Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail Recipe

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic cocktail with a rich history dating back to the 1930s. It was first published in Harry Craddock's 'The Savoy Cocktail Book' and was originally created as a 'hair of the dog' remedy to cure hangovers. The cocktail has since become a popular choice for those who enjoy a well-balanced, refreshing drink.

• The name 'Corpse Reviver' refers to the drink's ability to bring the 'dead' back to life.
• The No. 2 is the most famous of the Corpse Reviver family, with other variations including the Corpse Reviver No. 1 and No. 3.

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a well-balanced, refreshing cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It has a tart, citrusy taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the triple sec, a herbal bitterness from the absinthe, and a crisp, dry finish from the gin.

• The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is often considered a 'breakfast cocktail' due to its hangover-curing reputation.
• The original recipe called for Kina Lillet, a now-discontinued aperitif wine. Modern recipes use Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano as a substitute.
• The cocktail's popularity has led to many variations, including the 'Corpse Reviver No. Blue', which uses blue curaçao instead of triple sec.

1. Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice and water.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lemon juice, triple sec, and Lillet Blanc.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Discard the ice and water from the chilled coupe glass.
5. Rinse the glass with a dash of absinthe, swirling it around to coat the inside, and then discard the excess.
6. Strain the shaken cocktail into the prepared coupe glass.
7. Garnish with a cherry on a cocktail pick.

• Shaking: The key to a well-mixed Corpse Reviver No. 2 is to shake the ingredients vigorously. This not only mixes the ingredients but also chills the cocktail.
• Absinthe Rinse: Don't skip the absinthe rinse. It adds a subtle layer of complexity to the cocktail.
• Garnish: A cherry garnish adds a touch of sweetness that complements the tartness of the lemon juice.

Light Appetizers

Pair the Corpse Reviver No. 2 with light appetizers like oysters or other shellfish to complement the refreshing and slightly briny notes of the cocktail.

Brunch Dishes

Due to its crisp and invigorating character, it matches well with typical brunch offerings such as eggs Benedict or a smoked salmon platter.

Cheese Platters

A cheese platter featuring goat cheese or feta, which have a tangy profile, would balance well with the zesty lemon and the botanical notes from the gin.

• Lillet Blanc: If you can't find Lillet Blanc, you can substitute it with Cocchi Americano.
• Triple Sec: Cointreau can be used as a substitute for triple sec.
• Absinthe: If you don't have absinthe, you can use Pernod as a substitute.

Elderflower Reviver

Swap the triple sec for St. Germain (elderflower liqueur) to infuse a floral sweetness. The drink becomes a bouquet with a kick—perfect for springtime sipping.

Corpse Reviver No. Blue

Substitute the Lillet Blanc with Blue Curaçao for an eerie blue hue. The taste is similar with a bitter orange twist, making it a spooky yet delightful treat.

Herbal Reviver

Add a sprig of rosemary in the shaker and let it infuse briefly. The result is a savory twist that will revive more than your spirits—it'll breathe life into the herbs themselves!