Club Special Cocktail Recipe

Jump to Recipe ⬇️

Club Special Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Club Special cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first created at the prestigious country clubs, where it quickly gained popularity among the elite members. The cocktail is known for its refreshing taste and elegant presentation, making it a favorite choice for social gatherings and special occasions.

  • Originated in the early 20th century
  • Popular among country club members
  • Perfect for social gatherings and special occasions

How Club Special Tastes?

The Club Special cocktail has a refreshing and well-balanced taste, with a combination of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. It is light and easy to drink, making it perfect for warm weather and outdoor events.

Interesting facts about Club Special

  • The Club Special is often served in a Collins glass, which is tall and narrow, allowing the drink to stay cold and refreshing for longer periods of time.
  • The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a lemon wheel and a cherry, adding a touch of color and elegance to the presentation.
  • The Club Special is a versatile drink that can be easily customized by adding different fruit juices or flavored liqueurs.

Ingredients

A few good options for Club Special are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

Gin is the spirit base of our cocktail, providing a botanical background that's essential for depth of flavor. Opt for 1.5oz—no more, no less—to ensure the perfect balance between strength and subtlety.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed please, 0.75oz of lemon juice gives the drink its zesty kick. Too little and the cocktail becomes flat, too much and it's a sour face contest.

Alex Green

Simple Syrup

Just a half ounce to sweeten the deal! Simple syrup rounds out the sharp edges of the lemon and gin. Without it, you might pucker up more than you'd like.

Emma Rose

Club Soda

The bubbly personality of our drink! Club soda, 2oz of it, adds fizz and dilution, making the drink refreshingly sippable. No soda? No sparkles.

Mary Mitkina

Garnish

A lemon wheel and a cherry are the icing on the cake, adding a pop of color and a hint of aroma to tantalize your senses before you take that first sip.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Club Special Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice
  2. Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice
  5. Top with club soda
  6. Gently stir to combine
  7. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
  • Add the club soda last to maintain its fizziness.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

Grilled shrimp or oysters would complement the bright, citrusy notes of the Club Special cocktail.

Light Appetizers

Crudité platters and bruschetta make for delightful pre-dinner snacks alongside this refreshing drink.

Salads

A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing meshes well with the cocktail's crispness.

Sushi

The clean flavors of sushi and sashimi enhance and are enhanced by the Club Special's zesty lemon profile.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Club Special

  • Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a milder flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Lime juice can be used for a different citrus twist.
  • Simple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as natural sweeteners.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Club Special

Swap gin for cucumber-infused gin and add a thin slice of cucumber to the garnish. It should give a garden-fresh twist to the cocktail, great for those who like their drinks with a hint of spa-like relaxation.

Ingredients: Cucumber-infused gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, lemon wheel, cherry, cucumber slice.

Spicy Club Special

Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker before shaking. This will introduce a spicy kick to the drink, offering a contrast that's perfect for heat seekers.

Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, club soda, lemon wheel, cherry, jalapeño slice.

Berry Club Special

Muddle a few raspberries or blackberries with the simple syrup before shaking. This will bring a fruity sweetness to the cocktail, making it more of a berry delight.

Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, berry-infused simple syrup, club soda, lemon wheel, cherry, fresh berries.

In case you forgot basics how to make Club Special

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Club Special

What is the best type of gin to use for a Club Special?

The choice of gin can impact the flavor of the Club Special. A classic London dry gin is a good choice, but feel free to experiment with different brands and types to find the flavor profile you enjoy the most.

I don't have a Collins glass, can I use something else?

Yes, you can use any tall glass you have on hand. The most important thing is that the glass allows enough room for the drink and the ice.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Club Special?

Yes, you can substitute the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit or simply leave it out. Remember to balance the flavors with the other ingredients.

What is the origin of the name Club Special?

The Club Special cocktail is believed to have earned its name because it was a special recipe prepared at elite country clubs in the early 20th century.

How can I make my own simple syrup?

You can make simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, bring the mixture to a boil, and stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved. Allow it to cool before use.

More similar recipes to Club Special!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe