Corpse Reviver No. 1 Cocktail Recipe

Pin It
Corpse Reviver No. 1 Cocktail Recipe - The Corpse Reviver No. 1 has a rich, complex taste with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The brandy provides warmth and depth, while the apple brandy adds a fruity sweetness. The sweet vermouth rounds out the flavors, giving the cocktail a smooth, velvety finish.
Jump to Recipe ⬇️

Corpse Reviver No. 1 Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol:22%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

Contents

History

The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It was first published in Harry Craddock's 'The Savoy Cocktail Book' in 1930. The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is part of a family of 'Corpse Reviver' cocktails, which were originally created as hair-of-the-dog remedies to cure hangovers. The No. 1 version is a brandy-based cocktail, while its more popular sibling, Corpse Reviver No. 2, is gin-based.

How Corpse Reviver No. 1 Tastes?

The Corpse Reviver No. 1 has a rich, complex taste with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The brandy provides warmth and depth, while the apple brandy adds a fruity sweetness. The sweet vermouth rounds out the flavors, giving the cocktail a smooth, velvety finish.

Interesting facts about Corpse Reviver No. 1

  • The name 'Corpse Reviver' comes from the idea that these cocktails were meant to revive those who felt like the walking dead after a night of heavy drinking.
  • There are several variations of the Corpse Reviver, but No. 1 and No. 2 are the most well-known.
  • The Corpse Reviver No. 1 is often overshadowed by its more popular sibling, the Corpse Reviver No. 2, which has a lighter, more refreshing taste.

Ingredients

Brandy

  • Brandy acts as the backbone with its rich, warm flavors. It is the smooth operator that brings a sense of elegance to the cocktail. If you skimp on it, your cocktail might lose its depth. As an alternative, you could use a Cognac for a touch of French savoir-faire or even Armagnac for a different regional twist.

Alex Green

Apple Brandy

  • Apple Brandy gives a fruity caress that whispers 'autumn orchard' with each sip. It's the bridge between strong brandy and subtle vermouth. No Apple Brandy? Fear not! Calvados could be used as a substitute, although it might play a more forward apple tune.

Emma Rose

Sweet Vermouth

  • Sweet Vermouth, with its herbal notes, is the cocktail's paintbrush adding strokes of complexity to the canvas. Ignore it, and your masterpiece will turn into a monochrome painting, devoid of intrigue. Alternatively, using a different vermouth, such as a dry vermouth, would create a sharper, drier profile.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Corpse Reviver No. 1 Drink

  1. Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice and letting it sit while you prepare the cocktail.
  2. In a mixing glass, combine the following ingredients:
    • 1oz Brandy
    • 1oz Apple Brandy
    • 1oz Sweet Vermouth
  3. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture until well-chilled.
  4. Discard the ice from the chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Pro Tips

  • Use high-quality brandy for a smoother, richer taste.
  • Stir the cocktail for at least 30 seconds to ensure it's well-chilled.
  • Serve immediately after straining to maintain the perfect temperature and taste.

Perfect Pairings

Cheese Plate

  • A classic cheese platter with an assortment of hard and soft cheeses can enhance the flavors of this cocktail. The rich and creamy textures contrast nicely with the spirit-forward Corpse Reviver No. 1.

Charcuterie

  • Cured meats like prosciutto or salami will complement the complexity and the herbal qualities of sweet vermouth. The fattiness of the meats will also balance the alcohol's warmth.

Dark Chocolate Desserts

  • The sweetness and bitterness of dark chocolate pair harmoniously with the depth of brandy and apple brandy in the cocktail. Choose something rich like a chocolate ganache tart.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Corpse Reviver No. 1

  • Brandy: You can substitute with Cognac or Armagnac.
  • Apple Brandy: Calvados is a great alternative.
  • Sweet Vermouth: You can use Dry Vermouth, but it will alter the taste slightly.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Corpse Reviver No. 1.5

  • Swap the Sweet Vermouth for Dry Vermouth for a Corpse Reviver with a crisper, less sweet edge. Expect a cocktail that's more astringent, which might be just the change you're looking for to wake up the senses a little more directly.

Orchard's Embrace

  • Introduce a splash of pear liqueur (about 1/2 oz) to the original recipe. This brings in a sweet, floral note that pairs excellently with the apple brandy, and it's like giving your taste buds a cozy hug from the countryside. It's a subtle change that adds a tender nuance to the drink.

Herbal Awakening

  • Add a dash of Angostura bitters and reduce the sweet vermouth by the same amount. This minor tweak adds an extra layer of aromatic complexity that can elevate the cocktail from revival to a renaissance.

In case you forgot basics how to make Corpse Reviver No. 1

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Find Cocktail

Frequently Asked Questions on Corpse Reviver No. 1

Why is it called a Corpse Reviver?

The name 'Corpse Reviver' is a nod to the cocktail's supposed ability to wake the dead, or more realistically, revive those suffering from a hangover. However, it's important to note that drinking alcohol is not a recommended or effective way to treat hangover symptoms.

What's the difference between a Corpse Reviver No. 1 and a Corpse Reviver No. 2?

The primary difference is the base spirit used. Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a brandy-based cocktail, while Corpse Reviver No. 2 uses gin. This changes not only the alcohol content, but also the flavor profile of each drink.

Are there other versions of the Corpse Reviver apart from No. 1 and No. 2?

Yes, there are several versions of the Corpse Reviver. However, No. 1 and No. 2 are the most well-known and widely consumed.

Who is Harry Craddock?

Harry Craddock was an iconic figure in the cocktail world during the Prohibition era. He is known for working at The American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London, and for writing 'The Savoy Cocktail Book,' first published in 1930, which included the recipe for Corpse Reviver No. 1.

What type of food pairs well with a Corpse Reviver No. 1?

Given its rich and complex flavor profile, the Corpse Reviver No. 1 pairs well with a variety of foods. It can be an excellent choice for rich, fatty dishes like foie gras or duck confit, as well as lighter fare like cheese platters or oysters.

More similar recipes to Corpse Reviver No. 1!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe