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There’s something about cocktails with sinister names that just makes them irresistible. The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is no exception!
This delicious cocktail has a rich history and a complex flavor profile that will make it your new favorite drink. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes the Corpse Reviver No. 2 so special, and we’ll give you a recipe so you can make it at home!
What is a Corpse Reviver No 2?
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a cocktail that was created in the early 1900s. The name comes from the fact that it was originally intended to be a “hair of the dog” type of drink, meant to help people recover from a night of heavy drinking. The original recipe called for absinthe, which was thought to have medicinal properties.
The Corpse Reviver No. has undergone some changes over the years, but the basic ingredients remain the same. It is typically made with gin, fresh lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and absinthe or another anise-flavored liquor. The cocktail is traditionally served in a coupe cocktail glass and garnished with a lemon twist.
Why is it called a Corpse Reviver No. 2?
The Corpse Reviver No. was originally just one cocktail, but it eventually spawned a whole family of drinks! The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is the most popular of these drinks, and it is the one that is most commonly made today. The “No. 2” in the name refers to the fact that it is the second version of the original cocktail.
Who invented the Corpse Reviver?
The exact origins of the Corpse Reviver No. are unclear, but it is thought to have been created by Harry Craddock, a famous English bartender who worked at the Savoy Hotel in London. Craddock was the author of “The Savoy Cocktail Book,” which was first published in 1930. The book contains a recipe for the Corpse Reviver No. 2.
How many Corpse Reviver cocktails are there?
There are actually four different cocktails that are collectively known as the Corpse Revivers. According to Harry Craddock in The Savoy Cocktail Book “Four of these taken in swift succession will quickly unrevive the corpse again.”
The first is the original Corpse Reviver No. 1 is made with cognac, calvados, and sweet vermouth.
The third is the Corpse Reviver No. 3, which is made with gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and absinthe.
The fourth and final cocktail is the Corpse Reviver No. 4, which is made with tequila, Lillet Blanc, triple sec, and absinthe.
What does Corpse Reviver No. 2 taste like?
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 has a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and sour. The gin provides a botanical flavor, while the Lillet Blanc gives the drink a slight sweetness. The lemon juice and absinthe give the cocktail a refreshing tartness, and the overall flavor is well-balanced and refreshing.
Cocktail Ingredients
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 contains a nice mix of ingredients that are both common and easily accessible. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cocktail:
- Gin – For this cocktail, you’ll want to use a good quality London dry gin. We recommend Beefeater or Bombay Sapphire.
- Fresh Lemon juice – You can use fresh or bottled for this recipe, but fresh is always the better Option.
- Lillet Blanc – Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif wine that is similar to vermouth.
- Orange liqueur – We recommend using Cointreau or Triple Sec for this cocktail.
- Absinthe – Absinthe is a strong, anise-flavored liquor.
- Lemon Peel – Used as a garnish for the perfect presentation. You could also use a orange peel.
What is absinthe?
Absinthe is a strong, anise-flavored liquor that is made from Wormwood. It is typically green or yellow in color and has a high alcohol content. It is sometimes referred to as “the green fairy” because of its color and the fact that it can cause hallucinations.
The version that is sold in the United States does not contain any of the psychoactive properties that are found in the European version.
Should I use Lillet Blanc, Dry Vermouth, or Cocchi Americano?
Lillet Blanc, Dry Vermouth, and Cocchi Americano are all aperitif wines that can be used in place of Lillet Blanc in this recipe. They all have a similar flavor profile, so it really just comes down to personal preference and how hard it is to get them in your area.
How to Make the Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail (4 Easy Steps)
Now that you know all about the Corpse Reviver No. cocktail, it’s time to learn how to make it! This recipe is actually very simple, and it can be made in just a few minutes.
- Start by adding gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and absinthe to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake the ingredients until they are well combined and the cocktail shaker is frosted.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a orange peel or lemon peel and serve.
How to Serve a Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail
The Corpse Reviver 2 cocktail is typically served as an aperitif or before a meal. It can be served neat, on the rocks, or with a twist.
If you’re serving this cocktail to guests, we recommend making it ahead of time and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This will help keep the cocktail chilled and prevent it from getting watered down.
Corpse Reviver 2 Variations
If you’re looking for a different twist on the Corpse Reviver 2 cocktail, there are a few variations that you can try.
-For a sweeter version of the cocktail, try using a sweeter gin like Tanqueray Rangpur.
-If you want a more savory cocktail, try adding a dash of bitters.
-For a stronger cocktail, use a higher proof gin.
-For a lighter cocktail, use a lighter gin like Hendricks.
-If you can’t find Lillet Blanc, you can use Dry Vermouth or Cocchi Americano in its place.
Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail Recipe
Delicious Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Hawthorne Strainer
- Coupe Glass
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz Dry Gin
- 3/4 oz Lillet Blanc
- 3/4 oz Orange Liqueur (Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 3/4 oz Lemon Juice Fresh
- 1 dash Absinthe
- Ice
- Orange Peel (garnish)
Instructions
- Add Ice to Coupe Cocktail Glass
- Add Gin, Lillet Blanc, Orange Liqueur, Lemon Juice, and Absinthe to an Ice Filled Cocktail Shaker.
- Shake Well Until Cocktail is Chilled and Cocktail Shaker is Frosted
- Remove Ice From Coupe Glass
- Strain Cocktail into Coupe Glass
- Garnish with Orange Peel.
Final Cocktail Thoughts
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail is a delicious, refreshing, and complex drink that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an aperitif or just looking for a new cocktail to try, we think you’ll love this recipe.
Have you tried the Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail or any of the other Corpse Revivers? Let us know in the comments below and rate this recipe! And be sure to check out our other articles about cocktails and mixology.
Cheers!
Classic Cocktail Recipes
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The French 76 is a classy cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations. The bubbly champagne goes well with the vodka and fresh lemon juice to create an exquisite experience.
Cocchi Americano should be the first choice for this drink if you can find it, followed by Lillet Blanc; although the original recipe called for Lillet, the flavor profile of Lillet has changed over the years and Cocchi Americano is closer to the original flavor profile of Lillet.