In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, water and molasses. Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 1/3 cup of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet, flattening slightly with the bottom of a measuring cup.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.