History & Heritage
“The Royal Clover Club emerged as a natural evolution of the classic Clover Club during the pre-Prohibition or Prohibition era, likely between 1920-1930. While the original Clover Club was a symbol of sophisticated gentlemen's club culture, the Royal variation transformed the frothy, airy character into something more substantial and luxurious. The "Royal" designation in cocktails of this period often signified the addition of a richer ingredient - in this case, egg yolk instead of egg white. The earliest known printed recipe appears in the Buckstone Book of Cocktails (circa 1925) and later in Harry Craddock's legendary Savoy Cocktail Book (1930), cementing its place in cocktail history.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
2 oz
0.8 oz
0.5 oz
1 whole
2 dashes
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick and Nora glass in freezer for at least 15 minutes
Carefully separate egg yolk from white of a fresh, pasteurized egg
Dry shake: Combine gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg yolk in shaker without ice
Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to emulsify the egg yolk
Add generous amount of large, cold ice cubes to shaker
Wet shake: Shake again for 15-20 seconds until outside of shaker is frosty
Double strain using Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer into chilled glass
Express oils from lemon peel over surface and discard peel
Optional: drop a single fresh raspberry into center of drink
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or Nick and Nora glass
Garnish
Express oils over surface and discard
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use the freshest, highest-quality pasteurized eggs available
The dry shake is crucial for proper emulsification - don't skimp on time
Double straining ensures a silky-smooth texture free of ice shards
Serve immediately for the best temperature and texture experience
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Royal Clover Club.
Grenadine Royal Clover Club
Uses high-quality pomegranate grenadine instead of raspberry syrup for a different fruit profile.
Changes
Grand Royal Clover Club
Uses both egg white and egg yolk for a drink that is both frothy and creamy.
Changes
Vermouth Royal Clover Club
Adds dry vermouth for herbal complexity, inspired by modern interpretations.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Obituary Cocktail
A potent and aromatic spin on the classic Gin Martini, distinguished by a haunting whisper of absinthe. Born in New Orleans, this cocktail offers complex, herbaceous, and licorice-tinged flavors.
Porto Flip
A 19th‑century flip—ruby Port and Cognac shaken silky with a rich egg yolk and finished with nutmeg.
Reverse Vesper
A modern, vodka-forward interpretation of the classic Vesper Martini. By inverting the primary proportions of gin and vodka, this variation shifts the cocktail's character from a juniper-led powerhouse to a smoother, more subtle drink.