Pretty, pink, and just the right balance of tart and sweet—the Clover Club is a cocktail that feels like a celebration in a glass. With bright raspberry, fresh lemon, and a silky frothy top, it’s a classic gin drink that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting the recipe: don’t skip the dry shake—it’s the secret to that beautiful foam.
Clover Club
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Cocktail or martini glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) dry gin
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) raspberry syrup
– 1 fresh egg white (about 1 oz / 30 ml)
– Ice
– Fresh raspberries or lemon twist, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
– Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a tight lid)
– Fine mesh strainer
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Citrus juicer
– Cocktail glass, chilled if possible
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your cocktail or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. A cold glass helps keep the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Dry shake first. In your shaker, add the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white. Shake hard for about 10 seconds—no ice yet. This helps the egg white whip up into a nice, foamy texture.
- Now add ice and shake again. Toss in a handful of ice, seal the shaker, and shake vigorously for another 15–20 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels icy cold and you hear the sound start to dull a bit.
- Strain and serve. Strain the drink into your chilled glass using a fine mesh strainer. This catches any ice shards and gives you that smooth, creamy top.
- Garnish if you like. Drop in a few fresh raspberries or add a thin lemon twist. It’s not essential, but it looks lovely.
Tips for the Best Clover Club
– Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– Make your own raspberry syrup by simmering equal parts raspberries, sugar, and water until the berries break down. Strain and cool. It’s a game changer.
– Don’t skip the dry shake. It’s key to getting that signature frothy top.
– Use fresh, high-quality eggs. Pasteurized egg whites are a good option too if you’re concerned about raw eggs.
– Vegan? Swap the egg white for 1 oz (30 ml) of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). It gives a similar foam without the egg.
Make-Ahead Notes
Hosting a party? You can batch the gin, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup in advance. Keep it chilled in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, pour individual portions into your shaker, add the egg white and ice, and shake.
Storage
– Raspberry syrup keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– Leftover egg whites? Store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze for later.
Serving Suggestions
The Clover Club is perfect as a pre-dinner drink or a light, refreshing sipper on a warm evening. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner pairings: a small square of dark chocolate with this cocktail. The contrast is just heavenly.
If you’re serving snacks, try:
– Soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese
– Light canapés with citrusy or herby toppings
– Fresh berries or berry tarts
Simple Swaps & Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
– Gin: Use vodka for a cleaner, less botanical flavor
– Lemon juice: Lime juice works too, though it’s a little sharper
– Raspberry syrup: Try muddling fresh raspberries with a splash of simple syrup for a more natural sweetness
Fun Variations
Modern Clover
– Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a floral twist
– Top with a little soda water for light bubbles
Rose Clover
– Add a few drops of rose water to the shaker for a delicate floral note
Spiced Clover
– Infuse your gin with a cinnamon stick and a cardamom pod for a cozy, spiced version
Non-Alcoholic Clover Club
– Mix 1 oz fresh raspberry purée, 0.75 oz lemon juice, and 1 oz aquafaba
– Shake without ice, then with ice, and top with soda water
– Garnish with raspberries
FAQs
Can I skip the egg white?
Yes, but you’ll miss out on that smooth, foamy top. If you’re looking for a vegan or egg-free option, try aquafaba—it foams up just like egg whites.
What gin works best?
A dry gin with clear juniper notes is traditional, but feel free to use your favorite. A citrus-forward gin can add an extra layer of brightness.
Is it too sweet?
Nope—this cocktail is well-balanced. The tart lemon cuts through the raspberry syrup’s sweetness beautifully.
How do I make it look as good as it tastes?
Fine strain it to get rid of ice chips, and garnish with a fresh raspberry or lemon twist. A chilled glass also makes a big difference.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Just mix the gin, lemon, and syrup in advance. Add egg white and shake fresh when ready to serve.
Is it safe to use raw egg white?
It generally is, especially if you use pasteurized egg whites or fresh, properly stored eggs. Still, always consider dietary restrictions and let your guests know.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio—light, refreshing, and a little fancy without being fussy. Once you’ve made one, you’ll want to make it again and again. Try a variation next time or pair it with a creamy cheese plate for a cozy night in.
