Breakfast Corpse Reviver

The Breakfast Corpse Reviver is a clever and delicious twist on the prohibition-era classic, the Corpse Reviver No. 2. By introducing a bar spoon of orange marmalade, it borrows an element from the famous Breakfast Martini, creating a perfect union of two iconic drinks. The result is a beautifully balanced cocktail that is tart, complex, slightly sweet, and herbaceous. It serves as an elegant "hair of the dog" remedy, ideal for a weekend brunch or as a vibrant aperitif.
Breakfast Corpse Reviver

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a cocktail. It is considered a modern classic, as it's a contemporary variation of a historic recipe. It falls into the category of "hair of the dog" drinks, meant to be enjoyed during brunch or as a morning pick-me-up.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward cocktail served cold, without ice, in a chilled coupe glass. The alcohol content is relatively high, making it a potent but refined drink.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml (4 oz)
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled and rinsed with absinthe

Backstory

This cocktail is a modern invention, born from the craft cocktail renaissance of the early 21st century. It's a tribute to both the Savoy classic Corpse Reviver No. 2 and Salvatore Calabrese's Breakfast Martini. Bartenders creatively merged the bright, citrusy profile of the Corpse Reviver with the signature marmalade element of the Breakfast Martini, resulting in a new brunch-time favorite for those in the know.
Origin
The specific origin is not credited to a single bartender but it emerged in the craft cocktail scene around the 2010s. It's a product of the global trend of reinterpreting classic cocktails with inventive twists, particularly popular in cities like London and New York.

Breakfast Corpse Reviver

The drink is primarily known as the Breakfast Corpse Reviver. Occasionally, it might be referred to as a Marmalade Corpse Reviver to emphasize its key ingredient. The name is a clear nod to its two parent cocktails: the Breakfast Martini and the Corpse Reviver No. 2.
Original name
Breakfast Corpse Reviver
Alternative name
Marmalade Corpse Reviver

Characteristics overview

This cocktail offers a bright, citrus-forward flavor profile balanced by herbal complexity and a hint of anise from the absinthe rinse. It has a smooth, silky texture and a clean, refreshing finish, making it enjoyable any time of year.
Flavor
Citrusy, Herbal, Zesty, Bittersweet, Anise
Aroma
Orange, Lemon, Juniper, Floral, Anise
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering citrus, Herbal complexity
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Hazy, Pale yellow, Golden
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Full-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season, Bright

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink has a pronounced flavor intensity, characterized by a bright fruitiness and tartness, moderate alcohol strength, and a subtle bittersweet background. It is not creamy, spicy, or carbonated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires an equal-parts base of gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice. A bar spoon of orange marmalade provides the signature "breakfast" twist, while an absinthe rinse adds aromatic complexity.
  • Gin22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A London Dry Gin works beautifully here.
  • Lillet Blanc22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Cocchi Americano can be used as a substitute for a slightly more bitter profile.
  • Cointreau22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Other high-quality triple secs can be substituted.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
  • Orange Marmalade1 bar spoon
    A good quality, slightly bitter Seville orange marmalade is ideal.
  • Absinthe2-3 drops for rinse
    Used to rinse the glass to add an aromatic anise note.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and both Hawthorne and fine mesh strainers for a smooth, clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice.
  • Fine mesh strainer to remove small ice chips and marmalade bits.

Instructions

The process involves rinsing a chilled coupe with absinthe, shaking the remaining ingredients with ice to dissolve the marmalade, and double straining into the prepared glass. An orange twist garnish completes the drink.
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Once chilled, discard the ice. Add a few drops of absinthe to the glass, swirl to coat the entire inner surface, and discard any excess liquid.
3. Combine the gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, and orange marmalade in a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with cubed ice and seal it firmly.
5. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker is ice-cold to the touch. This helps dissolve the marmalade properly.
6. Double strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the prepared, absinthe-rinsed glass.
7. Take a fresh orange peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing it, and then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
8. Serve immediately while perfectly chilled.

Garnishing

A simple but essential orange twist serves as the garnish. Expressing its oils over the glass adds a bright, aromatic citrus layer that complements the drink's flavors.
  • Orange Twist: Express the oils over the drink's surface and drop it in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is generally free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, assuming no animal-derived fining agents are used in the spirits or liqueurs.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the liqueurs and marmalade. It contains around 230 calories and 16 grams of sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 220-250 kcal / 920-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-17 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Breakfast Corpse Reviver is perfectly suited for brunch gatherings or as a sophisticated pre-dinner aperitif. Its revitalizing character also makes it an excellent choice for weekend day-drinking or a stylish cocktail party.
  • Brunch
  • Aperitif
  • Weekend Sipping
  • Cocktail Party

Pairing suggestions

Given its brunch-time nature, this cocktail pairs wonderfully with classic brunch fare like Eggs Benedict or smoked salmon. Its citrusy profile also complements pastries, scones, and light, fresh salads. Avoid pairing it with overly sweet or heavy dishes that would clash with its delicate balance.
  • Eggs Benedict
  • Croissants or Scones
  • Smoked Salmon Blinis
  • Light Salads with Citrus Vinaigrette

The Breakfast Corpse Reviver: A Zesty Awakening

The Breakfast Corpse Reviver is a testament to modern cocktail creativity, elegantly blending two classics into one harmonious drink. Its foundation is the iconic equal-parts formula of the Corpse Reviver No. 2, enhanced with the zesty, bittersweet character of orange marmalade. The subtle anise aroma from an absinthe rinse adds a layer of complexity, making each sip a delightful experience. Perfect for brunch or as a vibrant aperitif, this cocktail is a sophisticated choice for those looking to revive their spirits with a touch of class.

Similar Cocktails

Corpse Reviver No. 2

The direct predecessor; made with gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and an absinthe rinse, but without marmalade.

Breakfast Martini

The other inspiration for this drink. It uses gin, Cointreau, lemon juice, and orange marmalade, but omits the Lillet Blanc and absinthe.

The Last Word

Another equal-parts classic with gin, but features Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice for a more pungent, herbal flavor.

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