Corpse Reviver No. 2: A Pre-Prohibition Elixir

Ingredients

• 1 ounce gin
• 1 dash absinthe
• 1 ounce cointreau
• 1 ounce lillet blanc
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• Garnish with a lemon peel

Directions

• Rinse a chilled coupe or cocktail glass with absinthe and discard the excess.
• Add the gin, Lillet Blanc, cointreau, and lemon juice into a shaker with ice.
• Strain into the prepared glass.
• Garnish with an orange peel.

A Pre-Prohibition Elixir

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 belongs to a family of pre-Prohibition cocktails known as "corpse revivers." These drinks were said to be created and consumed for the chief purpose of rousing the drinker from the dead—in other words, meant to cure hangovers, increase vigor, and otherwise improve one's morning¹. The name itself suggests that it was a remedy for the aftermath of a night of indulgence.

Historical Traces

The use of the words "corpse reviver" to describe a mixed drink appears in literature as early as an issue of Punch in 1861. One recipe from the Gentleman's Table Guide in 1871 called for 1/2 a wine glass of brandy, 1/2 a wine glass of Maraschino, and two dashes of Boker's bitters³.

The Role of Lillet Blanc

Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano) functions similarly to vermouth, binding the ingredients together while adding depth of flavor. The absinthe rinse provides an aromatic hint without overwhelming the palate.

Remember, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 is more potent than it tastes. As Harry Craddock warned in his "Savoy Cocktail Book," "Four of these taken in swift succession will un-revive the corpse again."

Enjoy your Corpse Reviver No. 2—it's a tart, cold, and refreshing elixir!

Best for brunch service and easy late-morning rounds. Also a classic choice for Halloween menus and dramatic cocktail flights. 🍸💀🎃