Clover Club Gin Raspberry Cocktail: A Classic Recipe Guide

The Clover Club is one of those cocktails that sounds fancier than it actually is to make—yet delivers genuine sophistication in every sip. This gin-based drink, with its delicate pink hue and velvety raspberry finish, has been charming drinkers since the early 1900s, and it remains a showstopper for anyone hosting at home or wanting to impress at the bar.

What makes the Clover Club special is its balance of botanical gin, tart raspberry, creamy egg white, and a whisper of citrus. It's the sort of cocktail that looks beautiful, tastes refined, and gives you genuine bragging rights when you serve it to guests. Whether you're new to home bartending or looking to expand your gin cocktail repertoire, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What Is a Clover Club Cocktail?

The Clover Club is a classic cocktail that originated in Philadelphia in the early 1900s, named after an all-male club of the same name. It's a pink, frothy drink that sits at the intersection of sophistication and approachability—elegant enough for a dinner party, but straightforward enough for any home bar to execute.

The drink's signature elements are gin (the backbone), fresh raspberry cordial or syrup (for that beautiful colour and tartness), fresh lemon juice (for balance), egg white (for silky texture), and sometimes a splash of cream. The egg white creates that distinctive frothy head that makes the cocktail instantly recognisable and surprisingly luxurious to drink.

What's particularly appealing about the Clover Club is that it's neither overly sweet nor aggressively spirit-forward. Instead, it sits in a pleasant middle ground where the gin's botanicals play nicely with the raspberry's natural tartness, and the egg white adds a mouth-feel that makes the whole experience feel rather special.

The Classic Clover Club Recipe

Here's the traditional recipe that's stood the test of time:

• 50ml (1.5 oz) gin
• 15ml (0.5 oz) fresh lemon juice
• 25ml (0.75 oz) raspberry syrup or cordial
• 1 fresh egg white
• 15ml (0.5 oz) double cream or single cream (optional, but traditional)
• Fresh raspberries for garnish
• Ice

Method: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice first. Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds (this is called a dry shake, and it helps emulsify the egg white). Add ice and shake again for another 10–15 seconds. Double strain into a coupe or Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with 2–3 fresh raspberries on a cocktail pick, or float them on top of the foam.

The two-stage shake is crucial here. The first shake without ice creates that signature fluffy foam, whilst the second shake with ice chills everything properly. Don't skip this step—it's what transforms a good Clover Club into a truly beautiful one.

Choosing Your Gin

Since gin is the foundation of this cocktail, your choice matters. You want a gin with a clean, botanical profile that won't overpower the delicate raspberry notes. London Dry style gins are your safest bet—they're crisp, juniper-forward, and let other ingredients shine.

Some excellent choices for a Clover Club include classic London Dry gins like Beefeater or Gordon's, or slightly more contemporary options like Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire. The key is picking a gin you actually enjoy drinking neat or in other gin cocktails, because that flavour foundation will carry through.

Avoid heavily flavoured or botanical-heavy gins for this drink—they can muddy the delicate balance. Similarly, you might want to skip craft gins that lean too heavily on unusual botanicals. You're looking for something reliable and balanced that lets the raspberry and citrus have their moment.

Raspberry Syrup: Shop-Bought vs. Homemade

The raspberry element can come in several forms: shop-bought raspberry cordial, homemade raspberry syrup, or even a quality raspberry liqueur in a pinch. Each has its merits.

Shop-bought cordials are convenient and consistent. A good quality raspberry cordial from the supermarket works perfectly well and takes the guesswork out of measurements. Dilute it according to packet instructions before adding to your shaker.

Homemade raspberry syrup is genuinely simple to make and gives you control over sweetness levels. Heat equal parts fresh (or frozen) raspberries and caster sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the raspberries break down (about 10 minutes). Strain through fine mesh or muslin cloth, let it cool, and store in the fridge for up to two weeks. This route rewards you with a fresher, more vibrant flavour.

Raspberry liqueurs like chambord can work too, though they'll add extra alcohol and sweetness, so you may need to adjust lemon juice slightly to compensate.

For the most authentic and delicious result, homemade syrup using fresh or frozen raspberries is worth the minimal effort. Frozen raspberries are fine (and often cheaper) and work just as well as fresh.

The Egg White Consideration

The egg white is what transforms the Clover Club from a simple mixed drink into something velvety and luxurious. However, it's a step some home bartenders hesitate over—and that's fair enough.

If you're uncomfortable using raw egg white, several alternatives exist. Aquafaba (the liquid from tinned chickpeas) creates a surprisingly similar foam and is completely plant-based. Use about 25ml in place of the egg white. Pasteurised egg white products are also available from good kitchen retailers and work reliably.

If you decide to use a fresh egg white, buy eggs from a reputable source and store them properly. Many bartenders and home entertainers use fresh egg whites regularly without issue, but it's entirely your call.

Making It Your Own: Variations

Once you've mastered the classic, the Clover Club invites gentle experimentation. Here are a few thoughtful tweaks:

• Strawberry version: Swap the raspberry syrup for strawberry syrup. The result is lighter and slightly sweeter.
• With a splash of cream: The traditional recipe sometimes includes 15ml of double cream for extra richness. Try it both ways and see which you prefer.
• Citrus swap: Lime juice instead of lemon creates a slightly different tartness. Fresh lime is also traditional in some vintage recipes.
• Flavoured gin: A raspberry gin can enhance the berry character, though stick with quality versions to avoid overpowering sweetness.
• A touch of dry vermouth: Some modern interpretations add 5ml of dry vermouth for complexity. It's subtle but interesting.

The beauty of the Clover Club is that it's robust enough to handle light tweaks without losing its identity. If you're hosting and unsure what your guests might prefer, make a few different versions and let people try them side by side.

Serving and Entertaining Tips

The Clover Club shines at home gatherings. Its visual appeal—that delicate pink colour and fluffy foam—makes it perfect for impressing guests, whilst its balanced flavour means it appeals to a wide audience.

For larger gatherings, you can batch-prepare the non-fizzy elements (gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, egg white) in a large jug, then shake in smaller batches as needed. This keeps your prep manageable whilst maintaining the crucial two-stage shake technique.

Pre-chill your glassware in the freezer or by filling glasses with ice whilst you're making the drink. This small detail keeps your cocktail colder for longer. Coupe glasses are traditional, but a Nick and Nora or even a short tumbler works fine if that's what you have.

Fresh raspberries for garnish are worth sourcing—they look beautiful and signal to guests that you've put thought into the drink. A cocktail pick makes them easy to add, or simply float 2–3 raspberries on top of the foam.

Shopping for Your Home Bar

To make Clover Clubs at home regularly, you'll want a few basics: a decent gin, fresh lemon juice (bottled is fine, but fresh is better), and a reliable source of quality raspberry syrup or the ingredients to make it. A cocktail shaker, strainer, and coupe glasses round out your setup.

If you're building or expanding your home bar, Master of Malt has an excellent selection of gins at various price points, plus all the syrups and cordials you might need. It's a reliable stop for anyone getting serious about home entertaining.

You don't need expensive equipment—a basic shaker set and some decent glassware is genuinely all you need to make excellent cocktails at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a Clover Club without egg white?

Yes, absolutely. You'll lose the signature fluffy foam, but the flavour remains delicious. Simply shake the gin, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and cream (if using) with ice, then strain. Alternatively, use aquafaba or pasteurised egg white for a similar texture without the raw egg concern.

Is the Clover Club sweet or sour?

It's balanced between both. The raspberry syrup brings sweetness, whilst the fresh lemon juice provides tartness. The result should taste neither overly sweet nor aggressively sour—more like a refined, mouth-watering sipper that makes you want another sip.

What's the best type of raspberry syrup to use?

Homemade syrup made with fresh or frozen raspberries is ideal, but quality shop-bought cordials work perfectly well. Avoid overly artificial-tasting products; a good quality cordial from the supermarket is fine. Measure carefully—too much syrup makes the drink cloying.

Can I prep a Clover Club in advance?

You can prepare all the ingredients in advance (mixed into a jug), but you must shake it fresh just before serving. The egg white requires vigorous shaking to create the foam, and that foam is best consumed immediately. Once made, the cocktail keeps for maybe 10 minutes before the foam starts to collapse.

What gin works best for a Clover Club?

Any clean, balanced London Dry gin works beautifully. Gordon's, Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire are all excellent choices. Avoid heavily botanical or unusual craft gins, which can overpower the delicate raspberry and citrus balance.

Is the Clover Club suitable for a large party?

Absolutely. Batch-prepare the ingredients in a large jug, then shake in 2–3 drink portions at a time just before serving. This keeps prep manageable whilst maintaining the crucial two-stage shake. It's an excellent choice for a dinner party or cocktail gathering.

What's the difference between a Clover Club and a Raspberry Gin Sour?

A Clover Club includes an egg white and often cream, creating a silky, frothy drink. A basic gin sour is typically just spirit, citrus, and sugar with no egg white. The Clover Club's texture and richness are what set it apart, making it more luxurious.

Conclusion

The Clover Club deserves its place as a modern classic. It's elegant, approachable, visually stunning, and genuinely delicious—everything you want from a home cocktail. Whether you're hosting friends for dinner or simply wanting to elevate your weeknight drinks, this gin and raspberry combination is absolutely worth mastering.

Start with the classic recipe, nail the two-stage shake, and taste as you go. Once you've got the basics down, you can explore variations and make it your own. If you're looking for more inspiration, check out our blog for other classic cocktail guides, or use The Cocktail Pub's AI generator to discover new recipes based on what you have at home. Happy mixing.

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