The Slope Cocktail: Brooklyn’s Modern Classic with Clover Club Roots
Combining botanical gin, citrus, and house-made raspberry syrup for a silky, rosy sip.
The Slope is a contemporary riff on the classic gin cocktail, inspired by the renowned Clover Club and emerging from Brooklyn’s vibrant bar scene. This cocktail artfully combines botanical gin, bittersweet notes, and fresh citrus, yielding a drink that is as visually alluring as it is sophisticated in flavor. Steeped in local character and inventive flair, The Slope is quickly gaining a devoted following among cocktail aficionados.
Introduction to The Slope Cocktail
The Slope is a unique creation from the celebrated mixology team at Brooklyn’s Clover Club. It is more than just a new recipe; it’s a testament to the evolution of the American cocktail. By blending timeless elements—quality gin, house-made syrups, and the signature frothy texture from egg whites—with fresh ideas and local influences, The Slope bridges classic influences and modern palates.
- Origin: Brooklyn, New York, Clover Club bar
- Primary Flavors: Botanicals, citrus, delicate berry sweetness, balanced bitterness
- Textural Profile: Smooth, creamy, and frothy
- Signature Hue: Distinct peach-pink color, reminiscent of classic Clover Club
The History Behind The Slope and the Clover Club Cocktail
The inspiration for The Slope traces its roots to the Clover Club cocktail—a drink with a storied past and surprising finesse. The original Clover Club was named for the exclusive men’s society that gathered in Philadelphia’s most distinguished hotels in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Characterized by its delicate pink hue and silky mouthfeel, the Clover Club combined gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white—a style once enjoyed primarily by upper-class gentlemen, but now beloved by all.
This historic drink eventually lent its name to the Brooklyn establishment, Clover Club, where a new generation of mixologists has built a legacy of evolving and refining classic recipes. The Slope celebrates this tradition while infusing it with the neighborhood’s creative spirit and cosmopolitan tastes.
| Era | Drink/Club | Location | Signature Ingredient |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880s–1920s | Clover Club (the club, then the drink) | Philadelphia | Gin, lemon, raspberry syrup, egg white |
| Modern | Clover Club Bar | Brooklyn, NY | Reinterpreted classics, new recipes like The Slope |
Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile
The Slope stands out for its delicate balance of flavors and satisfying texture. The botanicals of the chosen gin form the backbone, providing a crisp, refreshing foundation. The cocktail’s use of house-made bitters and sweet vermouth adds layers of complexity, integrating subtle alpine and herbal notes. Lemon juice brightens the mix, while the raspberry syrup imparts a gentle tartness and a beautiful pink color.
- Aroma: Fragrant citrus with fresh berry undertones
- Taste: Crisp gin notes, balanced by tart lemon and sweet raspberry, with gentle herbal complexity from vermouth
- Finish: Creamy, long, and lightly effervescent from the egg white foam
- Texture: Silky, rich, and frothy from the emulsified egg white
The Essential Ingredients for The Slope
To craft The Slope at home, start with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. The character of this drink emerges from the harmony of its components:
- Gin: Prefer a London Dry or Plymouth—clean and juniper-forward, but not overpowering. Gin forms the structural base of the cocktail.
- Dry Vermouth: Adds herbal, slightly sweet undertones that round out the gin’s botanicals.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for vibrant acidity and brightness.
- Raspberry Syrup: The house-made syrup imparts both color and ripe berry flavor. See below for a syrup recipe.
- Egg White: Lends a lush, foamy texture; can be replaced with aquafaba for a vegan version.
- Bitters: A touch of aromatic bitters provides complexity (optional, but recommended for The Slope variation).
- Ice: For thorough chilling and dilution during shaking.
- Fresh Raspberry (garnish): To crown the iconic foam layer.
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How to Make Raspberry Syrup for Cocktails
The secret to The Slope’s vibrant color and deep flavor is its raspberry syrup. While store-bought syrup can suffice, homemade is vastly superior—bursting with real fruit taste and a silky consistency.
Ingredients for Raspberry Syrup
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 ounce vodka (optional, for preservation)
Instructions
- Macerate the raspberries: In a bowl, combine raspberries and sugar. Crush thoroughly to release juices. Let sit for 30 minutes.
- Add water: Gently heat the water (do not boil), then pour over the raspberry-sugar mixture. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Strain: Pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Preserve (optional): Stir in vodka to extend the syrup’s shelf life.
- Bottle and refrigerate: Store in a clean bottle and keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Quick Alternative: In a pinch, muddle 3–4 raspberries with 1/2 ounce simple syrup directly in your shaker when preparing the drink.
Recipe: How To Make The Slope
The Slope is built using the dry shake technique that’s essential for incorporating egg white and creating a stable, creamy foam. Follow these careful steps for best results:
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces gin
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 ounce raspberry syrup (see recipe above)
- 1/2 ounce egg white (about half an egg white)
- 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters (optional, for balance)
- Ice
- Raspberry for garnish
Instructions
- Dry Shake: Combine gin, vermouth, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white in a cocktail shaker (no ice yet). Seal and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds to start the emulsification.
- Wet Shake: Add ice to the shaker and continue shaking hard for about 15 seconds, chilling and diluting the mixture.
- Double Strain: Strain the cocktail through a fine sieve into a chilled coupe glass to achieve a smooth, frothy finish.
- Garnish: Float a fresh raspberry atop the foam layer for visual appeal and a fragrant touch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Glassware: Use a coupette or small cocktail glass, chilled in advance for the most elegant presentation.
- Ice Quality: Large, clear ice cubes create optimal dilution and chill without overdiluting.
- Egg White Substitutes: For a vegan adaptation, substitute 1 ounce of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for the egg white; this maintains the cocktail’s signature silky head.
- Customization: Adjust syrup proportions for a more tart or sweeter cocktail based on taste preferences.
Variations and Modern Twists
While The Slope draws inspiration from the Clover Club, mixologists have experimented with several innovative variations:
- Vodka Slope: Swap gin for vodka for a softer, more neutral flavor profile.
- Flavored Bitters: Substitute orange or rhubarb bitters for an aromatic edge.
- Berry Slope: Add muddled blackberries or blueberries for a deeper berry note.
Comparison Table: The Slope vs. Classic Clover Club
| Ingredient | The Slope | Clover Club |
|---|---|---|
| Base Spirit | Gin | Gin |
| Vermouth | Dry vermouth (integral) | Dry vermouth (optional) |
| Citrus | Lemon | Lemon |
| Sweetener | Raspberry syrup | Raspberry syrup or grenadine |
| Egg White | Included | Included |
| Bitters | Often included | Rarely included |
| Signature Finish | Foamy head, raspberry garnish | Foamy head, raspberry garnish |
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for spring and summer gatherings due to its refreshing profile and lively color.
- Makes a striking welcome drink for dinner parties or festive occasions.
- Pairs well with light appetizers—try fresh oysters, goat cheese crostini, or smoked salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice for The Slope cocktail?
A: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is strongly preferred—bottled juice lacks the brightness and complexity needed for the best flavor.
Q: What’s the best gin to use for The Slope?
A: A high-quality London Dry or Plymouth gin is recommended, such as Beefeater, Ford’s, or Plymouth, for clear botanicals with no overpowering flavors.
Q: Do I have to use egg white? Is there a vegan alternative?
A: Egg white provides the signature silky foam, but you can substitute with 1 ounce of aquafaba (chickpea brine) for a vegan, allergy-friendly option.
Q: Can I make The Slope in advance for a party?
A: It’s best prepared fresh to retain the foam and aromatics, but you can batch the base (without lemon or egg white), then shake each portion individually when serving.
Q: How long does raspberry syrup last?
A: Homemade syrup lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge with vodka added for preservation; without alcohol, use within 7–10 days.
Conclusion
The Slope brings together the best of tradition and invention—its roots grounded in the storied Clover Club, its execution perfectly in tune with modern tastes. By combining vibrant, fresh ingredients with expert technique, this drink captures the spirit of Brooklyn: creative, inclusive, and always evolving. Whether served at a bustling bar or at home with friends, The Slope continues to set a new standard for contemporary classics.
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