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Loading...The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a drink of its namesake, designed in the pre-prohibition era to wake the dead by delivering a powerful concoction of strong liquors with just enough acidity and sweetness to make it taste clean and refreshing.
Originally published in print in Harry Cradock’s “The Savoy Cocktail Book” in 1930, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a revision of the original Corpse Reviver, now called the Corpse Reviver No. 1. The first version of the drink was harsher and richer, and was designed with the intent of curing a sharp hangover.
The modern “No. 2” version of the cocktail aims to keep the same hangover cure element to the drink while also improving the flavor and palatability. The modern cocktail is much smoother and balanced and, although it still packs a swift uppercut, it’s generally accepted as the superior version of the cocktail. The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is what you can expect to see most modern bartenders serving and has far surpassed the popularity of the original.
Bar Tools
- SHAKER
- ICE
- COUP GLASS OR MARTINI GLASS
- ORANGE
Ingredients
- 3/4 OZ. GIN (recommended: London Dry)
- 3/4 OZ. BLANC VERMOUTH (recommended: Lillet Blanc)
- 3/4 OZ. ORANGE LIQUEUR (recommended: Cointreau)
- 3/4 OZ. LEMON JUICE
- ABSINTHE (just enough to rinse the glass)
- GARNISH: ORANGE PEEL
How to Make
Pour absinthe into a martini or coup glass to rinse. Discard the excess. Add all remaining ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake until the drink is chilled and diluted. Strain the cocktail into your absinthe-rinsed glass. Express the oils of the orange peel over the top of the drink and discard the peel.
Nutrition Facts & ABV
- ABV (alcohol by volume): 21.1%
- Calories: 166
- Total carbohydrates: 8.7 grams
- Total sugar: 7.7 grams
Some spirit recipes aren’t available. As such, some nutrition content may be estimated.
History
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 was first found in Savoy Cocktail Book, an extensive account of cocktails written by Harry Craddock in 1930. Craddock mentions below the recipe, “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.” Origin: Savoy Cocktail Book, Harry Craddock, 1930.
Corpse Reviver FAQs
Do I need to use Lillet Blanc?
While Lillet Blanc is a standard in the drink, most blanc vermouths will work in this recipe. The version of Lillet Blanc (Kina Lillet) that was used to develop this recipe is now closer to the modern flavor profile of Cocci Americano due to the evolution of the recipe for the modern version of Lillet Blanc. Cocci is, in some cases, preferred over Lillet.
How strong is the Corpse Reviver No 2?
Strong. Most of the content of this drink is alcohol, and the strength of the drink reflects that. The final ABV for this drink hovers around 19.5%.
Can I use Triple Sec instead of Cointreau?
Triple Sec is substitutable for the Cointreau. The flavor profile of the drink will be slightly sweeter than the original recipe.
