Corpse Reviver #2: A Prohibition-Era Legend
Bright, balanced, and bracing—The Corpse Reviver #2 is one of the most iconic cocktails from the Savoy era, famous for its equal-parts formula and its reputation as the ultimate “hair of the dog.”
A Cocktail That Refuses to Die
The Corpse Reviver #2 was immortalized in Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book (1930) and quickly became the most famous of the “reviver” family of drinks. Designed as a bracing cure for overindulgence, its light, citrus-forward profile contrasted with the richer, brandy-based Corpse Reviver #1.
Craddock himself gave this warning in print: “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.” The wit aside, the drink caught on because of its elegance. With gin, orange liqueur, aromatized wine, lemon, and just a kiss of absinthe, it has endured as one of the great equal-parts classics.
What You’ll Need
- Gin – Crisp and botanical, providing the drink’s backbone.
- Cointreau (or orange liqueur) – Adds sweet, bitter citrus depth.
- Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano) – A fortified wine bringing floral and lightly honeyed notes.
- Fresh Lemon Juice – Bright acidity that ties the drink together.
- Absinthe – Just a dash or rinse, giving a subtle herbal lift.
Why You’ll Love It
Equal Parts, Perfect Balance
Unlike most cocktails that rely on careful ratios, the Corpse Reviver #2 uses equal measures of its main ingredients—making it both easy to remember and beautifully balanced. It’s tart but not sour, herbal yet refreshing, with a complexity that lingers long after the sip.
It’s a cocktail that feels timeless: sharp enough to wake you up, but smooth enough to keep you reaching for another.
Substitutions & Variations
- Cocchi Americano for Lillet Blanc – Closer to the original Kina Lillet, with more bitterness.
- Triple Sec Instead of Cointreau – A lighter, slightly less complex take.
- Different Gin Styles – London Dry is classic, but Old Tom softens it, while a bold New Western gin adds personality.
- Absinthe Play – Some bartenders rinse, others add a drop into the shaker for a stronger anise kick.
Expert Tips
- Shake Hard – Equal-parts drinks need proper dilution to stay balanced.
- Chill the Glass – Keeps the cocktail crisp and lively.
- Don’t Overdo Absinthe – Just enough to perfume the drink; too much overwhelms.
- Pairing Ideas – Pairs well with oysters, seafood, or sharp cheeses.
Corpse Reviver #2 Recipe
Type of Glass
Coupe/Coupette Glass
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 1 dash Absinthe
Directions
- Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe (swirl, then discard excess .. if you must).
- Add gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Double strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel (optional).
The Corpse Reviver #2 is proof that some cocktails never lose their edge. Nearly a century after its Savoy debut, it remains a fixture on menus around the world—celebrated for its simplicity, balance, and undeniable charm. Whether you’re reviving yourself after a long night or simply enjoying a timeless classic, this drink will never let you down.
