s when a men’s social group comprised of politicians, businessmen, writers (including Oscar Wilde), and other captains of industry at the time often gathered at Philadelphia’s Bellevue-Stratford Hotel to discuss the issues of the day. They called themselves the “Clover Club,” and it was this group of manly men who invented the Clover Club cocktail, which in turn became one of Philadelphia’s most important contributions to the world of mixology.
At first consumed almost exclusively by the gentlemen’s club, this classic cocktail quickly gained popularity around the turn of the century. Soon it found its way to New York when the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel recruited Bellevue-Stratford hotelier George Boldt as proprietor, who brought the Clover Club cocktail original recipe with him to the Big Apple. From there this pretty pink drink claimed its moment in time as demand for it spread across NYC, enjoyed in large part by the city’s elite. (Including William Butler Yeats who supposedly drank three in a row the first time he tried it!)
Before long it became a staple in bars and restaurants throughout the United States. But then Prohibition hit, and like so many classic cocktails of the time, it all but disappeared for most of the 20th century.
Fortunately, in the early 2000s, the Clover Club drink experienced a renaissance, thanks in part to its appearance in contemporary cocktail books such as Gary Regan’s “Joy of Mixology” and Dale DeGroff’s “The Essential Cocktail.” Reiner further fueled its resurgence when she named her renowned cocktail bar after it, solidifying its esteemed place in cocktail history.
Clover Club Cocktail Ingredients
What’s in a Clover Club cocktail completely depends on the recipe you use and the flavors you prefer.
One of the earliest recipes for this pre-prohibition cocktail appeared in print in the New York Press in 1901, which called for Gin, lemon juice, sugar, raspberry syrup, and egg white. Dry Vermouth was added to the recipe not too long after, and from there, countless Clover Club cocktail variations began to arise.
For example, some recipes called for lime juice instead of lemon juice or swapped out the raspberry syrup for other fruit syrups like strawberry, blackberry, or homemade grenadine. Some bartenders experimented with spirits other than Gin or added herbs like mint as a garnish to give it a unique twist. And in more recent times, variations that omit the egg white altogether or use alternative frothing agents have come onto the scene.
However, modern-day Clover Club cocktail creator Julie Reiner went back to the raspberry syrup + Dry Vermouth recipe of old but gave it a contemporary makeover. (Which in my humble opinion is the best recipe!) So for her Clover Club cocktail with fresh raspberries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Dry Gin
- Dry Vermouth
- Lemon juice
- Egg white
- Raspberries
- Sugar
- Water
what is the best gin for a clover club cocktail?
In my opinion, the best Gin for a Clover Club cocktail is Plymouth Gin, Ford’s Gin, or another London Dry like Beefeater Gin.
You can also make the Clover Club cocktail with Vodka if you’re not a fan of Gin, but this definitely changes its flavor profile significantly.
How To Make A Clover Club Cocktail
For fans of Gin drinks, the classic Clover Club cocktail recipe is a must-try. With these few easy steps, you can enjoy this timeless tipple from the comfort of your own home:
- COMBINE INGREDIENTS: Start by adding 1 1/2 oz Gin, 1/2 oz Dry Vermouth, 1/2 oz lemon juice, 1/2 oz homemade raspberry syrup, and 1/4 oz or about half an egg white to a cocktail shaker and then fill it with ice.
- WET SHAKE: Shake the mixture vigorously until it becomes super cold, then strain it.
- DRY SHAKE: Next, pour the drink back into the shaker tin and dry shake it without ice.
- STRAIN: Finally, double strain the cocktail through a fine sieve into a chilled coupe glass and garnish it with fresh raspberries.
CLOVER CLUB COCKTAIL RECIPE ML
The approximate specs for this drink in ml are:
- 45 ml Gin
- 15 ml Dry Vermouth
- 15 ml Lemon juice
- 15 ml Raspberry syrup
- 8 ml or about 1/2 an egg white
DRY SHAKE
If you’re a cocktail lover, you’ve probably come across the term “dry shake” in a cocktail recipe that features a layer of white foam, such as any sour cocktail. Don’t worry, it’s not some fancy mixology trick that only the pros know!
This simply means shaking your ingredients without ice first. This step is crucial in emulsifying the ingredients and aerating the egg white, which in turn creates a richer and creamier texture.
Once combined well, you’ll then add ice to the shaker to both chill the drink and create its final foamy consistency.
REVERSE DRY SHAKE
That said, because this raspberry Clover Club cocktail recipe follows Reiner’s specs and instructions to a tee, you’ll use a reverse dry shake instead of a dry shake to make it!
This simply means that you shake the ingredients with ice first and then dry shake it without ice again before straining the drink through a fine strainer into a chilled cocktail glass. According to Reiner, the reverse dry shake gives the drink an extra frothy texture.
Clover Club Cocktail Without Egg White
Although the Clover Club drink typically calls for the egg white to give it its signature lovely texture, alternative vegan recipes can still deliver the same delicious punch.
One option involves making a Clover Club Gin cocktail with aquafaba, which is the liquid drained from a can of chickpeas. (You can also find it sold in a bottle in some grocery stores or in powder form via online retailers.) Aquafaba has a similar texture to egg white and can be used in cocktails to create a frothy head. To make a Clover Club vegan, simply substitute one ounce of aquafaba for the egg white in the recipe.
Another option is to skip the frothy texture altogether and simply leave out the frothing agent. Although this changes the texture of the drink, it will still have the same balance of sweet and tart flavors that make the Clover Club Cocktail a timeless classic. This is how I make it for my sister, who isn’t a fan of egg-white cocktails.
Clover Club Cocktail Raspberry Syrup
While you typically make fruit syrup by combining fruit, water, and sugar and “cooking” them together over medium heat on the stove, Reiner takes a different approach to create the raspberry syrup for her Clover Club cocktail. For this recipe:
- COMBINE FRUIT AND SUGAR: Begin by crushing fresh raspberries and mixing them with sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
- ADD WATER: Next, heat a cup of water to a warm temperature and pour it over the fruit-sugar mixture. Stir the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves.
- STRAIN: Next, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and add a splash of Vodka to fortify it. (While adding Vodka is optional, it can help preserve the syrup and extend its shelf life.)
Raspberry syrup note: If you’re short on time, simply muddle together 3 to 4 fresh raspberries and half ounce of simple syrup directly in the shaker. Although not as rich or deep in flavor, it will still provide the sweet and fruity raspberry note this drink needs.
CLOVER CLUB COCKTAIL WITH CHAMBORD
If raspberries aren’t in season where you live or you simply don’t want to go through the trouble of making raspberry syrup, you can use Chambord in place of raspberry syrup. Chambord will give the drink a bit of a different flavor profile given that it’s made from black raspberries and has some vanilla and spice notes, but the outcome will still be delicious!
Other Egg White Cocktails
If you enjoy the velvety texture of this Clover Club recipe, check out the DRINK PAGE here at Parched for more cocktail recipes made with egg white. Some that you might like include:
- FLORAL GIN SOUR: Chamomile adds an unexpected boost to this Gin and lemon combo
- WINTER INTO SPRING: Bourbon and Meyer lemon juice combine to make this cocktail shine
- VIOLET RAMOS GIN FIZZ: Lavender meets lemon and Gin in this gorgeous Spring sipper
- RUM FLIP: Rum is the star of the show in this creamy eggnog alternative
- LEMON ROSEMARY SOUR: A Gin and lemon concoction with an herbal touch
Keep in mind that drinking cocktails made with raw egg white comes with a small risk of foodborne illness, so make sure to use pasteurized eggs and to handle the egg white with care.
Commonly Asked Questions About The Clover Club Cocktail
A classic drink enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts for over a century, this sweet and frothy concoction is a staple in many bars and restaurants worldwide. Here are some quick answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about this tipple.
WHAT DOES CLOVER CLUB COCKTAIL TASTE LIKE?
The Clover Club cocktail has a balanced and complex flavor profile that combines the sweetness of raspberries with the tartness of lemon juice and the botanical notes of Gin. The addition of egg white creates a lovely mouthfeel, which together with the other ingredients creates a refreshing and memorable sip.
CAN YOU USE GRENADINE IN A CLOVER CLUB?
Yes, you can use grenadine in a Clover Club. However, grenadine offers a different type of sweetness than fresh raspberry syrup, so the flavor of the overall drink will be a bit different. Also keep in mind that the type of grenadine you use makes a big difference as some are much sweeter than others!
WHERE DID THE CLOVER CLUB COCKTAIL ORIGINATE?
The Clover Club cocktail originated In Philadelphia at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel.
WHO CREATED THE CLOVER CLUB COCKTAIL?
Cocktail historians believe that members of a men’s social club called The Clover Club created the Clover Club Cocktail in Philadelphia in the late 1800s.
WHY IS IT CALLED A CLOVER CLUB?
The Clover Club cocktail was named after the gentleman’s club, The Clover Club, which invented it.
WHAT PERCENT ALCOHOL IS A CLOVER CLUB?
The alcohol content of a Clover Club cocktail varies depending on the recipe used. For this recipe, which calls for 1 ½ oz of Gin and ½ oz of Dry Vermouth, the approximate ABV is 25-30%.
WHO OWNS CLOVER CLUB BROOKLYN?
Julie Reiner and Tom Macy own The Clover Club cocktail bar in Brooklyn.
IS THE CLOVER LEAF COCKTAIL THE SAME THING AS A CLOVER CLUB COCKTAIL?
Although very similar, the Clover Leaf and the Clover Club are not the same drink. The Clover Leaf is made with Gin, Chambord or Grenadine, lemon juice, and egg white and is garnished with a fresh mint leaf. The Clover Club, on the other hand, is made with Gin, Dry Vermouth, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white and is garnished with fresh raspberries.
WHAT TYPE OF ALCOHOL IS USED TO MAKE A TRADITIONAL CLOVER CLUB COCKTAIL?
Gin is the base spirit in a traditional Clover Club drink.
Clover Club Cocktail: The Wrap-Up
The Clover Club Cocktail story spans over a century, and its journey to becoming a The Clover Club Cocktail story spans over a century, and its journey to becoming a modern-day favorite has been a fascinating one. From its original incarnation in a Philadelphia men’s club to its resurgence in the early 2000s, it has remained a popular choice for cocktail lovers all over the world.
This light and refreshing drink is as beautiful to look at as it is tasty to drink and can be enjoyed on any occasion and any time of year. It’s been one of my favorite Gin cocktails for a long time and one that I particularly enjoy sipping on during Happy Hour or as an apéritif before dinner.
But be forewarned, the recipe for this Clover Club cocktail with fresh raspberries is so smooth and tasty that it’s easy to indulge in a few too many…not that I know from experience or anything. 😜
Did You Make This Clover Club Recipe?
Please let me know! I love hearing from you, so drop a comment below and let me know what you think. I’d also love to know whether you made this drink for yourself the first time you tried it or if you tasted it at a fun bar or restaurant in your part of the world! I’m always looking for good places to try when I travel.
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This article was originally published last year in April 2023 and has been updated with new information. The recipe for this Clover Club cocktail, however, remained the same.
A writer and photographer, Allie Albanese is the founder and curator of Parched Around the World. Here she seeks to tell stories about the intersection of food, drinks, cultures, and traditions in places near and far.
As the Beverage Director and Bar Manager of a high-volume cocktail bar, Allie spent years honing her mixology skills and learning about the fascinating world of drinks. In the time since, she’s worked as a wine and cocktail consultant for both private and corporate clients, as well as a freelance journalist writing about cocktails, wine, food, and travel for various publications across the United States and abroad.
When mixing a drink for herself, you’ll likely find Allie with a fresh Gin Gimlet or a spicy Old Fashioned in hand!
Disclosure: Articles throughout Parched Around the World may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something using one of them, I may earn a small commission for sharing items I personally use and love. This comes at no cost to you, but helps support Parched and allows me to keep this website running! For more information, please see my full Privacy Policy.
Clover Club Cocktail
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 Drink
Description
Creamy, fruity, and enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts for over a century, this modern-day twist on a classic Clover Club cocktail is sure to please even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur.
Ingredients
FOR THE COCKTAIL:
-
1 ½ oz Gin
-
½ oz Dry Vermouth
-
½ oz Lemon Juice
-
½ oz Raspberry Syrup
-
¼ oz Egg White (about half of one egg white)
-
Garnish: Raspberries
FOR THE RASPBERRY SYRUP:
-
½ cup Fresh Raspberries
-
1 cup Sugar
-
½ cup Water
-
½ oz Vodka (optional)
Instructions
FOR THE COCKTAIL:
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.
-
Shake until chilled and strain.
-
Add the drink back to the tin and shake again without ice.
-
Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish.
FOR THE SYRUP:
-
First, smash the fresh raspberries into the sugar and let the mixture macerate for half an hour.
-
Warm up some water, but make sure it’s not too hot, and pour it over the fruit-sugar mixture.
-
Stir the mixture until the sugar has fully dissolved.
-
Strain the mixture through a chinois and add some Vodka to fortify the syrup. (Adding Vodka is optional, but doing so will make the syrup last much longer.)
Notes
- For a quick and easy “raspberry syrup,” you can simply muddle together 3 to 4 fresh raspberries and ½ oz of simple syrup directly in the shaker. This alternative method will still provide the sweet and fruity raspberry flavor this drink requires.
- You can make a vegan version of the Clover Club cocktail by replacing the egg white in the recipe with one ounce of aquafaba.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shake
- Cuisine: Cocktails
Hi Friends, I’m Allie!
I’m an Italian-German-Southerner with a deep passion for food, drinks & travel. After 15 years in NYC as a Certified Sommelier & cocktail creator, plus a stint in New Zealand learning how to make wine, I’m now back home in Georgia where I blend my love for culinary arts & travel into my work as a writer & photographer. Thank you so much for joining me here at Parched where I look forward to exploring the world together one bite, sip & adventure at a time!
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I’ve never made fruit syrup this way and it was amazing! Have you ever tried it with other fruits? I imagine it would work with blackberries, but do you think it would work with strawberries or blueberries?
Isn’t it so tasty?! I wish I could take credit for coming up with this method myself, haha. No, I actually haven’t tried making a macerated syrup with other fruits, but I can’t think of any reason why you couldn’t use strawberries or blueberries. Now you’ve given me something to test myself! 😀
This was great. Cheers!
Many thanks, I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Cheers to you! 🥂
You seem to understand so much about this, like you wrote the book on it or something! A great read. I will definitely be back.
That’s so nice of you to say, thank you very much! I appreciate your support of Parched Around the World and am glad to welcome you here! 😀
Very good blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend startiing with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely confused. Any ideas? Thanks a lot!
Thank you for the kind words, I really appreciate it! Starting a blog can be a daunting experience, so I completely understand your confusion and feeling overwhelmed with where to start. However, I highly recommend starting yours on wordpress.org (NOT wordpress.com, they are different!) because it gives you complete control over your site. I first had mine on a different paid platform and while it was a bit easier to design, you face limitations when it comes to design, integrations, etc. Plus, WordPress makes monetization a bit easier when the time comes as well. That said, there’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to building a site on WordPress, but thankfully there are heaps of free resources out there and a great WordPress community to teach you as you go. Best of luck to you!
Really good recipe. You take great drink photos, too.
That’s so nice of you to say, thank you! I’ve really been working hard on my cocktail photography, so this comment means more than you know. 😊