Club Special Cocktail
We live in a town about 100 miles from Oklahoma’s capital city, Oklahoma City. We’ve been here 32 years. It was not that long ago that we joined our town’s country club, mostly because after retiring, my husband’s main hobby was golfing.
It was at the club I discovered a cocktail called a Club Special. I was naive enough to think that this wonderful cocktail with a salted rim was only made at our local club, which is why it would be called a club special!
But recently, I googled Club Special cocktail out of curiosity, and I found a recipe that supposedly originates from Oklahoma City’s Twin Hills country club. This is what I discovered, from My Recipe Magic.
And that’s when I discovered that it’s not a local cocktail, but it is one that originated in Oklahoma!
So I wanted to make it at home and for the blog, because it really is good, and perfect for warm months; this was mid-April, when pansies, kale and lilacs were blooming.
I quadrupled the recipe, and made a small pitcher. Why not?!!
Oklahoma’s Famous Club Special Cocktail
Serves 4
8 ounces vodka
4 ounces limeade
4 ounces Sprite
Salt for rim
4 splashes of club soda
Place the first 3 ingredients in a small pitcher. Mix well. I made my own limeade using fresh limes and some simple syrup I had on hand.
Salt the rim of two cocktail glasses and add ice. Pour the mixture into the glasses, then add the club soda splash to each.
I love how I really can’t pour with my left hand! (Notice above left photo.)
These are so refreshing. And, addicting!
If your limeade is tart, you could rim the glasses with sugar instead of salt; I personally prefer salt.
About the Author: Chef Mimi
That pouring photo cracked me up, Mimi! This cocktail sounds quite tasty, and I can see how the salted rim works well – it’s like a margarita, but with vodka and sprite. I could get on board with this drink – especially when sitting outside with the spring flowers blooming!
It’s very refreshing. I drank them while driving the cart trying to support my husband’s golf addiction. I tried, but golfing isn’t for me. It could be if it was 65-70 degrees every day, but in Oklahoma it is not. Yes, that pouring photo. Totally missed. Are other people that bad with their left hands if they’re right handed??!! No idea.
I first thought of a club sandwich! I don’t drink many cocktails (I’m a wine drinker) but this looks darn refreshing especially with temps are finally getting into the 70’s. I totally agree with the above comment :)
It is a refreshing drink, and you don’t have to make it as strong, which you know. I mostly only drink wine myself, so I understand.
I love that you included the left-hand pouring fail. ;) I hope to try your cocktail when it warms up! Sounds great.
It’s just so funny when I’m that off! I’ve done it many times doing food photos. Many times it’s been quite the mess!
I have no idea, but really was surprised to read that it actually came from a specific club. And it is good!
OK, I’ll add to the chorus about the left-handed pour photo. :-) I’m glad I’m not the only one with that problem! Anyway, this looks like a delightful summer drink — thanks.
I’m not?! Sheesh, I really thought it was just me. So terribly uncoordinated! This is a good drink – just not as strong as the ones you make!
Oh nice! Yeah, turns out I’m a fair weather golfer, which leaves about 2 weeks for me. Unfortunately the garden has to be dealt with daily, and it seems like I’m getting even more sensitive to heat. I lived on Long Island for a couple of years, and remember the heat and humidity there.
Very refreshing cocktail. We love Titos vodka too. Perfect end of the day cocktail to enjoy with friends. Stay well and take care
Us as well. Just made Pisco sours the other night with friends. But only because they’ve had Club Specials!
Mimi, this is so pretty! I love to eat pretty, and drink pretty! My lilacs are blooming, and this is a perfect Lilac Viewing Cocktail!
Lilacs are so pretty! These pics were from my neighbor’s house. I have none!
so i guess limeade is what we would call a cordial here in australia? a sweet and citrus-flavoured concentrated drink that you top up with sparkling water or plain water? or maybe just a sweet drink? your cocktails look very enticing.
Well not concentrated…. limeade or lemonade would be made with citrus juice, some sweetener, and water. It’s refreshing over ice – not sweet but not too tart. So the cocktail isn’t sweet at all, or tart – just refreshing! I hope that helps!
I’m not familiar with that… but I pretty much stick to vodka or tequila or gin in my cocktails. No brown liquors! This is definitely refreshing.
As soon as it’s summer I will make these. Sounds perfect for sitting in the pool and cooling off.
That’s exactly what they’re good for! Or golfing, if you’re only doing the driving and not trying to golf.
Refreshing indeed, Mimi! Are those forsythia flowers garnishing your cocktail? Loved the lilacs, too. (I miss them from MN.) This whole post heralds Spring! Ready for the warm-up this weekend?
Actually those are little flowers from kale plants. I thought they were pretty! I’ve been enjoying the cooler temps, but they’re not doing much for the plants and vegetables in the garden! So I have to suck it up and be ready!
I bet these cocktails were delicious, especially with the homemade limeade!
They’re good, not too strong, which I like, and very refreshing!
There ya go!
That’s a great photo, Mimi. I’m glad you posted it. And I’m glad you posted this recipe! I could get on board with this special!
It’s a nice drink. Not tart, not sweet, and not too strong for me. Last night I made pisco sours for friends. It’s so nice to have a blog to refer to for your own recipes!!!
It sounds super refreshing, Mimi. I’m not much of a cocktail drinker, but I imagine enjoying one of these on the patio as temperatures rise…
I enjoy a cocktail that’s refreshing and and not too strong. It’s mostly wine for me. But what I wish is that I could enjoy whiskey or bourbon like so many people. They seem so easy!
I actually got the BBQ out for the first time this year Mimi. The weather was finally OK here for some outdoor cooking. Now all I need is some new ideas for summer cocktails to go with a good grill up. This cocktail sounds pretty easy to do and is definitely right up Lynne’s street. Thanks!
It’s definitely a simple cocktail to make. And refreshing. Happy grilling!
Ohhh yeah that pouring photo was hilarious :) While I can do that as I am ambidextrous, what I cant do is using chopsticks correctly on my left hand
Oh my goodness! Why would you even attempt that if you’re right handed?!!!!! I guess if you’re using your right hand for your camera? Are they’re left handed cameras? I’ve never thought of that…
This is my kind of cocktail!
Very tasty and refreshing!
Trying to pour and take a picture at the same time is really difficult. I have tried and missed as well. Love the botanical additions to this cocktail, Yum.
I’m just SO not left handed, or ambidextrous. If my husband is around, he’s happy to help…
I was an assistant golf professional at a Tulsa area golf course in the late 80’s/early 90’s. The one benefit from that job was an endless (in moderation of course) supply of club specials in a Styrofoam cup (wouldn’t want the membership think of me as a lush). They are wonderful.
Hahahahahaha! Very funny. They really are wonderful.