Corpse Reviver No. 1

The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is the lesser-known, but arguably more sophisticated, predecessor to the gin-based No. 2. It is a bold and warming drink, leading with the deep, fruity notes of Cognac and the crisp apple essence of Calvados. Sweet vermouth ties the two brandies together, adding a layer of herbal complexity and a gentle sweetness. This cocktail is a contemplative sipper, perfect for those who appreciate the nuances of fine brandy.
Corpse Reviver No. 1

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is firmly a classic cocktail, originating from the pre-prohibition era of mixology. It is classified as an "all-day" drink or an aperitif, despite its name suggesting a morning pick-me-up. Its rich, spirit-forward nature places it in the category of stirred or shaken cocktails served "up" (without ice).

Serving

Serve this potent, cold cocktail in a chilled coupe or martini glass. It's a relatively small drink by volume but carries a significant alcoholic strength.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Corpse Reviver family of drinks were intended as "hair of the dog" hangover cures. This specific recipe was codified by Harry Craddock in his influential 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book". He famously noted that "Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again." While its gin-based counterpart, the No. 2, gained more fame, the No. 1 remains a treasured classic for connoisseurs of brandy-based cocktails.
Origin
United Kingdom, circa 1930. The recipe was published in "The Savoy Cocktail Book" by Harry Craddock at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Corpse Reviver No. 1

The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is almost exclusively known by its full name to distinguish it from its more famous sibling, the Corpse Reviver No. 2. It does not have any widely recognized alternative names or nicknames. The name itself is a historical term for a "hair of the dog" hangover cure.
Original name
Corpse Reviver No. 1

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a silky, rich texture with a beautiful amber hue, offering a complex aroma of fruit and herbs. The flavor is a sophisticated balance of sweetness from the brandies and vermouth with a subtle bitter backbone, leading to a long, warming finish.
Flavor
Spirit-forward, brandy, apple, grape, herbal, sweet, complex
Aroma
Fruity, apple brandy, oak, sweet herbs, citrus oils
Taste balance
Sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Long, warming, herbal, fruity
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Amber, golden-brown, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, rich
Seasonality
Warming, all-season, autumnal

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is alcohol-forward and distinctly fruity, with a moderate sweetness and a pleasant bitter counterpoint. It is a still, non-creamy drink with a high perceived flavor intensity due to its potent ingredients.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires just three core ingredients in equal parts: Cognac, Calvados, and sweet vermouth. The quality of these spirits is paramount to the final taste of this simple yet elegant cocktail.
  • Cognac30 ml / 1 oz
    A VS or VSOP Cognac is recommended.
  • Calvados30 ml / 1 oz
    Choose a quality apple brandy; Calvados is traditional.
  • Sweet Vermouth30 ml / 1 oz
    An Italian-style (rosso) sweet vermouth works best.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker filled with ice to chill and combine the ingredients, along with a jigger for measuring and a strainer for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing ingredients
  • Jigger for accurate measurement
  • Strainer to pour the drink without ice

Instructions

The process involves shaking the three spirits with ice, then straining the chilled liquid into a prepared coupe glass. The final touch is garnishing with the oils from a lemon peel.
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add the Cognac, Calvados, and sweet vermouth to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass.
7. Take a fresh peel of lemon, express the oils over the surface of the drink, and drop it in as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish. Expressing the oils from the peel over the surface of the drink before dropping it in adds a crucial aromatic dimension.
  • Lemon twist, to express oils over the drink and place in the glass

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic and generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, provided the specific vermouth used does not contain animal-derived fining agents.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is moderately caloric, with its energy coming from both alcohol and the sugar in the sweet vermouth. It contains around 190 calories and 8 grams of sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 8g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 8g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal. Its elegant and spirit-forward character also makes it ideal for cocktail parties and sophisticated social events where classic drinks are appreciated.
  • Pre-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Sophisticated gathering
  • Evening relaxation

Pairing suggestions

The rich, fruity, and slightly sweet profile of the Corpse Reviver No. 1 pairs wonderfully with savory and fatty foods. It complements hard cheeses, cured meats, and rich pâtés, cutting through the richness while matching the complexity of flavors.
  • Hard aged cheeses like Comté or aged cheddar
  • Charcuterie board with cured meats
  • Roasted nuts
  • Duck pâté

Corpse Reviver No. 1: The Sophisticated Original

The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a testament to the elegance of classic, spirit-forward cocktails. It beautifully marries the distinct characters of grape brandy (Cognac) and apple brandy (Calvados) with the herbal sweetness of vermouth. While often overshadowed by its gin-based sibling, this original version offers a richer, deeper, and more contemplative drinking experience. It is a sophisticated choice for any lover of classic mixology, best enjoyed sipped slowly as an aperitif.

Similar cocktails

Corpse Reviver No. 2

The most famous relative, it swaps the brandies for gin and the sweet vermouth for Lillet Blanc and Cointreau, adding lemon juice and an absinthe rinse for a much brighter, more sour profile.

Brandy Crusta

Another classic brandy cocktail that shares a spirit base. It is more complex to prepare, featuring a sugared rim and the addition of maraschino liqueur and bitters.

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