Corpse Reviver No. 2

ABV 21% / 2.8 alcoholic units

Primary spirit: Gin

A Brief History of the Corpse Reviver No. 2

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is steeped in cocktail folklore, dating back to the early 20th century. Originating from Harry Craddock's "Savoy Cocktail Book" in the 1930s, this concoction was dubbed a "morning-after/hair of the dog" remedy—a cure for the proverbial hangover. Its name suggests its intended purpose: to revive the spirits of those who may have indulged a bit too much the night before.

Over the years, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 has transcended its curative origins, earning a place as a beloved classic cocktail in the annals of mixology.

Taste and Flavour Profile:

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a symphony of bold and bright flavours:

• Gin Brilliance: The backbone of this cocktail, gin introduces a botanical dance to the palate, offering a crisp and herbaceous foundation.

• Citrus Zing: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty kick, brightening the concoction with a burst of acidity.

• Triple Sec Elegance: Triple sec contributes a touch of sweetness and orange essence, rounding off the sharp edges with a subtle citrus embrace.

• Lillet Blanc Complexity: Lillet Blanc, a French aperitif wine, brings a layer of complexity with its floral and herbal notes, elevating the cocktail's sophistication.

• Absinthe Mystique: A whisper of absinthe adds a hint of anise and a touch of the mysterious, lingering on the palate like a ghostly waltz.

The result is a rejuvenating elixir that dances on the tongue, awakening the senses with each sip.

Food Pairings:

• Oysters: The briny and delicate flavours of oysters complement the bright and herbal notes of the Corpse Reviver No. 2

• Smoked Salmon: The cocktail's citrusy kick harmonises with the richness of smoked salmon.

• Herb-infused Goat Cheese: The herbal nuances in the cocktail align with the earthy flavors of herb-infused goat cheese.

Bar Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Cocktail sieve
• Coupe glass

Ingredients

• 30ml London Dry Gin
• 30ml Cointreau  
• 30ml Lillet Blanc
• 30ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 5ml Absinthe
• Ice cubes

Method

• Rinse the inside of a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass with absinthe, discard the excess and set the glass aside.
• Add the gin, Lillet blanc, orange liqueur and lemon juice into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled.
• Double strain into the prepared glass

What's the best Gin and Triple Sec for a Corpse Reviver No. 2?

Selecting the best gin and triple sec for a Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail can depend on personal preferences, availability, and budget. Here are some well-regarded options that are commonly recommended for crafting a delicious Corpse Reviver No. 2:

Best Gin Options:

• Tanqueray London Dry Gin: Tanqueray is known for its classic London Dry Gin profile with a perfect balance of botanicals. It offers a juniper-forward character with citrus and spice notes, providing a solid foundation for the cocktail.

• Beefeater London Dry Gin: Beefeater is a versatile and iconic London Dry Gin. Its well-balanced flavour profile includes juniper, citrus, and floral notes, making it a reliable choice for a Corpse Reviver No. 2.

• Bombay Sapphire: Bombay Sapphire is celebrated for its botanical complexity. With a blend of ten botanicals, including juniper, citrus, and spice, it adds a nuanced and aromatic dimension to the cocktail.

Best Triple Sec Options:

• Cointreau: Cointreau is a premium triple sec known for its clear and intense orange flavour. It has a crisp and vibrant taste that adds brightness to the Corpse Reviver No. 2 without being overly sweet.

• Combier Liqueur d'Orange: Combier is a historic French triple sec with a rich and authentic orange flavour. It brings a complex sweetness and citrusy brightness to the cocktail, enhancing its overall character.

• Luxardo Triplum Triple Sec: Luxardo Triplum is a well-regarded triple sec with a blend of sweet and bitter oranges. It offers a balanced sweetness and a hint of bitterness, contributing depth to the Corpse Reviver No. 2.

Remember, personal taste preferences play a significant role in selecting spirits for cocktails. Feel free to explore different brands and find the combination that suits your palate best.

Love making cocktails? Explore our mobile cocktail classes.