Corpse Reviver 2 Recipe

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 or Corpse Reviver 2 is a 1930s classic cocktail that first appeared in The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock. It’s a really citrusy and refreshing cocktail thanks to the orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec), lemon juice, and Lillet Blanc. If I had to compare it to any other cocktail in terms of flavor, it would be a French 75 without the bubbles.

The one spirit that jumps out in this cocktail is Lillet Blanc. Lillet is a French, wine-based aperitif that tastes like a sweet sauvignon blanc with a dry spiced finish. It’s absolutely essential for this cocktail, however, it’s sometimes substituted with Cocchi Americano.

The Corpse Reviver 2 earned its name from its hangover-curing qualities. It was said by barkeeps to raise you from the dead from a previous night’s overindulgence. I can personally agree it’s a fantastic brunch cocktail that should absolutely sit next to the bloody mary or mimosa. It’s smooth, lemony, subtly sweet, and not overly boozy with only 3/4 ounces of gin and low-proof liqueurs/aperitifs. Just enough punch to get you back on the wagon.

Ingredients

• Gin
• Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano
• Cointreau or triple sec
• Fresh lemon juice
• Absinthe (optional)

Absinthe?

Classically this cocktail is made with absinthe, however, I wouldn’t say it’s absolutely necessary to successfully pull off the drink. You can mix in a barspoon of absinthe to add subtle absinthe/anise notes and flavor. It’s not for everyone, but I personally love it.

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