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.
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What is Corpse Reviver?
The Corpse Reviver drink refers to a family of cocktails designed to “revive” drinkers. They emerge in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Just like the Blood Mary, it helps you with hangovers. So, not only do you get a drink that fits the Halloween theme perfectly, but it also helps you recover from a night out.
This family consists of several notable cocktails, primarily known for their potency and historical significance as “hair of the dog” drinks. Here are the main members:
- Corpse Reviver No. 1
- Ingredients: Cognac, Calvados (or apple brandy), sweet vermouth.
- Notes: This version is often considered less popular than No. 2 but remains a classic cocktail.
- No. 2
- Ingredients: Gin, lemon juice, orange liqueur (commonly Cointreau), Kina Lillet (or Cocchi Americano), and a dash of absinthe.
- Notes: The most famous and widely consumed version, known for its balanced flavor profile.
- No. 2A
- Ingredients: Similar to No. 2 but made with punsch instead of Kina Lillet.
- Notes: Sometimes referred to as a variation of No. 2.
- No. 3
- Ingredients: Fernet-Branca and other ingredients similar to No. 2.
- Notes: This version is less standardized and may vary by source.
- No. 4
- Ingredients: Another variation that may include different spirits or mixers.
- Notes: Not universally recognized and can differ significantly from other versions.
The cocktails have evolved over time, with many recipes lost or altered, but the above five are the most commonly referenced in cocktail culture today. The most famous variations, particularly Corpse Reviver No. 1 and No. 2, were popularized by bartender Harry Craddock in his 1930 book, The Savoy Cocktail Book, which is a seminal work in British cocktail history.
Corpse Reviver recipe
These drinks have since become staples in cocktail bars and brunch menus, reflecting their enduring legacy within British and global drinking culture. Here is how to make the Corpse Reviver #1 and #2:
Corpse Reviver
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.
To incorporate the Corpse Reviver cocktail into Halloween and gothic-themed events:
- Create spooky garnishes like gummy worms or edible “eyeballs”
- Serve in themed glassware such as skull-shaped glasses
- Develop themed variations with black vodka or color-changing ingredients
When certain ingredients are unavailable, you can use these substitutions:
- Lillet Blanc: Cocchi Americano or a mix of dry vermouth and Cointreau
- Absinthe: Pastis or other anise-flavored spirits
- Cointreau: Any quality triple sec or orange curaçao
- Gin: Any London Dry style gin will work well in the Reviver #2
Pairing suggestions
1. Reviver #1 Pairings
The No.1 has a rich and slightly sweet flavor with fruity notes. It pairs well with:
- Cheese Plate: A variety of soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, providing a creamy balance to sweetness.
- Charcuterie: Savory cured meats like prosciutto or salami for a flavorful contrast.
- Nuts: Roasted almonds or walnuts, adding a crunchy texture and rich, earthy notes.
2. Reviver #2 Pairings
The No.2 is bright, citrusy, and refreshing with herbal notes from the absinthe. You can pair it with:
- Citrus-Based Dishes: Light ceviche or shrimp cocktails beautifully mirror the cocktail’s citrus notes.
- Light Appetizers: Fried olives or a crudité platter served with tzatziki dip can elevate the drink’s refreshing qualities.
- Pizza: Neapolitan-style pizza is an excellent pairing; opt for toppings that aren’t overly cheesy to maintain a harmonious balance.
- Herb-Infused Snacks: Think about snacks that incorporate fresh herbs like dill or basil, which can enhance the herbal undertones of the cocktail.
- Spicy Dishes: A spicy bowl of gumbo can also complement the Corpse Reviver number 2, as the absinthe highlights the dish’s spices.