Corpse Reviver #1: The Original Hair of the Dog
Before the famous gin-based Corpse Reviver #2 took center stage, there was the original Corpse Reviver—rich, spirit-forward, and designed as a true morning-after cure.
A Classic from the Savoy Cocktail Book
The Corpse Reviver #1 first appeared in Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930. Like its name suggests, it was intended as a bracing remedy for the overindulgent—a “pick-me-up” for those who felt like they needed reviving.
Unlike the lighter, citrus-driven Corpse Reviver #2, this drink leans into darker, richer flavors, built entirely from aged spirits. Think of it as the autumnal cousin in the family, with layers of orchard fruit and herbal depth.
What You’ll Need
- Cognac (or Brandy) – The warm, smooth base spirit.
- Calvados (Apple Brandy) – Adds a crisp orchard fruit note.
- Sweet Vermouth – Provides herbal sweetness and depth, tying the spirits together.
Why You’ll Love It
Bold and Restorative
The Corpse Reviver #1 isn’t about balance in the modern sense—it’s a bold, bracing cocktail that tastes like the era it came from. Smooth brandy richness, apple brightness, and vermouth’s herbal roundness combine into something that feels both comforting and potent. Perfect as a slow sipper or, if you dare, as a real “hair of the dog.”
Variations
- Split Base Brandy – Some bartenders use half Cognac, half Armagnac for added depth.
- Vermouth Play – A richer vermouth (like Punt e Mes) makes it darker and more bitter, while a lighter one keeps it elegant.
- Modern Garnish – Though traditionally ungarnished, an orange twist or cherry can add a touch of modern flair.
Expert Tips
- Use Quality Spirits – With only three ingredients, there’s nowhere to hide. Good Cognac and Calvados make all the difference.
- Stir, Don’t Shake – This is a spirit-forward cocktail—stir until perfectly chilled and silky.
- Chill the Glass – Enhances the smooth, rich character.
Corpse Reviver #1 Recipe
Type of Glass
Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
- 3/4 oz.
Directions
- Chill a cocktail glass.
- Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into chilled cocktail glass.
The Corpse Reviver #1 may live in the shadow of its brighter sibling, but it deserves recognition as a classic in its own right. Bold, bracing, and unapologetically spirit-driven, it’s a true relic of the 1930s cocktail canon—and still a worthy revival today.
