Reviving Spirits: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Corpse Reviver No 2 Cocktail

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce gin
  • 1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 ounce Cointreau
  • 1 ounce Lillet Blanc
  • 1 dash absinthe
  • 1 cherry for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Chill a cocktail glass in the freezer.
  2. In a mixing glass, combine gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, and Lillet Blanc.
  3. Add a dash of absinthe to the mix.
  4. Fill the mixing glass with ice and shake well until chilled.
  5. Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  6. Garnish with a cherry.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy your Corpse Reviver No 2!

Tools for making

  • Mixing Glass - Used to combine the ingredients and ice for shaking.
  • Cocktail Glass - A chilled glass in which the Corpse Reviver No 2 will be served.
  • Muddler - Used to extract juice from lemons for the lemon juice.
  • Jigger - A measuring tool used to accurately measure the gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, and Lillet Blanc.
  • Bar Spoon - Used to mix the ingredients together and add the dash of absinthe.
  • Strainer - Used to strain the cocktail mixture into the cocktail glass, leaving out ice and any solids.
  • Cherry - A garnish for the finished cocktail.

Recipe variations

  • Swap the gin for vodka to make a variation called "Corpse Reviver No 1."
  • Experiment with different types of gin or vodka to change the flavor profile.
  • Replace the Lillet Blanc with dry vermouth for a slightly different taste.
  • Add a few drops of bitters, such as orange or aromatic, to enhance the flavors.
  • Try using different citrus juices, such as lime or grapefruit, instead of lemon juice.
  • Adjust the amount of absinthe to your personal preference for a stronger or milder anise flavor.
  • For a smoky twist, rinse the cocktail glass with a peaty scotch before pouring the mixed drink.
  • Experiment with different garnishes, such as a lemon twist or orange zest.

Recipe overview

The Corpse Reviver No 2 is a classic cocktail with a delightful mix of flavors. It's a well-balanced, refreshing drink that is also a part of the class of "hair of the dog" cocktails, once used as a hangover cure. Made with gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and just a dash of absinthe for a slightly herbal undertone, it culminates in a complex yet crisp cocktail. This recipe will walk you through each step to create this balanced libation. With its elegant presentation and refreshing taste, it's the perfect cocktail to impress at a gathering or simply enjoy by yourself.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the gin with another spirit? Yes, you can substitute the gin with another spirit of your choice, such as vodka. However, keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile of the Corpse Reviver No 2.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for Lillet Blanc? If you don't have Lillet Blanc, you can replace it with dry vermouth. The flavor will be slightly different, but still enjoyable.
  3. Is it necessary to use freshly squeezed lemon juice? Using freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended to achieve the best flavor. However, if you don't have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute.
  4. Can I skip the dash of absinthe? The dash of absinthe adds a unique herbal note to the cocktail, but if you don't have absinthe or prefer to skip it, you can omit it from the recipe.
  5. What kind of cherry should I use for garnish? Traditionally, a maraschino cherry is used as a garnish for the Corpse Reviver No 2. However, you can use any type of cherry you prefer or have on hand.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Glass - Used for mixing and combining the ingredients.
  • Cocktail Shaker - Essential for shaking the cocktail with ice to chill and blend the flavors.
  • Cocktail Strainer - Used to strain the cocktail mixture into the serving glass, separating it from the ice.
  • Cocktail Spoon - Helps with stirring and mixing the ingredients in the mixing glass.
  • Cherry Pitter - If using fresh cherries for garnish, a cherry pitter can be handy for removing the pits.
  • Freezer - Chilling the cocktail glass in the freezer ensures a cold serving temperature.

Origin stories

The Corpse Reviver No 2 is a classic cocktail with a pedigree that dates back to the 19th century. It was first listed in The Savoy Cocktail Book, published in London in 1930 by barman Harry Craddock. The drink was called a Corpse Reviver because it was originally considered a "hair of the dog" morning drink designed to refresh a person the day after heavy alcohol consumption. The No 2 version became the most famous, due to its delicate balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. Harry’s book contained a cautionary note to drinkers of the Corpse Reviver No 2, saying "Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again."

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.