The Corpse Reviver #2: An Unexpectedly Delicious Contemporary Cocktail
For a modern twist on an old classic, try the Corpse Reviver #2. This unique cocktail is made with cognac and herbal liqueurs, creating an interesting blend of sweet and bitter flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s perfect for any occasion or gathering.
The origin of this drink dates back to the early 1900s in London when it first appeared in Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book as one of four drinks labeled “Corpse Revivers”. According to legend, these drinks were designed to help those who had overindulged the night before get “back up on their feet again” by providing a quick jolt of energy! While other versions exist, such as the original Corpse Reviver #1 (made with brandy) or variants like the Corpse Reviver #3 (which includes absinthe), today we are focusing on its most popular incarnation – the Corpse Reviver #2.
This contemporary version employs equal parts cognac and Cointreau along with lemon juice and two dashes each of Absinthe & Pernod Ricard pastis. Combined together they create a surprisingly smooth flavor profile that goes down easy yet packs quite a punch! Plus, you can easily adjust proportions according to taste if desired. Whether served at brunch or just enjoyed casually at home, this modern riff on an old favorite is sure to impress your guests.
Corpse Reviver #2:
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- -1/4 oz 7.5 ml Lemon Juice
- -1/4 oz 7.5 ml Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano
- -1/4 oz 7.5 ml Cointreau or Triple Sec
- -1/4 oz 7.5 ml Absinthe (or Herbal liqueur of your choice such as Pernod, Ricard etc.)
- -3/4oz cognac or brandy of your choice
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Step 1: Fill a shaker with ice cubes and add all ingredients to the shaker except absinthe.
- Step 2: Shake well until chilled, about 15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe glass then pour in the absinthe and swirl around to coat the inside walls of the glass with it before discarding any excess liquid.
- Step 3: Garnish with an orange twist, cherry slice, or edible flower if desired and enjoy!
Glassware
The typical or usual glassware used for the Corpse Reviver #2 is a coupe glass. A coupe glass has a wide, shallow bowl shape and is usually between five to eight ounces in capacity. This style of glassware typically works best with cocktails that contain multiple ingredients as it allows you to mix them together without spilling over the sides, making it perfect for this particular cocktail. Additionally, its wide rim helps release aromas from the drink’s spirituous components, allowing your guests to fully appreciate its complexity and flavor profile.Flavors
The Corpse Reviver #2 is a contemporary cocktail that adds an unexpected twist to the classic recipe. This drink features a combination of cognac, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau and lemon juice for a smooth and slightly sweet flavor. The cognac lends its distinctive woody notes while the herbal liqueur brings out tart citrus flavors. Meanwhile, the hint of sweetness from the Cointreau helps to balance out all these tastes.
This modern take on this classic cocktail pairs perfectly with any occasion or gathering. It goes down easy but still packs a punch with its robust flavors and aromas. Whether you’re enjoying it as an after-dinner treat or sipping it as part of a nightcap, one sip will make you appreciate why this variant has become so popular among modern mixologists.
3 tips for Making Your Corpse reviver 2
- Use fresh lemon juice as opposed to store bought, pre-squeezed juice for maximum flavor and acidity in your Corpse Reviver #
- Make sure that you use a quality brandy or cognac to give the drink its signature complexity and balance of sweetness, acidity, and herbal notes.
- Be sure to choose an absinthe with low alcohol content (up to 55%) so that it does not overpower the other ingredients in the drink when adde.