Step back into pre-prohibition times with the Clover Club Cocktail. It’s tangy, sweet, and goes down smoothly because of the frothy egg whites.

Close up of clover club cocktail showing raspberries on a cocktail pick.

Looking for a classic Clover Club Cocktail?

The Clover Club Cocktail is a gin cocktail recipe similar to a dirty Shirley but with a frothy twist. If you want a delicious cocktail that you can whip up in minutes and that will make you feel like a true gentleman (or woman), this is the pre-prohibition cocktail for you.

If you like the velvety mouthfeel of a whiskey sour, you’ll love this frothy cocktail. We’re using that same secret ingredient that makes a cocktail so down smoothly – egg whites. The fruitiness from the raspberry or grenadine syrup combined with the fresh lemon juice and dry gin creates a tart-sweet cocktail with a gorgeous pink hue.

Watch 🎥 How to Make a Clover Club

What Is a Clover Club Cocktail?

The Clover Club cocktail has a fascinating history dating back to the late 1800s in the United States. It’s said to have originated at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, which was a renowned gentlemen’s club at the time. This classic drink quickly gained popularity, becoming a favorite among the city’s elite.

Early recipes for the Clover Club cocktail can be found in cocktail books such as the Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book, showcasing its pre-prohibition roots. The drink’s name is thought to be inspired by the Clover Leaf cocktail, which was another popular sour cocktail of the era.

Over time, the Clover Club cocktail became synonymous with sophistication and refinement, enjoyed by gentlemen in cocktail bars across the country.

Today, thanks to the efforts of modern mixologists like Julie Reiner, the Clover Club cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity. With its delightful pink hue, frothy white foam, and delicious blend of dry gin, raspberry syrup or grenadine, lemon juice, and egg white, it’s no wonder this classic cocktail continues to charm cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

Side shot of pink cocktail garnished with raspberries.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

SOPHISTICATED – This pink drink has a sophisticated allure stemming from its rich history dating back to the late 1800s. You can practically taste the air of the prestigious gentleman’s club with every smooth sip.
EASY – Despite its sophisticated appearance, the Clover Club cocktail is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients—a dry gin, homemade raspberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, egg white, and a touch of sweetness—it comes together effortlessly.

What You Need to Make a Clover Club Cocktail

Gin – use your favorite gin.
Lemon juice – use fresh lemon juice.
Grenadine or Raspberry Syrup – adds a sweet and fruity flair. You can use store-bought or make homemade grenadine.
Egg white – thickens the cocktail and adds a velvety mouthfeel.
Ice
Fresh raspberries for garnish.

How to Make a Clover Club Cocktail

This Clover Club cocktail recipe combines lemon, raspberry syrup, gin and frothy egg white for a delightfully frothy and balanced pre-Prohibition sipper.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all the ingredients.
Shake for at least 30 seconds to make it super frothy.
Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with fresh raspberries on a cocktail stick.

Hand pouring lemon juice into a cocktail.

Hand pouring red syrup into a cocktail shaker.

Expert Recipe Tips

Use Egg White: Don’t skip the egg white – it makes the cocktail smooth and frothy. If you’re worried about raw eggs, you can use pasteurized egg whites.
Get Creative: Feel free to play around with different gins, syrups, or even add a dash of bitters if you’re feeling adventurous.
Chill Your Glass: Stick your glass in the freezer for a bit before serving. It keeps your drink nice and cold.
Double Strain: Strain your cocktail twice – once with a regular strainer, then again with a fine mesh sieve or strainer. This makes it super smooth.

Frothy pink clover club cocktail on a table with raspberries and lemons.

How to serve this cocktail

Serve as an after-dinner drink in a chilled coupe glass for an extra frosty finish.

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This clover club recipe will transport you back to those classy pre-prohibition gentlemen’s clubs within seconds. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!