Ingredients
- 1½ oz Cognac
- ¾ oz Calvados
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Ice cubes
- Orange peel - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Stirring Glass
- Bar spoon or long stirrer
- Cocktail Strainer
- Chilled Martini or Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Martini glass or cocktail coupe with ice. Set it aside.
- Add Bitters: Pour 1 dash orange bitters into the mixing glass.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour ¾ oz sweet vermouth into the mixing glass.
- Add Calvados: Add ¾ oz Calvados.
- Add Cognac: Finally, add 1½ oz Cognac to the mix.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Using a bar spoon or a long stirrer, stir well (for about 15-20 seconds). Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Strain: Take your Martini glass or cocktail coupe and discard the ice. Using the cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with an orange twist (express the orange zest on top of the drink and then place it on the rim of the glass or drop it directly inside).
Notes
Substitutes:
- Cognac: You can use any type of grape Brandy if you don't have cognac. Feel free to experiment with bourbon whiskey. It will have a different depth of flavor, but it will still work in this cocktail.
- Apple Brandy/Calvados: An apple-flavored liqueur could work as a substitute if you can't find apple brandy or Calvados.
- Sweet Vermouth: Dry vermouth can be used instead of sweet vermouth if needed. Just add a small splash of simple syrup to balance out the bitterness.
- Orange bitter: Opt for lemon bitters for a different citrusy note or try with angostura bitters.
Making a Pitcher of Corpse Reviver No.1:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 dashes of orange bitters, 12 oz of Cognac, 6 oz of apple brandy, and 6 oz of sweet vermouth.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bitters, Cognac, apple brandy, and sweet vermouth with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled martini glasses, garnish with an orange peel, or cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Cognac Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic brandy substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic the brandy's flavors.
- Apple Brandy/Calvados Substitute: Opt for an apple juice or a non-alcoholic apple-flavored syrup.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
This cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. However, be sure to check your ingredients' labels to ensure they're suitable for vegans. Some brands may use animal products in their production process.What is a Corpse Reviver No. 1?
A Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a brandy-based cocktail made of two parts Cognac, one part apple brandy or Calvados, and one part sweet vermouth. Despite its ominous name suggesting it is a hangover cure, this drink is relatively easy to make if you have the necessary ingredients and basic knowledge of mixology.
The process involves stirring the components over ice before straining them into a chilled cocktail glass. Typically garnished with an orange peel for added aroma, this potent concoction is not recommended for light drinkers due to its high alcohol content.

What is a Corpse Reviver No. 1 made of – The ingredients
To concoct a Corpse Reviver No. 1, the following ingredients are required:
- Cognac: This French brandy provides a rich, smooth base for the cocktail. Its complex fruit, spice, and oak flavors add depth to the drink.
- Apple Brandy or Calvados: An apple-based spirit that brings a sweet, fruity element to balance out the stronger flavors of the Cognac.
- Sweet Vermouth: A fortified wine that adds sweetness and complexity. It helps to round out the flavors and bring harmony to the cocktail.
- Orange bitters: a citrus bitter that provides aroma and adds a different layer of flavor to the drink.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Some versions include this ingredient. It adds a touch of acidity and brightness, cutting through the richness of the other ingredients and refreshing the palate.








