Here at Snowdonia Spirit Co, we’re always looking for ways to celebrate the heritage of classic cocktails while bringing our unique Welsh flair to the table. One such cocktail that’s particularly close to our hearts is the Clover Club Cocktail, a drink steeped in history that perfectly embodies the elegance of early 20th-century cocktail culture. What makes it even more exciting for us is how well it pairs with our Welsh Dry Gin, adding a fresh, botanical twist to this already vibrant drink.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the fascinating history of the Clover Club Cocktail, explore its original ingredients, and show you how to mix up this iconic drink using our very own Welsh Dry Gin. And of course, we’ll sign off with a traditional Welsh “Cheers!” to toast the enduring charm of this beloved classic.
The Origins of the Clover Club Cocktail
The Clover Club Cocktail is one of those cocktails that, once tasted, is never forgotten. Its delicate balance of tartness and sweetness, along with its vibrant colour, makes it stand out from the crowd. The history of the Clover Club dates back to the late 1800s, with its first documented appearances in the early 1900s, long before Prohibition.
The Clover Club was born in Philadelphia, at the prestigious Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, a gathering place for high society and business elite. The hotel’s namesake Clover Club was a men’s social group of writers, lawyers, and industry leaders who would meet regularly to discuss the day’s events over fine food and drinks. The cocktail that would eventually bear the group’s name became the hallmark of these gatherings, symbolising the sophistication and wit of its members.
The Clover Club gained a reputation as a drink for the discerning gentleman, and soon it spread beyond the hotel and became a staple in bars across the United States. However, like many pre-Prohibition cocktails, it fell out of fashion as the decades wore on, pushed aside in favour of simpler, stronger drinks. The good news is that the Clover Club has made a stunning comeback in the modern craft cocktail renaissance, thanks to bartenders and enthusiasts who recognize the beauty and balance of this historic cocktail.
The Classic Clover Club Recipe
The original Clover Club recipe is a blend of gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup (or grenadine in some variations), and egg white. It’s a drink that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and creamy textures to create a truly refreshing experience. The key ingredient that really brings this cocktail to life is, of course, gin. And that’s where our Welsh Dry Gin comes in.
At Snowdonia Spirit Co, we believe that the best cocktails start with the best ingredients, which is why our Welsh Dry Gin is the perfect match for the Clover Club. Our gin is crafted using hand-foraged botanicals from the rugged landscape of Snowdonia, giving it a fresh, crisp profile that pairs beautifully with the bright flavours of the Clover Club.
Making the Clover Club Cocktail with our Welsh Dry Gin
Now that you know a bit more about the history of the Clover Club Cocktail, it’s time to mix one up for yourself. Here’s our take on the classic recipe, featuring our Welsh Dry Gin.
Ingredients:
- 50ml Snowdonia Spirit Co Welsh Gin
- 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15ml raspberry syrup (or grenadine for a sweeter alternative)
- 1 egg white (for the signature frothy texture)
- Ice
- Fresh raspberries or a lemon twist for garnish
Method:
- Dry shake the egg white: Start by adding the egg white to your cocktail shaker. Dry shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds. This will help create the frothy texture that the Clover Club Cocktail is known for.
- Add the other ingredients: Next, add the Welsh Dry Gin, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup to the shaker. The combination of tart lemon, sweet raspberry, and our botanically rich gin creates a well-rounded flavor.
- Shake with ice: Add a handful of ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for another 20 seconds. This will chill the drink and help to further emulsify the egg white, resulting in a smooth, frothy cocktail.
- Strain and serve: Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass. The double strain ensures you catch any remaining ice shards or pulp, leaving you with a silky smooth drink.
- Garnish: Top with a fresh raspberry or a twist of lemon peel for an elegant finish.
- Sip and enjoy: Take a moment to admire the beautiful pale pink hue and frothy top before taking your first sip. The flavor combination of our Welsh Dry Gin with the fresh lemon and raspberry is a refreshing update to this classic cocktail, offering a delicate balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes.
Why the Clover Club Deserves a Place in Your Cocktail Repertoire
One of the things we love most about the Clover Club Cocktail is its versatility. Whether you’re enjoying a sophisticated evening in or hosting a dinner party, this cocktail is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s both visually stunning and full of vibrant flavour, making it perfect for those who want something a bit more special than your typical gin and tonic.
What’s more, the inclusion of egg white in the recipe gives the Clover Club a rich, velvety texture that elevates the entire experience. If you’re new to using egg white in cocktails, don’t be intimidated—it’s a common ingredient in many classic cocktails, and when used properly, it adds an extra layer of smoothness and body to the drink without impacting the flavor.
At Snowdonia Spirit Co, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our Welsh Dry Gin, and we believe it shines in cocktails like the Clover Club. The botanicals in our gin—many of which are foraged from the local landscape—provide an earthy, herbal undertone that pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart profile of the Clover Club’s other ingredients. The result is a cocktail that’s both classic and modern, with a distinct Welsh twist.
Bringing the Spirit of Snowdonia into Every Glass
What makes the Clover Club truly special when made with our Welsh Dry Gin is the sense of place that comes with each sip. Every bottle of our Welsh gin is crafted with care, using the finest botanicals. The result is a spirit that not only tastes great but also tells a story—a story of Welsh tradition, nature, and the passion we put into every bottle.
When you mix up a Clover Club with Snowdonia Spirit Co’s gin, you’re not just making a cocktail; you’re bringing a little piece of Wales into your glass. The juniper-forward notes, balanced by subtle floral and citrus hints, perfectly complement the bright raspberry and lemon flavours in the Clover Club, making it a truly unique version of this historic drink.
Cheers to the Clover Club – With a Welsh Twist
In recent years, the Clover Club has made a well-deserved comeback in bars and homes around the world. We’re proud to be part of this resurgence, offering a Welsh take on this classic that’s as delicious as it is visually stunning. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or someone who simply enjoys a well-made drink, the Clover Club Cocktail with our Welsh Dry Gin is a must-try.
So, why not give it a go? Next time you’re in the mood for something refreshing, elegant, and just a little bit indulgent, mix up a Clover Club and raise your glass to both the past and present of cocktail culture.
From all of us at Snowdonia Spirit Co, Iechyd da!
The post The Clover Club Cocktail, A Classic Reimagined with Welsh Spirit first appeared on Snowdonia Spirit Co.
