Paul Kushner
The Corpse Reviver No 2 will revive your senses and awaken your taste buds. This gin-based cocktail is a member of a family of pre-Prohibition drinks that were designed to cure hangovers and boost energy levels. The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is widely considered to be the best-tasting of all the Corpse Reviver cocktails, thanks to its unique blend of botanicals and citrus flavors.
Traditionally, the Corpse Reviver No 2 was made with Kina Lillet, a French aperitif that is no longer available. Today, Lillet Blanc and Cocchi Americano are commonly used as substitutes. The drink also includes gin, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, as well as a dash of absinthe for a touch of herbal complexity. The result is a refreshing and complex cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of mixology, the Corpse Reviver No 2 is a must-try drink. Its unique blend of flavors and refreshing character make it a perfect choice for any time of day or night. So why not mix one up for yourself and see what all the fuss is about?
History
The Corpse Reviver No 2 cocktail belongs to a family of pre-Prohibition cocktails that were consumed for the chief purpose of rousing the drinker from the dead. In other words, they were meant to cure hangovers, increase vigor, and otherwise improve one’s morning.
The term “corpse reviver” was used to describe a mixed drink as early as an issue of Punch in 1861. A recipe for a Corpse Reviver appeared in The Gentleman’s Table Guide in 1871 that called for 1/2 a wine glass of brandy, 1/2 a wine glass of Maraschino, and two dashes of Boker’s bitters.
The Corpse Reviver No 2 cocktail was first documented in Harry Craddock’s The Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930. It is said that this cocktail was so effective at reviving the dead that it could “raise an incorporeal being from the dead.”
During Prohibition, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail was one of the few cocktails that remained popular due to its medicinal properties. It was also a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, who was known to enjoy a few Corpse Reviver No 2 cocktails at the Ritz Hotel in Paris.
Today, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail remains a classic cocktail and is a favorite among mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Corpse Reviver No 2
To make a Classic Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail, you will need the following ingredients: gin, Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano, orange liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, absinthe, and an orange peel for garnish.
Ingredients
- ¾ Oz Gin
- ¾ Oz Lillet Blanc
- ¾ Oz Cointreau
- ¼ Oz Lemon Juice
- Absinthe
- 1 Orange Peel Garnish
Instructions
- Rinse a chilled cocktail glass with absinthe and toss the excess.
- In a shaker, add 1 ounce of gin, 1 ounce of Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano, 1 ounce of orange liqueur, and 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Notes
For a sweeter version, add a dash of sugar to the shaker before shaking.
To balance the potent alcohol content, Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail is often served as an aperitif or a brunch drink.
Variations
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail is a classic drink that has been enjoyed for over a century. However, there are several variations of this cocktail that have emerged over the years. Here are a few variations that you might want to try:
Corpse Reviver No. 1
The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is the original version of the Corpse Reviver cocktail. It is made with equal parts of cognac, Calvados (apple brandy), and sweet vermouth. It also contains a dash of absinthe and is garnished with a lemon twist. This version of the cocktail is less well-known than the Corpse Reviver No. 2, but it is still a delicious drink that is worth trying.
Dry Gin
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail is traditionally made with gin. However, some bartenders prefer to use a dry gin instead of the more common London dry gin. Dry gin has a more subtle flavor profile that allows the other ingredients in the cocktail to shine through.
Dry Vermouth
In addition to Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano, some bartenders prefer to use dry vermouth in their Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail. Dry vermouth has a more herbal flavor than Lillet Blanc, which can add an interesting twist to the cocktail.
Kina Lillet
Kina Lillet is a type of Lillet Blanc that is no longer produced. However, some bartenders have managed to get their hands on vintage bottles of Kina Lillet and use it in their Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail. Kina Lillet has a more bitter flavor than Lillet Blanc, which can give the cocktail a more complex taste.
Cointreau
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail traditionally contains orange liqueur, such as Cointreau. However, some bartenders prefer to use other types of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec. These liqueurs have a slightly different flavor profile than Cointreau, which can give the cocktail a unique twist.
What is the difference between Corpse Reviver #1 and #2?
The main difference between Corpse Reviver No. 1 and No. 2 is the base spirit. Corpse Reviver No. 1 is made with brandy, while No. 2 uses gin. The two cocktails also have different ratios of ingredients and may include different liqueurs.
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