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.

By Published On: May 12th, 202138 Comments on Club Special Cocktail

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

38 Comments

  1. David @ Spiced May 12, 2021 at 6:21 AM - Reply

    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!

    • chef mimi May 12, 2021 at 7:09 AM - Reply

      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.

  2. cookingwithauntjuju.com May 12, 2021 at 6:47 AM - Reply

    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 :)

    • chef mimi May 12, 2021 at 7:10 AM - Reply

      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.

  3. Josette@thebrookcook May 12, 2021 at 7:08 AM - Reply

    I love that you included the left-hand pouring fail. ;) I hope to try your cocktail when it warms up! Sounds great.

    • chef mimi May 12, 2021 at 7:11 AM - Reply

      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!

  4. chef mimi May 12, 2021 at 7:10 AM - Reply

    I have no idea, but really was surprised to read that it actually came from a specific club. And it is good!

  5. kitchenriffs May 12, 2021 at 9:06 AM - Reply

    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.

    • chef mimi May 12, 2021 at 9:35 AM - Reply

      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!

  6. chef mimi May 12, 2021 at 10:14 AM - Reply

    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.

  7. Healthy World Cuisine May 12, 2021 at 11:54 AM - Reply

    Very refreshing cocktail. We love Titos vodka too. Perfect end of the day cocktail to enjoy with friends. Stay well and take care

    • chef mimi May 17, 2021 at 6:27 AM - Reply

      Us as well. Just made Pisco sours the other night with friends. But only because they’ve had Club Specials!

  8. Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen May 12, 2021 at 6:53 PM - Reply

    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!

    • chef mimi May 12, 2021 at 8:28 PM - Reply

      Lilacs are so pretty! These pics were from my neighbor’s house. I have none!

  9. sherry May 12, 2021 at 8:11 PM - Reply

    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.

    • chef mimi May 12, 2021 at 8:28 PM - Reply

      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!

  10. chef mimi May 12, 2021 at 8:29 PM - Reply

    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.

  11. Tandy I Lavender and Lime May 12, 2021 at 10:59 PM - Reply

    As soon as it’s summer I will make these. Sounds perfect for sitting in the pool and cooling off.

    • chef mimi May 13, 2021 at 7:20 AM - Reply

      That’s exactly what they’re good for! Or golfing, if you’re only doing the driving and not trying to golf.

  12. Kim Bultman May 12, 2021 at 11:43 PM - Reply

    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?

    • chef mimi May 13, 2021 at 7:20 AM - Reply

      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!

  13. Molly Pisula May 13, 2021 at 8:04 AM - Reply

    I bet these cocktails were delicious, especially with the homemade limeade!

    • chef mimi May 14, 2021 at 11:43 AM - Reply

      They’re good, not too strong, which I like, and very refreshing!

  14. chef mimi May 14, 2021 at 11:40 AM - Reply

    There ya go!

  15. Jeff the Chef May 15, 2021 at 8:25 AM - Reply

    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!

    • chef mimi May 15, 2021 at 8:39 AM - Reply

      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!!!

  16. David Scott Allen May 16, 2021 at 12:44 PM - Reply

    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…

    • chef mimi May 16, 2021 at 1:44 PM - Reply

      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!

  17. neil@neilshealthymeals.com May 16, 2021 at 11:39 PM - Reply

    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!

    • chef mimi May 17, 2021 at 6:28 AM - Reply

      It’s definitely a simple cocktail to make. And refreshing. Happy grilling!

  18. Raymund May 18, 2021 at 6:23 PM - Reply

    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

    • chef mimi May 18, 2021 at 6:26 PM - Reply

      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…

  19. For the Love of Cooking May 21, 2021 at 12:37 PM - Reply

    This is my kind of cocktail!

    • chef mimi May 22, 2021 at 8:52 AM - Reply

      Very tasty and refreshing!

  20. 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.

    • chef mimi May 24, 2021 at 5:44 PM - Reply

      I’m just SO not left handed, or ambidextrous. If my husband is around, he’s happy to help…

  21. MD August 3, 2023 at 12:54 PM - Reply

    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.

    • Chef Mimi August 5, 2023 at 7:18 AM - Reply

      Hahahahahaha! Very funny. They really are wonderful.

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