What is the Corpse Reviver #2? | One of the Best Spring Cocktails
Of the classic cocktails, there are those that emerge as the one to represent an entire category. What is the Corpse Reviver #2? It’s a random survivor in a war waged on hangovers. The Corpse Reviver #2 is a gin cocktail that truly has a defining flavor.
But it isn’t the only of its kind. In this article, we at Chemist Spirits want to highlight a cocktail that’s great for the springtime. It’s perfect to batch for a springtime party, housewarming party, or just a cocktail party, and it’s the last of the Corpse Reviver cocktails.
What is the Corpse Reviver Cocktail?
The Corpse Reviver is in many ways a type of cocktail and not a specified recipe. Its purpose is in the name, to uplift the spirits after a night of drinking. Yes, the ol’ hair of the dog argument. But for long enough this was the belief, and the result was the emergence of a variety of cocktails that held that label. The one that survived is the Corpse Reviver #2.
Here’s a quick breakdown of a Corpse Reviver #2 :
Base spirit: Gin
Other Ingredients (Originally): Kina Lillet, Cointreau, and lemon juice, absinthe (rinse)
Method: Shaken with ice
Glassware: Chilled coupe glass
Garnish: Lemon twist
Flavor notes: Dry, citrus-forward, refreshing
The Corpse Reviver 2 History
We could probably say that there were far more cocktails with the name Corpse Reviver, or referred to as a Corpse Reviver cocktail than were ever written about. I’m sure patrons would come into any bar asking their bartender for a pick me up, and each bartender had their own recipe and possibly a variety tailored for each patron.
These cocktails were intended to be imbibed quickly in the morning “whenever steam and energy are needed,” as Harry Craddock wrote in his The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930. Craddock himself provides two different versions of the Corpse Reviver cocktail (#1 and #2). However, the first mention of the Corpse Reviver appears in 1871 in The Gentleman’s Table G
This means this type of cocktail has been around for over one hundred years, and many different types have emerged. Anders Erickson does a great job of breaking down some of the Corpse Reviver variations throughout history.
At the end of the day, very few Corpse Reviver cocktails survived past the realization that alcohol was not the best hangover cure. To be fair, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether, but you’re reading a blog about booze, so just know that we’re not those types of people, and probably won’t be anytime soon.
The Corpse Reviver no 2 is the quintessential Corpse Reviver cocktail and is the one that can be found in most cocktail bars.
Who knows why the Corpse Reviver #2 recipe was the one to survive.
It may have been because it was the one written down and codified.
It may be because it was one that found the most balance as others may have been too sweet or too tart to survive the casual drinking bar culture.
Regardless, it’s the one that survived and owns the name to this day.
The Best Gin for a Corpse Reviver no 2
The original Corpse Reviver recipe called for London Dry Gin which lends itself to a dry and citrus-forward cocktail.
We love to use our Chemist American Gin because it is citrus forward, and doesn’t go as dry and piney as those London Dry Gins. We find this balances out the other flavors much more without completely drying out the palate.
Do You Use Lillet Blanc in the Corpse Reviver #2?
When seeking historical accuracy, it’s important to know that about 40 years ago Lillet Blanc changed their recipe. The main flavor associated with that fortified wine was quinine, which was extracted from chinchona bark.
Now, the closest fortified wine to it, and the one we use for our Corpse Reviver #2 at Antidote Cocktail Lounge, is Cocchi Americano. Not only is Cocchi a great aromatized wine in many cocktails, I use it in my Martini, but it has a similar profile as the Lillet.
Should You Use Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Orange Curacao in a Corpse Reviver #2?
At Antidote Cocktail Lounge we like to use Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao. The original recipe from Harry Craddock specified Cointreau, and many bartenders will use Triple Sec. This will definitely change the flavor and in some cases the overall mouth feel.
We find that the Dry Curacao imparts a much needed sweetness to the cocktail, even though it is called a dry curacao. Go with what you feel in your heart, you’re the chemist, after all.
How to Make a Corpse Reviver #2 Cocktail
Now, this is how to make a Corpse Reviver #2:
Ingredients:
¾ oz Chemist American Gin
¾ oz orange curacao
¾ oz Cocchi Americano
¾ oz lemon juice
Absinthe spray
Instructions:
Pour the gin, curacao, Cocchi, and lemon juice into a shaker tin with ice
Shake for 10-15 seconds or until thoroughly chilled
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass
Spray with an absinthe rinse over the top of the cocktail
Express lemon oil over the top and garnish with lemon peel
Isn’t it a Drop of Absinthe?
Some people put a drop or dash of absinthe, others will do an absinthe rinse in the glass, and others will spray absinthe over the cocktail. It’s really up to you. I find the absinthe to be more pronounced when sprayed on the top.
Lemon Oil Too?
Some folks leave out the lemon oil and lemon peel garnish, feeling that the absinthe is enough of a finishing touch. I like the lemon oil, but I always love citrus on the nose.
Revive Your Corpse with Quality Spirits
Although we at Chemist Spirits don’t believe a Corpse Reviver no 2 is the best way to start the day, even after a night of drinking, we do believe it can be a great way to end it. As a cocktail, the Corpse Reviver #2 has a fantastic balance with a memorable flavor.
But you don’t really know until you try it, and now that you know how to make a corpse reviver, you can get yourself the very best gin and really answer the question, what is the Corpse Reviver #2?
Corpse Reviver #2 FAQs
What is the Difference Between Corpse Reviver #1 and #2?
The Corpse Reviver #1 as found in Harry Craddock’s The Savoy Cocktail Book has Italian vermouth, Apple Brandy, and Brandy while the Corpse Reviver #2 has gin, Lillet Blanc, orange curacao, and lemon juice.
How Many Corpse Revivers are There?
There were probably a countless number of Corpse Revivers throughout history, and there is one that is popular in cocktail culture today: the Corpse Reviver no 2.
Can I Use Triple Sec in a Corpse Reviver #2?
Yes, you can use Triple Sec in the Corpse Reviver #2. Although, it does depend on your palate. Cointreau is the common orange liqueur used in the Corpse Reviver no 2 and is listed in Harry Craddock’s recipe in The Savoy Cocktail Book.
