Shake Up Your Cocktail Game: Clover Club Recipe

The origins of the Clover Club cocktail trace back to the late 1800s, within the illustrious walls of Philadelphia's Bellevue-Stratford hotel. This elegant establishment served as a gathering place for a diverse crowd of writers, lawyers, and influential industrialists, who convened to discuss the pressing issues of their time. Naturally, these refined gatherings were accompanied by delightful libations, and it was the Clover Club, with its exquisite combination of gin, fresh lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and velvety egg white, that became a favorite among this genteel set.

A treasured gem in Philadelphia's cocktail history, this pre-Prohibition classic shone brightly during its heyday at the Bellevue-Stratford. However, like many beverages of that era, the Clover Club experienced a long period of obscurity throughout most of the 20th century. It wasn't until modern cocktail enthusiasts rediscovered the beauty of this concoction in notable cocktail books, including Gary Regan's renowned "Joy of Mixology."

Taster’s Club Recommendations for the Clover Club Available in our Bottle Shop

1. Roku Gin

Roku is crafted by Japanese artisans with meticulous attention to detail, and the perfectly precise balance of flavors. Inside each bottle are six special botanicals sourced in Japan, each harvested in its ideal season and from the best-growing areas in Japan to ensure the utmost freshness and flavor. These botanicals are combined with eight traditional gin botanicals – juniper berry, coriander seed, angelica root, angelica seed, cardamom seed, cinnamon, bitter orange peel, and lemon peel – for an authentic gin taste. A unique multiple-distillation process brings out the best in each botanical.

Region: Japan | Tasting Notes: Cherry Blossom, Green Tea, Bergamot, Pepper | ABV: 43%

2. Tanqueray No. Ten Gin

Tanqueray No. 10, named after the stills of its origin, is a small batch gin crafted using fresh citrus fruits. It has exquisite aromas of juniper, lime, grapefruit, licorice, and angelica. Flavor notes include juniper, bitter orange, lemon, angelica, and pink grapefruit, along with hints of licorice root and peppercorn. The gin finishes long with medium warmth and juniper, citrus, and earthy flavors.

Region: US | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Coriander, Angelica | ABV: 47.3%

3. Hendrick's Gin

Hendrick’s is an unusual gin created from 11 fine botanicals: chamomile, elderflower, juniper, lemon peel, orange peel, caraway, coriander, cubeb berries, angelica root, yarrow root, and orris root. The gin is made in double batches, one using an old-fashioned pot still that creates a rich spirit, the other on a long-necked Carter Head that results in a more delicate, refined gin ideal for sipping. They’re then both combined with rose and cucumber infusions that uniquely balance the flavor and floral aroma, which creates a refreshing, smooth, light, complex, and distinct gin.

Region: Scotland | Tasting Notes: Coriander, Juniper, Citrus | ABV: 41.4%

4. Plymouth Gin

The rich and smooth taste of England’s Plymouth Gin is the result of a balanced blend of seven hand-selected botanicals. You’ll get aromas and flavors of earth, juniper, angelica, coriander, and cardamom, along with citrus tasting notes, before a similar, medium-length finish.

Region: England | Tasting Notes: Earth, Angelica, Coriander, Juniper, Citrus | ABV: 41.2%

5. Beefeater London Dry Gin

Desmond Payne, Master Distiller extraordinaire with over 50 years of industry experience, oversees Beefeater’s distinct, bold London Dry gin, which has been around since 1863 and now holds the title of the world’s most-awarded gin. This particular gin is balanced, crisp, clean, and fresh, with a bit of fruit and citrus. The brand is proud to be the only original London Dry Gin still made in the heart of London.

Region: England | Tasting Notes: Lemon Zest, Juniper, Earth, Citrus, Coriander, Licorice | ABV: 40%

The Clover Club is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time, with its origins dating back over a century. The sweet and tangy flavors of raspberry syrup and lemon juice, combined with the bold taste of gin, make it a refreshing and enjoyable drink, especially on warm summer evenings. With the bottle recommendations provided, you can experiment and find the perfect gin to suit your tastes and take your Clover Club to the next level. So why not give it a try and see why it has become a staple in cocktail culture for generations? Cheers!