Corpse Reviver #2

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic pre-Prohibition cocktail known for its refreshing and balanced flavor profile. It's part of a family of drinks humorously named for their purported ability to "revive" one's spirits.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 ounce gin

• 3/4 ounce Cointreau (or another triple sec)

• 3/4 ounce Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano)

• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

• Dash of absinthe

• Orange peel, for garnish
  

Instructions:

1. Rinse a chilled cocktail glass with a dash of absinthe, ensuring the interior is coated, then discard any excess.

2. In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and fresh lemon juice.

3. Shake vigorously until well-chilled.

4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.

5. Garnish with an orange peel.
   

This equal-parts cocktail is both easy to remember and prepare, making it a favorite among bartenders and enthusiasts alike.

Note: The original recipe calls for Kina Lillet, which is no longer available. Lillet Blanc is commonly used as a substitute, though some prefer Cocchi Americano for a flavor profile closer to the original Kina Lillet.

Enjoy this revitalizing cocktail responsibly.


The term "Corpse Reviver" refers to a family of cocktails historically consumed as hangover remedies, intended to "revive" one's spirits after a night of indulgence. The earliest known mention of a drink by this name appeared in an 1861 issue of Punch magazine in London.

One of the earliest recorded recipes for a Corpse Reviver is found in the 1871 Gentleman's Table Guide, which describes a mixture of equal parts brandy and Maraschino liqueur, with two dashes of Boker's bitters.

The most renowned variations, Corpse Reviver No. 1 and No. 2, were popularized by Harry Craddock in his 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. Corpse Reviver No. 1 combines two parts cognac, one part Calvados or apple brandy, and one part Italian vermouth, and was suggested for consumption "before 11 a.m., or whenever steam and energy are needed." Corpse Reviver No. 2 consists of equal parts gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, and Kina Lillet (now often substituted with Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano), with a dash of absinthe. Craddock humorously noted that "four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again."

Over time, the Corpse Reviver cocktails have evolved, with various recipes emerging, but they consistently aim to provide a revitalizing experience for those seeking a restorative libation.