The Ultimate Guide to the Clover Club Cocktail: History, Recipe, and Variations
The Clover Club cocktail, a pre-Prohibition era classic, is a delightful and sophisticated drink known for its beautiful pink hue, velvety texture, and delicate raspberry and gin flavors. This cocktail, often associated with elegance and old-world charm, is surprisingly easy to make at home. This comprehensive guide will delve into the history of the Clover Club, provide a detailed recipe, offer tips and tricks for achieving the perfect cocktail, and explore exciting variations to tantalize your taste buds.
## A Brief History of the Clover Club
The Clover Club cocktail originated in the late 19th century at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was named after the Clover Club Society, a group of prominent Philadelphia businessmen and journalists who met regularly at the hotel. The Clover Club Society was known for its lively discussions, elaborate dinners, and, of course, the signature cocktail that bore its name. The drink quickly gained popularity and spread to other bars and hotels across the United States and beyond.
During the Prohibition era, the Clover Club, like many other cocktails, fell out of favor as ingredients became harder to obtain and mixology skills declined. However, in recent years, the Clover Club has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks to the renewed interest in classic cocktails and the craft cocktail movement. Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike have rediscovered the charm and complexity of this delightful drink.
## The Classic Clover Club Recipe
The classic Clover Club recipe is a simple yet elegant combination of gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and egg white. The egg white adds a silky texture and a frothy head to the cocktail, while the raspberry syrup provides a touch of sweetness and a beautiful pink color. The lemon juice balances the sweetness and adds a refreshing tartness, and the gin provides the necessary boozy backbone.
Here’s the classic Clover Club recipe:
**Ingredients:**
* 2 oz (60 ml) Gin (London Dry)
* 1 oz (30 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
* 0.75 oz (22 ml) Raspberry Syrup (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
* 1 oz (30 ml) Egg White (fresh, from one large egg)
* Garnish: 3 Fresh Raspberries (on a cocktail pick)
**Equipment:**
* Cocktail Shaker (Boston shaker or Cobbler shaker)
* Jigger or measuring spoons
* Hawthorne strainer
* Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for extra-fine strain)
* Cocktail pick
* Coupe or Martini glass
**Instructions:**
1. **Chill the Glass:** Place your coupe or Martini glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to chill. A chilled glass will help keep your cocktail cold for longer.
2. **Dry Shake:** Combine the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker without ice. This is called a dry shake. Close the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 30-45 seconds. The dry shake helps to emulsify the egg white and create a frothy texture. Make sure the shaker is sealed tight, and hold it securely with both hands. The purpose of this is to develop the foaminess of the egg white without diluting it. You should hear the egg white sloshing around inside, and after a few seconds, the outside of the shaker will start to feel cold.
3. **Wet Shake:** Add ice to the shaker. Fill the shaker about two-thirds full with ice. Close the shaker tightly and shake again vigorously for 15-20 seconds. The ice will chill the cocktail and further develop the frothy texture. Shaking with ice chills the drink down and adds some dilution. You want to be firm, but not overzealous. Shaking it too hard can cause the ice to shatter and overly dilute the drink.
4. **Double Strain:** Using a Hawthorne strainer, strain the cocktail into your chilled glass. For an extra-fine strain, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any small ice shards or egg white solids. This will result in a smoother, more refined cocktail. The first straining removes the ice and larger pieces of fruit or herbs (if used). The second straining removes the smaller ice shards and foam bubbles to create a smooth and silky texture.
5. **Garnish:** Garnish with 3 fresh raspberries on a cocktail pick. Place the cocktail pick across the rim of the glass.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Serve your Clover Club cocktail immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Clover Club
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The key to a great Clover Club, like any cocktail, is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and homemade raspberry syrup will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of your cocktail.
* **Use Good Quality Gin:** The gin you choose will significantly impact the flavor of your Clover Club. London Dry Gin is the traditional choice, as its dry, juniper-forward flavor profile complements the other ingredients well. However, you can experiment with other types of gin, such as Old Tom Gin or New Western Gin, to create different flavor variations. Be sure to select a quality gin that you like to drink on its own.
* **Make Your Own Raspberry Syrup:** While you can use store-bought raspberry syrup, making your own is easy and will result in a more flavorful and vibrant syrup. The recipe is simple: combine equal parts fresh raspberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, then strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve. Let cool completely before using. Fresh raspberries provide a bright, natural flavor that bottled syrups just can’t match. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
* **Use Fresh Egg White:** Using fresh egg white is essential for achieving the signature velvety texture of the Clover Club. Pasteurized egg whites can be used as a substitute, but they may not create the same level of foaminess. When separating the egg, be careful not to get any yolk in the white, as this can inhibit the formation of the foam. Using fresh egg whites from reputable sources minimizes the risk of salmonella. However, if you are concerned, you can use pasteurized egg whites.
* **The Dry Shake is Crucial:** Don’t skip the dry shake! This step is essential for emulsifying the egg white and creating a stable foam. Shaking without ice allows the egg white to properly aerate and create a creamy texture.
* **Shake Vigorously:** Shaking vigorously is important for chilling the cocktail and creating a frothy texture. Shake the cocktail with ice for at least 15-20 seconds. Make sure your shaker is sealed tight and hold it firmly with both hands.
* **Double Strain:** Double straining is optional, but it will remove any small ice shards or egg white solids, resulting in a smoother, more refined cocktail. This step is particularly useful if you are using crushed ice.
* **Adjust to Taste:** The Clover Club recipe is a guideline, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add more raspberry syrup. If you prefer a more tart cocktail, add more lemon juice. Experiment until you find the perfect balance of flavors.
* **Presentation Matters:** The Clover Club is a beautiful cocktail, so take the time to present it well. Use a chilled coupe or Martini glass and garnish with fresh raspberries. A well-presented cocktail will enhance the overall drinking experience.
* **Experiment with Garnishes:** While raspberries are the traditional garnish, you can experiment with other garnishes, such as a lemon twist, a sprig of mint, or even edible flowers. Get creative and find a garnish that complements the flavors of the cocktail.
## Variations on the Clover Club
Once you’ve mastered the classic Clover Club recipe, you can start experimenting with variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **The Clover Leaf:** This variation replaces the raspberry syrup with crème de menthe, resulting in a green-colored cocktail with a minty flavor. It is traditionally garnished with a mint sprig.
* **The Charlie Chaplin:** This cocktail replaces the raspberry syrup with apricot brandy and lime juice. It’s a bright, fruity, and slightly tart alternative.
* **The Pink Lady:** This cocktail uses applejack or Calvados instead of gin and adds a dash of grenadine. It’s sweeter and fruitier than the classic Clover Club.
* **The Bourbon Clover Club:** Substitute the gin with bourbon for a richer, more complex flavor. Consider using a raspberry liqueur instead of raspberry syrup to enhance the fruit notes and complement the bourbon’s caramel undertones.
* **The Tequila Clover Club:** Replace the gin with tequila (preferably blanco or reposado). Adjust the sweetness and tartness as needed, perhaps adding a touch of agave nectar and lime juice alongside the lemon. This offers a smoky, agave-forward twist.
* **The Elderflower Clover Club:** Add a splash of elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain) to the classic recipe for a floral and aromatic twist. This will add a delicate sweetness and complexity to the cocktail.
* **Spiced Raspberry Clover Club:** Infuse your homemade raspberry syrup with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or star anise. This will add warmth and depth to the cocktail, making it perfect for colder months.
* **Vegan Clover Club:** Substitute the egg white with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas). Aquafaba has similar properties to egg white and will create a frothy texture. Use approximately 2 oz of aquafaba in place of the egg white.
## Raspberry Syrup Recipe (Homemade)
As mentioned earlier, homemade raspberry syrup elevates the Clover Club to another level. It’s simple to make and far surpasses the flavor of most store-bought options.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Fresh Raspberries
* 1 cup Granulated Sugar
* 1 cup Water
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and water.
2. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. **Simmer and Mash:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, gently mashing the raspberries with the back of a spoon to release their juices.
4. **Strain:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (optional) to remove the raspberry seeds. Discard the solids.
5. **Cool and Store:** Let the syrup cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
## Why the Clover Club Still Matters
The Clover Club’s enduring appeal stems from its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The gin provides a botanical backbone, the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness, the raspberry syrup contributes a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color, and the egg white creates a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel. It’s a cocktail that is both elegant and approachable, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Beyond its deliciousness, the Clover Club also represents a connection to a bygone era of classic cocktails. It’s a drink that evokes images of sophisticated gatherings and timeless elegance. By making and enjoying a Clover Club, you are participating in a tradition that has been enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts for over a century.
The Clover Club is more than just a cocktail; it’s a piece of history, a testament to the enduring power of simple yet elegant ingredients, and a symbol of sophistication. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail aficionado or a curious beginner, the Clover Club is a drink that is worth exploring and savoring.
So, gather your ingredients, grab your shaker, and embark on a journey to create your own perfect Clover Club. You won’t be disappointed.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Clover Club Cocktail
**Q: What kind of gin is best for a Clover Club?**
A: London Dry Gin is the classic choice. Its juniper-forward flavor complements the other ingredients nicely. However, you can experiment with other styles like Old Tom or New Western gins depending on your preference.
**Q: Can I use pasteurized egg whites instead of fresh?**
A: Yes, pasteurized egg whites can be used. They might not create quite as much foam as fresh egg whites, but they are a safer option for those concerned about salmonella.
**Q: What can I use instead of egg white for a vegan Clover Club?**
A: Aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) is a great vegan substitute. Use about 1 oz of aquafaba in place of the egg white.
**Q: Can I make the Clover Club without raspberry syrup?**
A: The raspberry syrup is a key component of the Clover Club’s flavor profile and beautiful color. While you could technically make a similar drink without it, it wouldn’t be a true Clover Club. If you don’t have raspberry syrup, try making a quick batch at home (recipe above!).
**Q: How do I get the perfect frothy head on my Clover Club?**
A: The dry shake is essential for creating a frothy head. Shake the ingredients without ice for 30-45 seconds before adding ice and shaking again.
**Q: What is a double strain, and why is it recommended?**
A: Double straining involves using a Hawthorne strainer (the standard cocktail strainer) and then a fine-mesh strainer to remove any small ice shards or egg white solids. This results in a smoother, more refined cocktail.
**Q: Can I make a big batch of Clover Clubs for a party?**
A: While it’s best to make Clover Clubs fresh, you can pre-mix the gin, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup in a pitcher. Store this mixture in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When it’s time to serve, shake individual portions with egg white and ice as directed in the recipe. Do not pre-mix the egg white, as it will not hold its foam.
**Q: How long will homemade raspberry syrup last?**
A: Homemade raspberry syrup will last for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
**Q: What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?**
A: While a cocktail shaker is ideal, you can use a tightly sealed mason jar as a substitute. Just make sure the lid is very secure before shaking vigorously.
**Q: My Clover Club is too sweet/tart/strong. How can I adjust it?**
A: The beauty of cocktails is that you can adjust them to your liking! If it’s too sweet, add a little more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, add a little more raspberry syrup. If it’s too strong, add a splash of water or club soda.
Enjoy your journey into the world of the Clover Club cocktail! Remember to drink responsibly.