Corpse Reviver No 1

 

Table of contents:

• Video: Making the Corpse Reviver 1
• History
• Reviver Ingredients
• Variations
• Our Variation
• Final Thoughts
• Recipe

Have I mentioned this is my favorite time of year? I love fall weather, sweaters, and especially Halloween. So when deciding what recipes to share with you this month, of course the spooky Halloween theme pops to mind.

 

And imagine my surprise when I realized we’ve never featured the Corpse Reviver #1, the first of the Reviver cocktails– arguably lesser known than its sequel, even though it’s the original recipe (or close to it– there have been some iterations over the years, and the name was basically synonymous with the term “hair of the dog” in the late 1800s).

Crafted to really jolt the senses– or wake the dead, if you will– this delicious drink offers a potent blend of flavors.

 

How to Make the Corpse Reviver 1

This mixed drink is both a trick and treat, for sure, and it’s really easy to make. No cocktail shaker required! (As a spirit-forward drink, this one is stirred.) You just need a mixing glass, spoon, strainer, and jigger. Go grab yours, and then watch this video to see how Chris brings the Reviver to life (#sorrynotsorry):

 

History of the Reviver(s)

The Corpse Reviver family of cocktails dates back to the 19th century, originally concocted as morning hangover cures– hence the name. While its sibling, the Corpse Reviver No.2 (a botanical gin drink), is more commonly a fixture at craft cocktail bars today, the #1 version has its own unique character that makes it fun to drink and really different from No. 2.

 

Originally published in Harry Craddock’s 1930 “The Savoy Cocktail Book” alongside the 2nd version, this apple brandy cocktail was designed to “revive” those who felt like the walking dead from a bad hangover. (Although, come to think of it, do you think it is the cure or the cause?)

It’s worth mentioning again that, while the modern iteration was published in 1930, some version floated around well before that, making this a pre-Prohibition cocktail with many lives.

 

Corpse Reviver Cocktail Recipe Ingredients

In some ways, this is a Manhattan-like cocktail– it follows the Martini structure of spirit, fortified wine, and bitters– with a depth of flavor stemming from Cognac. Today, we’re making the traditional Savoy version (the popular Gilbert variation is detailed below); to create this classic drink, you’ll need these basic ingredients:

• Cognac: The base spirit provides a rich, warming foundation.
• Calvados or Apple Brandy: A unique ingredient, apple brandy adds a crisp note of autumn flavors.
• Sweet Vermouth: This fortified wine provides a little herbal sweetness to balance the potent spirits.
• Orange Bitters: One dash of bitters adds a citrus element that plays with the Cognac’s depth and the sweetness of the apple brandy.
• Garnish: While not always garnished, you can finish the drink with a cocktail cherry or orange twist for a dash of color and additional citrus flavor. Traditionally, though, this style of cocktail is served without a garnish.

 

 

Reviver Variations and Versions

While this is a pretty great drink as it stands, there are a few ways to tweak this classic cocktail– and a couple other versions as well.

• Gilberg’s Variation: Tie in a major element of its sibling Reviver and do an absinthe rinse or just a quick dash of absinthe in the glass before pouring in the cocktail. This variation skips the bitters and replaces it with a dash or splash of absinthe instead– Heck, some people even rinse the cocktail glass with absinthe or add a full bar spoon for a really strong anise flavor, even though the recipe calls for one drop. If that’s your personal taste, do the rinse first before pouring the finished cocktail into your prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist instead of the typical orange peel.
• Corpse Reviver No. 2: Combine equal parts London dry gin, Kina Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano, fresh lemon juice, and orange liqueur such as Cointreau (3/4 ounce each), plus 1 dash absinthe. The more modern variation of this classic gin cocktail subs in yellow Chartreuse for the Cointreau.
• Corpse Reviver No. 3: A strong and interesting mix of Pernod absinthe, fresh lemon juice, and champagne, this version is definitely the secret sibling no one seems to talk about.

 

 

Our Variation

For your drinking pleasure today, Chris and Rob came up with a really complex cocktail variation (with a small amount of input from yours truly), utilizing a tropical rum and taking inspiration from the Gilberg version. We played a lot with how much absinthe to use here– and of course you can adjust to your personal taste– but we ended up with half a bar spoon (about 1/16 ounce); you could also do a small rinse or add 1-2 drops instead. We originally left out the bitters but decided the drink really just needed that citrus to tie everything together. Here’s our finished recipe:

• 1 ounce Aged Rum
• 1 ounce Cognac
• 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc
• 1/4 ounce Benedictine DOM
• 2 dashes Pineapple Tincture
• 1 dash Absinthe (up to 1/2 bar spoon, but we pulled it way down)
• 2 dashes Citrus Bitters

 

Let’s Raise the Dead

This Cognac-based cocktail is more than just a simple drink; it’s a real celebration of flavor and absolutely perfect for Halloween night (or any other night, for that matter).

So, my fellow cocktail fans, let us know in the comments what you think about this Reviver version. Do you prefer No. 2? Did you know there’s even a No. 3 (and, depending on who you ask and how you classify them, a No. 4)? Do you go for the classic recipe with orange bitters, or do you prefer absinthe instead? Or both?

Whichever is your favorite cocktail of the bunch, I do hope you enjoy this one and have a wonderful Halloween, no matter what you’re drinking. Cheers to a spirited, spooky season!