The Clover Club Cocktail

Before jumping into what this classic, high-society Clover Club cocktail recipe is all about, here are some other tasty gin mixed drink recipes you'll love: the Classic Gin Martini, the Tom Collins, the Singapore Sling, the Gimlet and the French 75. Alright, now how about some history on this delicious, pink Clover Club cocktail? Well, if you think the name implies that the drink is kinda snooty and aimed at people who like to hang out in exclusive clubs, then you are most definitely wro— right. Absolutely right. The Clover Club cocktail Wiki points out that “The Clover Club Cocktail is a drink that pre-dates Prohibition in the United States, and is named for the Philadelphia men's club of the same name, which met in the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel on South Broad Street.” The Clover Club cocktail Wiki goes on to note that “In its heyday, the drink was described by Jack Townsend as being enjoyed by the pre-prohibition gentleman who would have fit in with those of the club, and was a ‘Distinguished patron of the oak-paneled lounge.’” So yeah, the Clover Club, which first appeared as a published recipe in 1917, was definitely for a refined crowd (read: elite and probably quite sexist). In terms of popularity, the Clover Club cocktail most definitely went out of fashion for a long time — you could even say it’s a pretty obscure drink even today. Seriously, when was the last time you heard somebody sidle up to the bar and order a Clover Club? We're going to go ahead and guess never. And why is this the case, you may ask? Because the classic Clover Club cocktail recipe calls for an egg white. Yes, yes, we know you probably think that’s gross, but we promise it’s healthy and worthwhile because it adds an awesome, foamy top to the drink. Despite its lack of popularity, the Clover Club cocktail still has a… club of people who really enjoy it. As Imbibe Magazine notes, “The Clover Club cocktail is so beloved [among some people] that it even has a bar in Brooklyn, New York, named after it.” Co-owner of The Clover Club venue told Imbibe that “Those berry flavors go so well with the botanicals of gin and a little egg white gives it a creamy mouthfeel. It’s so delicious.” That description makes you want a Clover Club, right? By the way, if you're interested in other cocktails that use egg whites to get that awesome, textured foamy head, here are a few recipes to check out: The White Lady, the Mucho Matcha, the Raspberry Peach Gin Fizz, and the Acapulco. THE CLOVER CLUB COCKTAIL 1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Gin 1/2 oz. (15ml) Fresh Lemon Juice 1/2 oz. (15ml) Raspberry Syrup 1 Egg white Garnish: Raspberries PREPARATION 1. Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice. 2. Strain into a cocktail glass. 3. Garnish with raspberries. DRINK RESPONSIBLY!