Ingredients
- 0.75 oz London Dry Gin
- 0.75 oz Triple Sec
- 0.75 oz Lillet Blanc
- 0.75 oz Lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 Dash Absinthe
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.*
- Shake, and fine-strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with twist/coin of your preferred citrus zest.
RELATED: How To Make The Best Classic Martini (Hint: Stir, Don’t Shake)
Despite how enjoyable they are, there’s more to mixology than the classic Martini or Margherita. That’s why, over the course of the last year, we’ve made it a point to introduce you to a range of slightly less well-known (yet equally classic) cocktail recipes.
Earlier this August, we delved into the Sidecar; and now, in preparation for summer, we’re turning our gaze toward the Corpse Reviver — more specifically version ‘No 2’.
First published in legendary British barman Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930 (one of the bibles of the mixology world), the Corpse Reviver No. 2 has gone on to become the de facto Corpse Reviver.
Meanwhile, the No. 1 has faded into obscurity: likely because Craddock elided that it’s essentially a Calvados-based Manhattan, which crazily, he also recommended consuming “before 11am” — after an evening of hearty carousing.
That the Corpse Reviver No. 2 has avoided this fate comes down to a simple fact. It’s much more delicious. Full of bright, zesty, subtly herbaceous flavours, the most apt description I’ve heard for it over the years, is that it’s the lovechild of a Martini and Tom Collins.
That’s because the Corpse Reviver takes the invigorating and highly drinkable flavours of the latter and plops them into a smart coupe glass; which many will associate with Martini-style drinks.
Finally, like nearly all of the recipes we’ve covered on the website thus far, this is one where the measurements are a cinch to remember. With the exception of the absinthe — we quite like Combier Blanchette — each ingredient is present in equal ratios.
Just take care to heed Craddock’s immortal warning about how dangerously drinkable these are — pretty much the only explanation he gives to accompany his original recipe in the Savoy Cocktail Book:
“Four of these, taken in swift succession, will unrevive the corpse again.”
Enjoying this guide to all things Corpse Reviver? Then why not check out some of our other classic cocktail recipes? Below are a few favourites to get you started:
