Clover Club

Best Gin for a Clover Club Cocktail

Selecting the best gin for your Clover Club Cocktail can elevate the drink from good to extraordinary. While the raspberry and lemon in the cocktail add vibrancy, the gin is the backbone, imparting the botanical nuances that define its character. Classics like Tanqueray bring a crisp juniper profile, ensuring a clear gin presence in your mix. If you lean towards a slightly more floral hint, Hendrick’s offers a subtle rose and cucumber infusion, which can add an intriguing layer to the Clover Club. For a modern twist, Monkey 47 is a rich and complex gin boasting 47 botanicals; it’s a bit of an investment, but its depth can bring something unique. For a well-rounded Clover Club, however, my money is on Beefeater. It has a balanced profile, with neither its citrus nor juniper overshadowing the other, making it an ideal companion for this classic cocktail.

Clover Club Cocktail with Vodka

Let’s talk vodka. Ditching gin for vodka isn’t traditional, but it can offer a cleaner, more neutral backdrop, letting the raspberry and lemon flavors pop even more. When opting for vodka, quality is key to ensure the drink remains smooth. Grey Goose or Belvedere are top-shelf choices that bring a silky mouthfeel without any harshness. On the more budget-friendly side, Tito’s is a solid pick, known for its smoothness and versatility in cocktails. But if I had to roll the dice on a vodka for a Clover Club, I’d lean into Absolut Elyx. It’s a single-estate, copper-crafted vodka that adds a touch of luxury to your drink. So, if you’re keen to stray from tradition and give vodka a whirl, Absolut Elyx is where I’d place my bet. 

What is Raspberry Syrup?

This vibrant ingredient isn’t just about adding a pop of color; it’s a flavor powerhouse, delivering a burst of tart sweetness that sets the Clover Club apart. Now, while store-bought syrups might seem convenient, nothing beats the taste of homemade. Fresh raspberries, sugar, and a touch of water simmered to perfection give you a syrup that’s leagues ahead in flavor depth. Brands like Monin or Torani offer decent, ready-made options if you’re pressed for time. But if you’re aiming for that unbeatable fresh berry kick, take a few extra minutes to make your own. The difference is undeniable: ensuring your Clover Club hits all the right notes.

Clover Club Cocktail Variations

Looking for something slightly different? Try the strawberry variation of the Clover Club:

• Strawberry Clover Club: Strawberries add a sweet and robust twist, blending seamlessly with gin and lemon to create a perfectly balanced drink. The natural sweetness and rich aroma of strawberries enrich the overall flavor, making it both inviting and satisfying. I adore the depth that the strawberries introduce, providing a lush and gratifying taste.

History and Origin of the Clover Club Drink

The Clover Club cocktail traces its roots back to the pre-Prohibition era in Philadelphia. The city’s prominent Clover Club, a select group of journalists and writers, would gather at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel. During their meetings, they would enjoy this signature drink, which eventually adopted the club’s name. The cocktail quickly gained popularity, cementing its status in classic cocktail lore.

While the Prohibition years saw a decline in its fame, as did many cocktails of the era, the Clover Club experienced a revival in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today’s craft cocktail movement has embraced this classic, ensuring its legacy for new generations of enthusiasts.