How to make a Clover Club Cocktail
The Clover Club is a classic gin cocktail made with lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white, shaken to a silky, pale pink foam. Bright, balanced, and timeless.
- Drink type: Classic gin cocktail
- Flavor profile: Tart, fruity, silky
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Glassware: Coupe or cocktail glass
- Era: Pre-Prohibition (early 1900s)
The Clover Club cocktail is one of the most iconic pre-Prohibition drinks, known for its smooth texture, pale pink color, and perfectly balanced flavor. It dates back to the early 1900s and takes its name from the Clover Club, a Philadelphia gentlemen’s club that met at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel.
Built on a classic sour structure, the Clover Club combines gin, fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white. When shaken properly, the egg white creates a luxurious, velvety foam that sets this cocktail apart from simpler gin drinks.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz London Dry gin
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz raspberry syrup
- 0.5 oz egg white
- 0.5 oz dry vermouth (optional, but recommended)
- Ice
- Fresh raspberries or lemon peel (for garnish)
Directions
- Add gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, egg white, and dry vermouth (if using) to a shaker.
- Dry shake (without ice) for 10–15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice and shake again for another 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries or a lemon peel.
Make Mode: Bartender Tips
A proper dry shake is essential. Shaking without ice first allows the egg white proteins to emulsify, creating the Clover Club’s signature foam.
Use a fine-mesh strainer when pouring to remove ice shards and achieve a smooth, professional finish.
Fresh raspberry syrup makes a noticeable difference. Artificial syrups often overpower the drink and mask the gin.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegan Clover Club: Replace egg white with aquafaba (chickpea brine).
- Drier version: Increase dry vermouth to 0.75 oz and reduce syrup slightly.
- Modern style: Use 2 oz gin and omit vermouth for a brighter profile.
Batching & Servings Guidance
Clover Club cocktails are best shaken fresh due to the egg white, but you can pre-batch the liquid ingredients (gin, lemon, syrup, vermouth) and store them chilled.
When serving, add egg white and ice per drink and shake individually. For events, plan on 1–2 Clover Clubs per guest during cocktail hour.
Clover Club Cocktail FAQs
What’s in a Clover Club cocktail?
A Clover Club is made with gin, fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white. Dry vermouth is often added for extra depth.
What’s the difference between a Pink Lady and a Clover Club?
While both use egg white and have a pink hue, a Pink Lady typically contains applejack and grenadine, whereas a Clover Club uses gin and raspberry syrup.
Why does a Clover Club use egg white?
Egg white creates a smooth, frothy texture and softens the acidity of the citrus, giving the drink its signature mouthfeel.
Explore more timeless classics in our cocktail recipe collection, from pre-Prohibition favorites to modern bar staples.
