The classic Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail is, to quote the creator, "strong enough to raise the dead". And once, you try it, you'll completely understand why. It's potent, boozy, and yet totally refreshing. The whiff of Absinthe from the rinse provides a beautiful aromatic complexity as well.
As the name implies, the Corpse Reviver is said to be able to raise the dead (i.e., us, with a hangover). There are different variations of the Corpse Reviver - and the number two seems to be the one that's stood the test of time. So let's get to it!
P.S. I gave this a very Halloween theme, but you can obviously drink this any time of they year.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of flavors: It’s got gin's botanical notes, citrusy lemon, sweet Lillet Blanc, and a touch of absinthe’s herbal touch.
Unique absinthe twist: The absinthe rinse adds a subtle complexity, elevating it above your average gin cocktail. If you've never had absinthe, this is a great way to try it!
Super Refreshing: The fresh lemon juice keeps it bright and crisp, perfect for any occasion.
Easy: Equal parts of everything make it simple, but the result is anything but ordinary.
Where Did This Cocktail Originate?
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is one of the classic cocktails that dates back to the early 20th century, and it's part of a broader category known as "corpse revivers." These cocktails were intended as hangover cures, hence the name—designed to "revive" someone from late-night shenanigans gone a bit too far.
The No. 2 version became popular in the 1930s when it was included in Harry Craddock’s "Savoy Cocktail Book". Craddock was a famous bartender at London’s Savoy Hotel, and this book helped spread the popularity of the Corpse Reviver No. 2. It’s the most well-known of the Corpse Reviver variations, likely due to its perfectly balanced flavors.
This cocktail highlights the Prohibition Era’s love of bold drinks and the ongoing experimentation with ingredients like absinthe, which was banned for a time but made a resurgence. The combination of gin, Lillet Blanc, and citrus in the drink shows the evolving tastes of cocktail enthusiasts of the time.
Key fact: Craddock famously warned in his book that “four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again”—a nod to its uh...potency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Corpse Reviver cocktails are a family of drinks originally intended as hangover cures—to "revive" someone from a rough morning after a night of drinking. The name comes from their purpose of waking you up (or bringing you back to life). The recipes usually have bright, bold flavors and a decent amount of alcohol.
Corpse Reviver No. 1 is brandy-based, heavier, and more warming. No. 2 is lighter, with gin, citrus, and absinthe.
Yes! The absinthe adds a subtle herbal layer that complements the other ingredients. It won’t overpower the drink.
If you can’t find Lillet Blanc, try Cocchi Americano for a similar taste profile with that same bright, floral note.
It’s a potent drink. Remember, Harry Craddock warned that more than a few might "un-revive" you! Enjoy responsibly!
Ingredients
Gin (1 oz):
The botanical, juniper-forward flavors of gin provide a strong base, balancing the citrus and sweetness. The herbal notes pair perfectly with the absinthe rinse.
Lillet Blanc (1 oz):
Lillet Blanc is a fortified wine with a slightly sweet, floral, and citrusy flavor. It smooths out the cocktail and enhances the lemon’s brightness.
Orange liqueur (1 oz):
Usually Cointreau or Triple Sec, it adds sweetness and a zesty, orange note, tying together the lemon and Lillet flavors. It also rounds out the sharpness of the gin and lemon.
Lemon juice (1 oz):
Fresh lemon juice provides a bright acidity that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the overall refreshing quality of the cocktail.
Absinthe (rinse):
The absinthe adds a hint of anise and herbal complexity, making the drink more interesting without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Make a Corpse Reviver No. 2
Chill the glass:
Pop a coupe or martini glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice water to chill while you prep.
Rinse with absinthe:
Once the glass is chilled, pour a small amount of absinthe in and swirl it around. Dump the excess. This gives the glass a light, herbal coating.
Mix the cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz gin, 1 oz Lillet Blanc, 1 oz orange liqueur, and 1 oz fresh lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice.
Shake it:
Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to mix and chill the ingredients. The colder, the better!
Strain:
Strain the cocktail into your absinthe-rinsed glass using a fine-mesh strainer or Hawthorne strainer.
Garnish (optional):
If you like, add a lemon peel twist or dried citrus on the rim or drop it into the drink for a citrusy aroma.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Adjust the absinthe to your taste:
If the absinthe is too strong, you can try using an atomizer or misting it instead of swirling for a lighter touch.
Upgrade your gin:
Try a more complex gin with a herbal or floral profile. It will complement the absinthe and Lillet Blanc perfectly.
Try a different liqueur:
Experiment with alternatives like Grand Marnier for a richer, deeper orange note, or a more exotic citrus liqueur for a twist.
More Awesome Cocktail Recipes
📖 Recipe
Corpse Reviver No. 2
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc
- 1 oz orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1 oz lemon juice
- absinthe for rinsing the glass
Instructions
- Rinse the glass: Swirl a small amount of absinthe around a chilled coupe or martini glass. Dump the excess.
- Shake: In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Strain: Shake vigorously and strain into your absinthe-rinsed glass.
- Garnish: Add a lemon peel or leave it classic.
Notes
- Fresh is best: Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor. Bottled juice won’t give you the same result.
- Absinthe alternative: If you don’t have absinthe, you can use an anise-flavored liqueur like Pernod or Herbsaint for a similar effect.
- Gin choice: A more botanical gin will enhance the herbal complexity of the drink. Try brands like Hendrick’s or The Botanist for extra flavor depth.
- Batch prep: If you’re making this for a crowd, you can batch the ingredients ahead of time—just add the lemon juice and shake fresh.
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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