Gin Lovers, This One’s for You
Today, we’re diving into the world of gin cocktails, specifically, a reimagined version of one of the most elegant and underrated classics: the Clover Club.
Velvety, vibrant, and subtly complex, this cocktail showcases gin in a starring role.
And, to bring it to life, we’re using one of Australia’s finest: Never Never Triple Juniper Gin from South Australia.
The History Behind the Clover Club
Before the Clover Club became a bartender’s flex or a hidden gem on a speakeasy menu, it was the drink of choice for members of the pre-Prohibition gentlemen’s club of the same name in Philadelphia.
Made with gin, dry vermouth, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white, it struck a balance between tart, fruity, and frothy; a combination that still holds strong over a century later.
The gin, of course, is essential. A bold, juniper-forward spirit gives the Clover Club its structure and backbone. That’s why in this version, I’m reaching for Never Never’s Triple Juniper Gin, an Aussie hero that plays beautifully with rich citrus and vibrant berries. 🤌🏼
Your Choice of Gin: Never Never Triple Juniper
Distilled just outside of Adelaide, Never Never Distilling Co. has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s premier gin producers, collecting awards and accolades as effortlessly as picking berries…
just not the juniper ones—those little rebels never make it easy!
One of the original founders, Sean Baxter, brought a bartender’s palate to the table, helping shape a gin that speaks the language of hospitality. Their London Dry style “Triple Juniper Gin“, the very first release, has since become a back-bar essential. It’s made using three different juniper extraction methods, creating a spirit that’s bold, bright, and unapologetically juniper-forward, with just the right balance of citrus and earthy spice.
Why does it work so well in a Clover Club?
Because this cocktail demands clarity and contrast—bright acidity, rich texture, and sharp definition.
Never Never doesn’t get lost in the mix. It stands up, speaks out, and pulls everything together.
What is a London Dry?
London Dry Gin is one of the most recognised and respected styles of gin worldwide, known for its clarity, dryness, and emphasis on juniper.
Although the name suggests a geographic origin, it actually refers to a method of production rather than where it is made. The style emerged in London during the 19th century, at a time when distillation technology was improving and consumers began demanding a cleaner, more refined alternative to the rougher gins of the past.
Unlike other gin styles, London Dry requires all botanicals to be distilled together using the one-shot method, where a single distillation run captures the full flavour profile without later blending or dilution. No flavours, colourings, or sweeteners can be added after distillation, resulting in a spirit known for its purity, balance, and consistency. This sets it apart from compound or flavoured gins, which often rely on post-distillation additions.
Globally, the definition of gin requires that juniper be the dominant flavour, but London Dry Gin takes this a step further. While the rules originated in Europe, they have influenced gin standards around the world, guiding a new wave of distillers toward quality and authenticity. Contemporary producers, including Australia’s Never Never, continue to innovate within the London Dry framework, balancing tradition with bold, local expressions.
Our Take on the Clover Club
A few weeks ago, I was at a bar where the bartender made me a Clover Club, but with sweet vermouth instead of dry. The result was fuller, deeper, and incredibly moreish. That one drink inspired this version.
This variation leans into richness, while still keeping the elegance. The bitters add a subtle spice and depth, the sweet vermouth softens the tartness, and the gin ties it all together with its bold herbal kick.
Of course the main hero of this drink is the raspberry syrup, which gives tartness, sweetness and the contradistinctive colour.
How to Make the Homemade Raspberry Syrup
Bright, sweet, and tangy. This syrup is the soul of the Clover Club.
You’ll need:
- 125g (1 punnet) fresh raspberries
- 125ml rich sugar syrup (2:1 ratio)
- 20ml Supasawa or fresh citric blend
Steps:
- Combine raspberries, sugar syrup, and Supasawa in a blender.
- Blitz until smooth.
- Strain through a fine sieve to remove solids.
- Store in a clean bottle in the fridge, it’ll keep perfectly fine for at least a week,
IF… you don’t finish it all in one night.
Bringing it all together:
- Prep Your Shaker: Add 45ml of Never Never Triple Juniper. A modern London Dry style gin with bold and citrusy character.
- Add the Aromatic Core: Pour in 15ml of sweet vermouth. The sweet vermouth adds warmth and complexity.
- Add Sweetness: Add 20ml of homemade raspberry syrup.
- Add Citrus: Squeeze 30ml of Lemon Juice.
- Bitters for Balance: Add 1-2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters to cut through the sweetness and lift the aromatic elements.
- Add whites: Roughly The whites of 1 small egg, or 20ml. This allows for emulsiphication and to link all ingredients together. If you are a vegan you can use a plant base replacement!
- Dry Shake: Shake it with no ice! this Helps getting some of that froth and emulsiphy the cocktail.
- Ice It Up: Add ice and shake for a well-chilled mix.
- Strain and Serve: Double strain into a chilled coupette.
- Garnish and Enjoy: We garnished it with some raspberry crumbs (see full preparation method below).
Garnish Like a Pro: Flash Freezing
For a show-stopping garnish, I used a technique similar to flash freezing. By dipping fresh raspberries in liquid nitrogen (-196°C) and then lightly crushing them, you create beautiful, jewel-like crumbs. These sit delicately on top of the foam, adding colour, texture, and visual drama.
Note: Always handle liquid nitrogen with care or ask a professional if you’re unsure.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Clover Club is more than just a pretty pink drink. It’s balanced, layered, and rewarding to make. You get bright citrus, rich berry notes, a velvety mouthfeel, and the unmistakable aroma of juniper. It’s the perfect cocktail to kick off a dinner party, impress a guest at home, or elevate your cocktail list if you’re behind the bar.
Try this twist at home, or bring it into your bar program—it’s a modern classic waiting to happen.
This drink is easy to replicate at home or behind the bar. Give it a go and let us know what you think!
Now it’s your turn to give this a try!
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Let us know what you’d like to see in the next recipe!
