Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail Recipe

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is one of those classic cocktails with a name that gets everyone’s attention. It’s bright, tart, lightly sweet, and finished with a subtle herbal note from absinthe.

Despite its dramatic name, this is simply a very good gin cocktail. Lemon juice keeps it crisp, Lillet Blanc adds soft citrus and floral notes, and orange liqueur rounds out the sharp edges. A quick absinthe rinse or a few dashes gives it that distinctive, slightly mysterious finish.

It’s traditionally associated with a “morning-after” drink, but it’s best treated as what it is: a strong, balanced cocktail. One is plenty for most people.

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Harry Craddock’s original Savoy Cocktail Book even warned that four taken in quick succession could revive the corpse again. Fair warning.

Ingredient Notes

A classic London dry gin works best here. Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire are all reliable choices. Their juniper and citrus notes stand up well against the lemon and absinthe.

Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif wine with gentle fruit, citrus, and herbal flavors. It is not quite the same as dry vermouth, so it’s worth using if possible.

For orange liqueur, Cointreau is the usual choice, but triple sec or dry curaçao also work. Choose one that is clear or pale if you want the drink to keep its classic look.

Fresh lemon juice matters. Bottled juice can taste flat and harsh in a cocktail with so few ingredients.

Serving Tips

This drink is best served very cold in a coupe glass. It makes a great brunch cocktail, but it also fits nicely before dinner or at a small cocktail gathering.

Because the recipe uses equal parts of several ingredients, it’s easy to scale up. For two drinks, simply use 1.5 ounces each of gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, plus a little more absinthe. Shake in batches if your shaker is small.

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The Flavor Profile

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a refreshing and well-balanced cocktail that combines sweet, sour, and herbal flavors.

The drink has a citrusy aroma with hints of floral notes, making it perfect for those who appreciate a complex and layered taste.

The combination of gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and a touch of absinthe creates a harmonious blend that is both invigorating and satisfying.

A Quick Note on Absinthe

Absinthe is powerful, so a little goes a long way. Three dashes work well, but you can also rinse the chilled glass with absinthe instead. Pour a small splash into the glass, swirl it around to coat the inside, then discard the excess before straining in the cocktail.

Occasions for a Corpse Reviver No. 2

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 works well whenever you want a cocktail that feels classic but still gives guests something to talk about.

It’s a natural choice for a Halloween party. The name fits the holiday, and the absinthe adds a subtle herbal note that makes the drink feel a little mysterious. You could even serve it with dry ice – just be sure to read the safety instructions and brief your guests. Or you could place dry ice around it to be safer.

Most gin cocktails are great for brunch, but the absinthe could be a bit much for some guests. If you do serve it with brunch, try it with eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, quiche, or other savory dishes.

The equal-parts recipe is easy to measure and repeat, which makes it easy for a small cocktail gathering. Chill the glasses in advance and have lemon twists ready so each drink can be finished quickly.

For a larger gathering, prepare the gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and lemon juice ahead of time. Keep the mixture cold, then shake individual portions with ice and add the absinthe when serving.

Variations and Twists

While the Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic cocktail in its own right, mixologists love to experiment and put their own spin on the original recipe. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

• Corpse Reviver No. Blue: Swap out the gin for blue curaçao to give your cocktail a vibrant blue hue and a tropical twist. This variation adds a touch of sweetness and a visual wow factor to the drink.
• Corpse Reviver No. Ginless: For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip Grove 42. You’ll still get the refreshing flavors without the alcohol content.
• Corpse Reviver No. Smoky: Add a smoky twist to your drink by using a peaty scotch instead of gin. This variation adds depth and complexity to the cocktail, perfect for those who enjoy a more robust flavor profile.