If you’re looking for a special drink to liven up your Halloween festivities, you’ve got to try the Corpse Reviver. The name alone sets the perfect spooky mood, but this classic cocktail is more than just a fitting title.

Corpse Reviver Recipe

The Corpse Reviver is a family of cocktails designed to “revive” drinkers. They emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Just like Bloody Mary, it helps you with hangovers.

A glass of the Corpse Reviver #2 — These hair-of-the-dog concoctions were popularized in the pre-Prohibition era as hangover cures.

This family consists of several notable cocktails, primarily known for their potency and historical significance as “hair of the dog” drinks. Here are the two most famous variations:

Corpse Reviver No. 1 includes Cognac, Calvados (or apple brandy), and sweet vermouth. This version is less popular than No. 2.
No. 2 uses gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur (commonly Cointreau), Kina Lillet (or Cocchi Americano), and a dash of absinthe. This is the most famous and widely consumed version.

These drinks have since become staples in cocktail bars and brunch menus. You can pair the No.1 version with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert for a creamy contrast. Savory charcuterie, such as prosciutto or salami, and roasted almonds or walnuts are a great option.

The No.2’s bright citrus and herbal notes go well with light dishes like ceviche or shrimp cocktail. Fried olives or a crudité platter with tzatziki, Neapolitan-style pizza with light toppings work well too. Herb-infused snacks with dill and spicy dishes like gumbo also pair nicely.

Here is how to make the Corpse Reviver #1 and #2:

Corpse Reviver

A classic cocktail family, with the most famous variant being the Corpse Reviver No. 2. It's a potent, citrusy drink originally designed as a hangover cure.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Course Drinks

Cuisine British

Servings

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 7gSugar: 5g

Ingredients

Corpse Reviver #1

1 1/2 oz Cognac
3/4 oz Calvados or other apple brandy
3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
Ice cubes
Lemon twist for garnish

Corpse Reviver #2

3/4 oz gin
3/4 oz Cointreau orange liqueur
3/4 oz Lillet Blanc
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1 dash absinthe
Ice
Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions

Corpse Reviver #1

Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add the Cognac, Calvados, and Sweet Vermouth.
Stir well until chilled.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Corpse Reviver #2

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe to the shaker.
Shake well until chilled (about 15 seconds).
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist and serve.

Keyword alcoholic drinks, classic cocktail, hangover cure, homemade cocktails

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Variations

Besides the Corpse Reviver No.1 and No. 2, here are other notable versions and variants:

No. 2A is similar to No. 2 but made with Punsch instead of Kina Lillet. It’s often referred to as a variation of No. 2.
No. 3 uses Fernet-Branca and other ingredients similar to No. 2. It’s less standardized and may vary by source.
No. 4 is not universally recognized and can differ significantly from other versions.
Champagne Corpse Reviver adds orange juice to create a gentler French 75 or Mimosa-like cocktail. It’s a lighter, effervescent twist, combining bubbly with citrus for a smoother pick-me-up.
Criterion Reviver is the 1875 version served at the Criterion Hotel American Bar. It includes carbonated mineral water and whiskey.

Contents

Corpse Reviver Recipe