Corpse Reviver No. 2
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a perfectly balanced cocktail featuring equal parts gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, with a whisper of absinthe. Its flavor profile is bright, tart, and complex, with botanical notes from the gin, floral sweetness from the Lillet, and a citrus punch from the liqueur and juice. The absinthe rinse adds a subtle but crucial layer of herbal, anise aroma that ties the drink together. It is a deceptively smooth drink that packs a considerable punch, as its name implies.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic cocktail, categorized as an "All Day" drink in historical cocktail books. It is often considered a sophisticated aperitif due to its dry, aromatic profile. It falls firmly into the category of sour cocktails, utilizing a balance of spirit, citrus, and liqueur.
Serving
Served straight up in a chilled coupe or martini glass, this cold, spirit-forward cocktail is relatively small in volume but has a significant alcohol content. The preparation of the glass with an absinthe rinse is a key part of its character.
Serving size
Approximately 90-100 ml / 3-3.5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass, rinsed with absinthe
Backstory
The most famous recipe for the Corpse Reviver No. 2 was codified by Harry Craddock in his seminal 1930 "The Savoy Cocktail Book". He famously quipped, "Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again." The drink belongs to a family of cocktails intended as hangover cures. While its exact origin is murky, Craddock's publication cemented its place in the cocktail canon.
Origin
London, England, first published in 1930. The drink likely existed in some form before then, but its fame is tied to The Savoy Hotel's American Bar during the pre-Prohibition and Prohibition eras.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
The drink is most commonly known as the Corpse Reviver No. 2, often abbreviated with the numeral "#2". The name itself is a historical moniker for any strong cocktail meant to be consumed in the morning as a "hair of the dog" hangover cure. This version is by far the most famous of the Corpse Reviver family.
Original name
Corpse Reviver No. 2
Alternative name
Corpse Reviver #2
Characteristics overview
This drink presents a complex bouquet of citrus and herbal aromas, leading to a tart, refreshing flavor with floral undertones and a clean, crisp finish. Its pale yellow, luminous appearance in a coupe glass is as elegant as its smooth, light texture.
Flavor
Citrusy, tart, herbal, floral, anise, botanical
Aroma
Botanical, citrus, hint of licorice, floral
Taste balance
Sour, slightly sweet, slightly bitter
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, herbal
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale yellow, slightly cloudy, luminous
Texture
Smooth, light, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is led by a pronounced sourness from fresh lemon, balanced by a moderate fruitiness and slight sweetness. The alcohol strength is noticeable but well-integrated, with no carbonation and minimal bitterness or spice.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail requires a precise balance of five key ingredients: gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe for an aromatic rinse. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential for achieving its signature flavor profile.
- Gin22.5 ml / 0.75 ozA London Dry style gin is traditional.
- Lillet Blanc22.5 ml / 0.75 ozCocchi Americano is a common substitute.
- Cointreau22.5 ml / 0.75 ozAnother high-quality triple sec can be used.
- Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Absinthe1 dash (for rinse)Used to coat the inside of the glass.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for precise measuring and two types of strainers. Double straining with both a Hawthorne and a fine-mesh strainer ensures a smooth, ice-chip-free texture.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
- Jigger for accurate measurement
- Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice
- Fine-mesh strainer for double straining
Instructions
The preparation involves chilling and rinsing a coupe glass with absinthe before shaking the main ingredients with ice. The drink is then double strained into the glass and finished with a citrus twist garnish.
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Discard the ice from the chilled glass. Add a dash of absinthe to the glass and swirl to coat the entire interior, then discard any excess liquid.
3. Add the gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Double strain the mixture into the prepared, absinthe-rinsed glass.
6. Express the oils from a lemon or orange twist over the surface of the drink, then drop it in as a garnish.
Garnishing
A simple citrus twist is the traditional garnish for this cocktail. An orange or lemon twist both work well, adding aromatic oils that complement the drink's flavor profile.
- Lemon twist or Orange twist, express oils over the drink and drop in or place on the rim
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten, making it suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets. It is also caffeine-free.
✓ 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 count, around 165 kcal per serving, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. The carbohydrate and sugar content are also moderate, stemming from the Lillet Blanc and Cointreau.
Calories
Averagely 165 kcal / 690 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This is a versatile cocktail suitable for many occasions, particularly as an elegant pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the appetite. It's an excellent choice for cocktail parties or any gathering that appreciates classic, sophisticated drinks. Some even enjoy it as a daring brunch option, heeding its "hair of the dog" reputation.
- Pre-dinner drink
- Cocktail party
- Classic cocktail night
- Brunch
Pairing suggestions
The Corpse Reviver No. 2's bright acidity and herbal complexity make it an excellent pairing for briny and savory foods. It cuts through the richness of seafood like oysters and complements the saltiness of olives and nuts. Its crisp profile also pairs well with tangy cheeses like goat cheese.
- Oysters
- Light seafood appetizers
- Salty snacks like olives or Marcona almonds
- Goat cheese canapés
The Corpse Reviver No. 2: A Zesty Revival from the Savoy Era
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a timeless classic from the golden age of cocktails, celebrated for its perfect, equal-parts harmony. It is a sophisticated blend of botanical gin, floral Lillet Blanc, sweet orange liqueur, and tart lemon, all brought together by an ethereal absinthe aroma. Despite its whimsical name suggesting a hangover cure, it's a potent and elegant aperitif that demands respect. Its refreshing and complex character has ensured its enduring popularity among cocktail enthusiasts for nearly a century.