Corpse Reviver No.2
File under: hair of the dog…
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 belongs to a family of cocktails that date back to the late 1800s. These drinks were supposedly designed to do exactly what the name suggests: revive the drinker from the dead after a long night.
Many versions of the Corpse Reviver existed in the late 19th century, though most were lost to time. The best-known recipe today is the Corpse Reviver No. 2, which was preserved in Harry Craddock's 1930 book The Savoy Cocktail Book.
Like many cocktails from that era, it faded from popularity during the mid-20th century before being revived during the craft cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s.
The drink works because it follows the classic sour template: a base spirit balanced with citrus and sweetness. In this case, gin provides structure, orange liqueur and lemon bring brightness, and Lillet Blanc acts as the aromatic wine component that ties everything together.
The final touch is an absinthe rinse, which lightly coats the glass and adds a subtle herbal aroma without overwhelming the drink.
Refreshing, tart, and deceptively strong, it's easy to see why Harry Craddock included a warning alongside the recipe:
"Four of these taken in swift succession will un-revive the corpse again."
Cheers, y'all!
ingredients:
Absinthe (to rinse)
¾ oz | 22.5 ml London Dry Gin
¾ oz | 22.5 ml Lillet Blanc
¾ oz | 22.5 ml Orange Liqueur
¾ oz | 22.5 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
instructions:
Rinse a chilled coupe or cocktail glass with absinthe and discard the excess. Add gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice. Shake until well chilled. Strain into the prepared glass.
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