The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is the most enduring of the early 20th century hangover cures, and one of the great equal-parts cocktails. Gin, dry curacao, Lillet Blanc, and lemon in even measures, shaken hard and poured into an absinthe-rinsed coupe. Bone dry, bright, herbal, and dangerously drinkable. Built on Naught Australian Dry Gin, juniper-led to anchor the citrus and the absinthe perfume.
INGREDIENTS:
- 25ml Australian Dry Gin
- 25ml Dry Curacao (or Cointreau)
- 25ml Lillet Blanc
- 25ml Lemon Juice
- Absinthe, to rinse
GARNISH:
- Lemon Coin
INSTRUCTIONS:
Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe and discard the excess.
Add the gin, dry curacao, Lillet Blanc, and lemon to a shaker with ice and shake hard for 15 seconds. Double strain into the absinthe-rinsed coupe.
To finish, express a lemon coin over the surface and drop it in.
The Corpse Reviver No. 2: a quick history
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 was first published in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, the bible of the American Bar at London's Savoy Hotel during Prohibition. It was one of a small family of "Corpse Reviver" drinks designed as morning-after hangover cures, with No. 1 built on brandy and calvados. No. 2 survived because the equal-parts formula is essentially bulletproof, and because Craddock himself warned of its power, noting that four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again
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The original recipe called for Kina Lillet, a quinine-rich French aperitif that was discontinued and rebranded as the softer Lillet Blanc in 1986. The modern version is less bitter, so some bartenders add a dash of orange bitters to restore the original balance. Either way, the cocktail still does what Craddock promised, just with better gin.
You'll also love
- Aviation, another shaken gin classic from the same Savoy era
- Naught French 75, gin, lemon, and champagne for the same brunch slot
- Martinez, the gentler, stirred ancestor of the Martini
Frequently asked questions
What is a Corpse Reviver No. 2?
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a Prohibition-era gin sour made with equal parts gin, dry curacao, Lillet Blanc, and lemon juice, served in an absinthe-rinsed glass. It first appeared in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book and is the only "Corpse Reviver" that remained popular.
What is the difference between Lillet Blanc and Kina Lillet?
Kina Lillet was the original aperitif used in the recipe, made with quinine for a distinct bitterness. It was reformulated in 1986 and rebranded as Lillet Blanc, which is softer and less bitter. A dash of orange bitters in the modern version helps restore the balance the original recipe was built for.
Why is the glass washed with absinthe?
The absinthe rinse coats the inside of the glass with a thin layer of anise aroma, lifting the herbal and citrus notes of the cocktail without adding alcohol or sweetness. Skip it and the drink is still good, but you lose the perfume that gives it its character.
Can I make it without absinthe?
Yes. Pastis or any anise spirit works as a substitute, and an absinthe-free version is still a delicious equal-parts gin sour. If you have no anise spirit at all, the drink will be brighter and more citrus-forward but will lose its signature herbal lift.
