Clover Club

ABV 16.9% / 2 Alcoholic Units

Primary Spirit: Gin

A Brief History of the Clover Club

The Clover Club originated in the late 19th century at the Clover Club, a gentleman's club in Philadelphia. It was a favourite among the city's high society before falling out of favour during Prohibition. The cocktail experienced a resurgence in recent years as part of the classic cocktail revival, becoming a staple for those who appreciate timeless elegance in a glass.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Clover Club cocktail offers a beautiful harmony of flavours: it’s tangy and slightly sweet from the raspberry jam, with the dry botanicals of gin balancing the sweetness. The egg white adds a velvety smooth texture and a frothy top, while lemon juice provides a crisp, citrusy contrast. The result is a light, refreshing drink with a fruity-forward profile and a silky finish.

Food Pairings

The light, fruity, and refreshing nature of the Clover Club pairs well with equally delicate and vibrant dishes:

• Fresh Seafood: Think oysters, shrimp cocktail, or smoked salmon—seafood’s lightness complements the cocktail’s fresh and tangy profile.

• Goat Cheese Tartlets: The tanginess of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart raspberry and lemon in the drink.

• Berry Desserts: A raspberry tart, lemon meringue pie, or berry sorbet will highlight the fruity flavours in the cocktail while offering a complementary sweet finish.

• Charcuterie Board: The cocktail’s bright, refreshing character pairs well with mild, creamy cheeses and cured meats.

Bar Equipment:

• Cocktail shaker
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Fine sieve
• Coupe glass

Ingredients

• 45ml London Dry Gin
• 15ml Dry vermouth
• 10ml/2 x bar spoon raspberry jam
• 20ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 10ml Egg white/aquafaba*
• Garnish: lemon zest twist, expressed and discarded and skewered raspberry
• Ice

*Aquafaba is a super vegan alternative to egg because it's rich with substances that enhance water's foaming abilities. Chickpeas contain albumins and globulins, which are the same proteins found in eggs that make them so useful in creating culinary foams.

Method

• Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and double strain into a chilled coupe glass
• Express the lemon zest around the coupe rim and garnish with a skewered raspberry

What's the best Gin for a Clover Club cocktail?

• Tanqueray Gin: Bold, crisp flavour dominated by juniper with bright citrus notes and a hint of earthy spice. This gin works beautifully in a Clover Club, letting the raspberry and citrus shine without overpowering them.

• Beefeater Gin: A classic London Dry gin with strong juniper and citrus notes, Beefeater complements the tart lemon and raspberry flavours in the cocktail.

• Hendrick’s Gin: With its floral and cucumber notes, Hendrick’s adds an extra layer of complexity to the Clover Club, enhancing the drink’s fruity and floral characteristics.

• Monkey 47 Gin: A complex gin with a blend of botanicals, including raspberry and citrus, Monkey 47 is a premium option that elevates the drink’s flavour profile.

The Clover Club is a fruity yet refined cocktail with a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and smooth texture. Its combination of gin, raspberry jam, lemon juice, and egg white creates a refreshing and elegant drink that has stood the test of time. Pair it with light seafood, tangy cheeses, or berry desserts, and opt for a gin like Tanqyeray or Beefeater to best highlight the cocktail's delicate flavours.