Paul Kushner
The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a bold concoction, a testament to the heritage of classic cocktails. Its roots trace back to the 19th century, rumored to possess mystical hangover-curing powers—though its true magic lies in its vibrant flavors.
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This famous cocktail is made with cognac, Calvados (apple brandy), and sweet vermouth. Each sip offers intense flavors, making it an ideal companion for a crisp, chilly evening or a satisfying nightcap.
While it might linger in the shadows of its more celebrated sibling, Corpse Reviver No. 2, this drink stands tall in its own right. It’s a spirit-forward marvel, inviting those who revel in the allure of classic mixology to indulge in its nuanced depth and character.
History
The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a classic cocktail that has been around for over a century. It was first mentioned in “The Gentleman’s Table Guide” by E. Ricket and C. Thomas, published in 1871. However, the first widely popularized recipe for the Corpse Reviver No. 1 is listed in “The Savoy Cocktail Book” by Harry Craddock, which was published in 1930.
According to Craddock’s notes, the Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a cognac-based cocktail that calls for two parts cognac, one part Calvados or apple brandy, and one part Italian vermouth. He also notes that the drink is to be taken before 11AM, or whenever steam or energy is needed.
Over the years, the Corpse Reviver No. 1 has been overshadowed by its more famous sibling, the Corpse Reviver No. 2. However, the Corpse Reviver No. 1 has recently seen a resurgence in popularity.
How to Make It
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz brandy or cognac
- ¾ oz apple brandy
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Green olive or lemon peel for garnish
- Optional: orange bitters absinthe, or orange liqueur
Instructions
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add brandy or cognac, apple brandy, and sweet vermouth to the mixing glass.
- Stir the ingredients until well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a green olive or a twist of lemon peel.
- Optionally, consider adding a splash of orange bitters, absinthe, or orange liqueur for an extra kick.
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Corpse Reviver No. 1, there are a few variations worth trying out. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Corpse Reviver No. 2
This is the more well-known version of the Corpse Reviver cocktail family. It’s made with gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and a dash of absinthe. Some people prefer the No. 2 over the No. 1, as it’s a bit lighter and more refreshing.
Corpse Reviver No. 3
This is a lesser-known variation that calls for equal parts apple brandy, Swedish Punsch, and lemon juice. It’s a bit more complex than the other two versions, but still worth trying if you’re a fan of the Corpse Reviver family.
Corpse Reviver No. 4
This variation is a bit more obscure, but still worth trying if you’re a fan of the Corpse Reviver cocktails. It’s made with applejack, sweet vermouth, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
Corpse Reviver No. 5
This variation is a modern twist on the classic Corpse Reviver, and is made with gin, green Chartreuse, Cointreau, and lime juice.
