Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

Beat sugar and shortening together in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in molasses and egg. Dissolve baking soda in warm coffee; stir into batter.

Combine flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a separate bowl; gradually stir into batter. Mix in raisins. Form dough into 4 long strips on cookie sheets, lengthwise.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on cookie sheets, then cut each strip into 2-inch bars while still warm.