Corpse Reviver no. 2

Table of Contents:

• How to Make the Corpse Reviver #2
• Corpse Reviver History
• Ingredients
• Variations
• Our Variation
• Corpse Reviver 1 vs 2
• Corpse Reviver # 2 Recipe

After exploring the hauntingly robust Corpse Reviver No.1, today we’re turning our attention to its more popular sibling, the Corpse Reviver No.2.

Crisp and refreshing, this classic gin cocktail offers a stark contrast to the rich warmth of its counterpart, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a more spirited kick. (I’m sorry, but have you met me? The puns are going to keep on happening.)

How to Make a Corpse Reviver 2

In this week’s video, Chris demonstrates how to perfect the Corpse Reviver #2 and balance these vibrant flavors– Plus, as always, he has a fun variation for you:

History of the Reviver Cocktails

While both Reviver cocktails officially hail from the early 20th century, the #2 version gained more prominence after being featured in Harry Craddock’s 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book.

For what it’s worth, the #1 was also featured in the same book for the first time in its current form– although some version of it had been floating around since at least the 1860s– but it just didn’t gain traction the way this one did.

Designed as part of a series meant to cure the fog of a hangover from a night of heavy drinking — or to “wake the dead” because they’re such strong cocktails– this refreshing cocktail has maintained its popularity with cocktail enthusiasts through the decades for one reason or another, so I’ll be curious for your thoughts on this one.

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Corpse Reviver No.2 Ingredients

This version of the Reviver offers a balance of sugar and acid profiles, the botanical elements of gin, and the complex flavor of absinthe. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

• London Dry Gin: Provides a clean, botanical base spirit for the rest of the ingredients
• Lillet Blanc: An aperitif wine that replaces the sweet vermouth in #1, offering a lighter, floral touch (Note: The original recipe called for Kina Lillet, which is no longer made– but you may still see it referenced; Lillet Blanc is the modern substitute.)
• Cointreau: An orange liqueur that brings a sweet, citrusy contrast to the other ingredients
• A dash of absinthe, which adds a complex herbal layer not found in #1
• Fresh lemon juice: Balances the sweetness of Lillet and Cointreau with a zesty tang
• Garnish with a cocktail cherry or lemon twist (Note: Some people choose an orange peel instead, which is traditional to the No.1 version, because it plays off the orange liqueur.)

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Corpse Reviver Variations

While the basic recipe is awesome, any variation will offer a new way to experience this classic cocktail– I recommend experimenting until you find your perfect iteration.

Modern Take: The updated version of the Savoy recipe replaces Cointreau with yellow Chartreuse. Can’t find Chartreuse? Our friends at Heirloom Liqueurs make a fantastic substitute– their genepy lives somewhere between yellow and green, making it an excellent replacement for either.

Change the Fortified Wine: Try Cocchi Americano Bianco instead of Lillet, or choose another white aromatized wine that suits your personal tastes.

Vary the Amount of Absinthe: How much absinthe you use will really change the flavor profile of your final drink. Personally– as I don’t love the taste of black licorice– I prefer only a note of absinthe. However, some people add an absinthe mist on top or even wash their glass with absinthe before pouring in the rest of the cocktail. That’s not my personal preference, but it’s definitely a popular option!

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Our Variation

Chris and Rob (our Head of Education) came up with their own variation of the Corpse Reviver 2. Using the same base spirit, Lillet, and lemon while switching out the Cointreau and absinthe.

Instead, we decided to use Sambuca. OK, we know it doesn’t have the best reputation, but it brought forward a really interesting anise flavor that came on super late, complete with a heavier mouthfeel, making this version of the cocktail extremely complex.

And rather than Cointreau, we opted for a Créme de Flora from our buddies at Heirloom Liqueurs, creating a foral, herbaceous quality. Here’s our recipe:

• 3/4 ounce Honey Gin
• 3/4 ounce Lillet Blanc
• 3/4 ounce Heirloom Créme de Flora
• 3/4 ounce Lemon Juice
• 1 bar spoon Sambuca

DIRECTIONS:

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and then double strain into coupe glass. Optional: Garnish with a lemon twist.

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Corpse Reviver 1 Vs. 2

Contrasting the Corpse Reviver #2 with the #1, the differences are super obvious, even though they’re in the same family of cocktails (or “series,” may be a better term, since they aren’t even the same type of drink– #1 is spirit-forward while this one is a sour cocktail). Where No.1 leans into the warmth and depth of Cognac and apple brandy, No.2 opts for a lighter, crisper ensemble of gin and citrus.

This makes #2 an excellent choice for those seeking a cocktail that’s both refreshing and complex, without the heavier, autumnal tones of its sibling.

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A Cocktail Worthy of Reviving the Dead

The Corpse Reviver 2 is an excellent way to appreciate the lighter side of the Reviver family and is great all year round, whereas I find Corpse Reviver 1 to really work for fall. Get the recipe below, and let me know in the comments what you think!