Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail Drink

Corpse Reviver No. 2

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

In the mood for an exciting cocktail? Try this Corpse Reviver No 2 recipe! It’s a revitalizing drink, straightforward to make with yummy ingredients.

Corpse Reviver No. 2 Recipe

Our simple Corpse Reviver No. 2 recipe is perfect for brunch gatherings and early evenings aperitif. This iconic drink combines Gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and a splash of Absinthe.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

155 kl

Ingredients

  • ¾ oz Gin
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ¾ oz Lillet Blanc
  • ¾ oz Cointreau
  • 1 dash of Absinthe
  • Cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Coupe Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep glass: Fill your coupe glass with ice to chill.
  • Add Absinthe: Include 1 dash of Absinthe into the shaker.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour ¾ oz lemon juice into the shaker.
  • Add Cointreau: Pour in ¾ oz Cointreau.
  • Add Lillet Blanc: Add ¾ oz Lillet Blanc to the mix.
  • Add Gin: Pour ¾ oz Gin into the shaker.
  • Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake Well: Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cherry.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: If you're out of Gin, vodka can be used as a substitute, although it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice can replace lemon juice if needed, but it will give a different citrus note to the drink.
  • Lillet Blanc: If you are still looking for Lillet Blanc, Cocchi Americano is an excellent alternative I've used before.
  • Cointreau: Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur can stand in for Cointreau.
  • Absinthe: Pernod or another anise-flavored liqueur can be used if Absinthe isn't available.

Making a Pitcher of Corpse Reviver No. 2:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 6 oz of each: Gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and 8 dashes of Absinthe.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; several on the market mimic the flavor of Gin quite well.
  • Cointreau Substitute: For Cointreau, you can use an orange extract mixed with simple syrup or a non-alcoholic triple sec.
  • Lillet Blanc: Use a grape juice aromatized with orange peels and quinine.
  • Absinthe Substitute: Anise extract can replace the Absinthe to give that hint of licorice flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. However, always check your ingredients' labels to ensure they're vegan-friendly. Some brands may use animal products in their production process.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
155
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.03
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
10
g
3
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Potassium
 
29
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.02
g
Vitamin A
 
1
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.04
mg
0
%

 

Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail Drink

Corpse Reviver No. 2 Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Our simple Corpse Reviver No. 2 recipe is perfect for brunch gatherings and early evenings aperitif. This iconic drink combines Gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and a splash of Absinthe.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 155

Ingredients
 

  • ¾ oz Gin
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ¾ oz Lillet Blanc
  • ¾ oz Cointreau
  • 1 dash of Absinthe
  • Cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Coupe Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Prep glass: Fill your coupe glass with ice to chill.
  • Add Absinthe: Include 1 dash of Absinthe into the shaker.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour ¾ oz lemon juice into the shaker.
  • Add Cointreau: Pour in ¾ oz Cointreau.
  • Add Lillet Blanc: Add ¾ oz Lillet Blanc to the mix.
  • Add Gin: Pour ¾ oz Gin into the shaker.
  • Prep Shaker: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake Well: Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain and Serve: Fine strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cherry.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Gin: If you're out of Gin, vodka can be used as a substitute, although it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice can replace lemon juice if needed, but it will give a different citrus note to the drink.
  • Lillet Blanc: If you are still looking for Lillet Blanc, Cocchi Americano is an excellent alternative I've used before.
  • Cointreau: Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur can stand in for Cointreau.
  • Absinthe: Pernod or another anise-flavored liqueur can be used if Absinthe isn't available.

Making a Pitcher of Corpse Reviver No. 2:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 6 oz of each: Gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and 8 dashes of Absinthe.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients with ice. Stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Gin Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic gin substitute; several on the market mimic the flavor of Gin quite well.
  • Cointreau Substitute: For Cointreau, you can use an orange extract mixed with simple syrup or a non-alcoholic triple sec.
  • Lillet Blanc: Use a grape juice aromatized with orange peels and quinine.
  • Absinthe Substitute: Anise extract can replace the Absinthe to give that hint of licorice flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. However, always check your ingredients' labels to ensure they're vegan-friendly. Some brands may use animal products in their production process.

What is a Corpse Reviver No.2?

A Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a gin-based cocktail made of equal parts gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, and Cointreau, with a dash of Absinthe. It’s relatively easy to make if you have the ingredients and can balance the flavors nicely. The drink is one of several “Corpse Reviver” cocktails that were originally devised as a hangover cure – hence the name. The No. 2 variant is the most famous and widely consumed in modern times due to its refreshing and complex flavor profile. The drink is officially recognized by the International Bartender Association(IBA).

A side shot of a Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail in a cocktail glass on a white coaster surrounded by a strainer, a shaker, and a red cloth.

What is a Corpse Reviver No.2 made of – The ingredients

Get ready to make your corpse reviver no 2 with these ingredients:

  • Gin: The cocktail’s base spirit, Gin, provides a strong, juniper-forward flavor that serves as the backbone of the drink.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a tart, citrusy note to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients and bring a refreshing quality to the cocktail.
  • Lillet Blanc: A sweet, fruity fortified wine that adds complexity and depth to the drink. It also helps to smooth out the harshness of the Gin.
  • Cointreau: An orange-flavored liqueur that brings a hint of sweetness and a burst of citrus flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the cocktail.
  • Absinthe: Used sparingly, Absinthe gives the cocktail a subtle anise (licorice-like) flavor and aroma. It also adds a bit of mystique due to its historical reputation.

Gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau and Absinthe laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a corpse reviver no 2?

Our easy steps will teach you how to craft a corpse reviver no 2:

1
<p>Start by filling a coupe glass with ice. This will ensure that your drink will be served cold.</p>

Start by filling a coupe glass with ice. This will ensure that your drink will be served cold.

2
<p>Add a dash of Absinthe in a cocktail shaker. This highly alcoholic, anise-flavored spirit gives the Corpse Reviver No. 2 its distinctive kick. Be careful not to add too much, as its strong flavor can easily overpower the other ingredients.</p>

Add a dash of Absinthe in a cocktail shaker. This highly alcoholic, anise-flavored spirit gives the Corpse Reviver No. 2 its distinctive kick. Be careful not to add too much, as its strong flavor can easily overpower the other ingredients.

3
<p>Add 3/4 ounce of lemon juice to the shaker. The lemon juice brings a tart freshness that balances the intense flavors of the other ingredients.</p>

Add 3/4 ounce of lemon juice to the shaker. The lemon juice brings a tart freshness that balances the intense flavors of the other ingredients.

4
<p>Next, pour in 3/4 ounces of Cointreau. This orange-flavored liqueur adds a sweet citrus note that complements the tartness of the lemon juice.</p>

Next, pour in 3/4 ounces of Cointreau. This orange-flavored liqueur adds a sweet citrus note that complements the tartness of the lemon juice.

5
<p>Follow this with 3/4 ounces of Lillet Blanc. This French aperitif wine adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the drink.</p>

Follow this with 3/4 ounces of Lillet Blanc. This French aperitif wine adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the drink.

6
<p>Pour 3/4 ounce of Gin into the shaker. The Gin serves as the base spirit for the Corpse Reviver No. 2, providing a robust and crisp foundation.</p>

Pour 3/4 ounce of Gin into the shaker. The Gin serves as the base spirit for the Corpse Reviver No. 2, providing a robust and crisp foundation.

7
<p>Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. This will ensure that your drink is chilled to perfection, enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.</p>

Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. This will ensure that your drink is chilled to perfection, enhancing the flavors of the ingredients.

8
<p>Once all the ingredients are in the shaker add ice, secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. This mixes the ingredients and helps to chill and dilute the drink for a smoother taste.</p>

Once all the ingredients are in the shaker add ice, secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. This mixes the ingredients and helps to chill and dilute the drink for a smoother taste.

9
<p>Fine strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. This removes the ice and pulp from the lemon juice, resulting in a clean drink.</p>

Fine strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. This removes the ice and pulp from the lemon juice, resulting in a clean drink.

10
<p>Finally, garnish the drink with a cherry. This adds a final touch of visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.</p>

Finally, garnish the drink with a cherry. This adds a final touch of visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.

Corpse Reviver No. 2 Variations

Want something similar? Try one of our recommended variations:

  • Corpse Reviver No. 1: A blend of brandy, apple brandy, and sweet vermouth creates a rich, comforting taste that’s perfect for chilly weather. The warm notes of brandy envelop you like a cozy blanket, which I find truly satisfying.
  • Final Ward: Rye whiskey and chartreuse replace gin in this mix, adding an herbal complexity while lemon juice keeps it crisp. I enjoy the bold, herbal flavors for their vibrant and refreshing qualities.
  • Corpse Reviver No. 3: A mix of spirits with a splash of absinthe or another anise-flavored spirit marks this choice, offering a unique licorice note alongside spice and herbal tones that wake up your taste buds.
  • Corpse Reviver No. 4: Rum takes center stage here, steering towards tropical vibes with citrus and sometimes pineapple for a fruity twist. It’s lighter and sweeter, making it an approachable choice for those who like their sips less intense.

A Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail, shot from above, in a cocktail glass on a beige surface surrounded by Gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau and Absinthe

History and Origin of the Corpse Reviver No. 2

Harry Craddock, an English bartender who gained fame at The Savoy Hotel in London, included the Corpse Reviver No. 2 recipe in his book. However, he also warned: “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.” This cheeky caution reflects the cocktail’s reputation as a hangover cure, hence its name.

The ‘No. 2’ name suggests other versions of this cocktail. Indeed, there was a Corpse Reviver No.1, a mix of cognac, calvados, and sweet vermouth. But the No. 2 version stood the test of time and remains popular today.

 

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Corpse Reviver No. 2?
A standard Corpse Reviver No. 2 serving contains approximately 150-200 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific brands of alcohol used.
How strong is a Corpse Reviver No. 2?
The strength of a Corpse Reviver No. 2 is typically around 25% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), which equates to about 50 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What types of alcohol are used in Corpse Reviver No. 2?
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is made with three different types of alcohol: Gin, Lillet Blanc, and Cointreau. Additionally, a dash of Absinthe is used for an extra kick.
In what type of glass is a Corpse Reviver No. 2 typically served?
Traditionally, a Corpse Reviver No. 2 is served in a chilled coupe glass.
What does a Corpse Reviver No. 2 taste like?
A Corpse Reviver No. 2 offers a complex flavor profile that's refreshing and potent. It has a citrusy tartness from the lemon juice, balanced by the sweetness of the Cointreau and the complexity of the Lillet Blanc, with the Gin providing a botanical backdrop.
What is the ratio of ingredients in Corpse Reviver No. 2?
The classic Corpse Reviver No. 2 recipe calls for equal parts of Gin, lemon juice, Lillet Blanc, and Cointreau, with the addition of some dashes of absinthe.
How is a Corpse Reviver No. 2 typically served with ice?
A Corpse Reviver No. 2 is typically shaken with ice and then strained into a glass, serving it "up." This means it's served without ice in the glass.

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