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Corpse Reviver No. 2

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a classic drink that belongs to a family of pre-Prohibition cocktails that 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 morning.

Corpse Revivers can be traced back to at least the 1870s, with many lost to the ravages of time. This version is the best known recipe, although the Corpse Reviver No. 1 (cognac, Calvados, sweet vermouth) is still in rotation today and enjoys occasional placement on bar menus.

How It's Made

Ingredients

  • Absinthe, to rinse
  • 3/4 ounce London dry gin
  • 3/4 ounce Lillet blanc
  • 3/4 ounce orange liqueur
  • 3/4 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Steps

  1. Rinse the inside of a chilled coupe or cocktail glass with absinthe, discard the excess and set the glass aside.
  2. Add the gin, Lillet blanc, orange liqueur and lemon juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
  3. Strain into the prepared glass.