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Classic CocktailsMedium

Corpse Reviver No. 2

A classic hair-of-the-dog cocktail with gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, lemon, and a rinse of absinthe.

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 isn't just a cocktail—it's liquid resurrection in a coupe glass. This legendary hangover cure from the early 20th century combines four equal parts of gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice, all kissed with a whisper of absinthe. Despite its morbid name, this perfectly balanced sipper is very much alive, offering a complex symphony of citrus brightness, herbal sophistication, and mysterious anise undertones. Whether you're nursing last night's regrets or simply seeking cocktail perfection, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 delivers both medicine and magic in equal measure.

4 min
4 oz
🥃Coupe
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Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail served in a Coupe

📝 Ingredients

Units:
Servings:

Garnish: Orange twist

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe and discard the excess.

  2. Add gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.

  3. Shake until well-chilled.

  4. Strain into the prepared glass.

  5. Garnish with an orange twist.

Flavor Profile

CitrusHerbalAniseComplex

Tools Needed

Jigger

Jigger

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Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

Cocktail Shaker (Boston)

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OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

OXO SteeL Cocktail Strainer (Hawthorne)

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Channel Knife/Peeler

Channel Knife/Peeler

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Citrus Juicer

Citrus Juicer

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Coupe Glass Set

Coupe Glass Set

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💡 Pro Tips

  • 1

    Use a high-quality gin with strong juniper presence—the botanical complexity needs to stand up to the other three spirits in this equal-parts cocktail

  • 2

    When rinsing with absinthe, coat the entire interior of the glass, then discard—too much will overpower the delicate balance, too little won't provide the essential anise backdrop

  • 3

    Lillet Blanc is crucial and irreplaceable here; Dry Vermouth won't provide the same honeyed complexity that makes this cocktail sing

  • 4

    Shake vigorously with plenty of ice to achieve proper dilution—this drink needs to be ice-cold and well-integrated to balance the strong spirits

  • 5

    Express the orange oils over the drink's surface before dropping in the twist—the citrus oils create an aromatic bridge between the lemon and Cointreau

📜 History & Origin

Born in the pages of Harry Craddock's legendary 1930 'Savoy Cocktail Book,' the Corpse Reviver No. 2 emerged during London's cocktail renaissance as the ultimate hangover remedy. Craddock, the American bartender who fled to London during Prohibition, created this as part of a series of 'corpse reviver' cocktails designed to bring the dead back to life—metaphorically speaking. The drink gained its reputation in the elegant bars of 1920s London, where sophisticated drinkers sought something more refined than a simple Prairie Oyster. What sets No. 2 apart from its siblings is the inspired use of absinthe as a rinse rather than a full ingredient, creating an ethereal backdrop for the quartet of equal-parts spirits. The cocktail experienced a renaissance in the early 2000s as part of the craft cocktail revival, with bartenders rediscovering Craddock's genius balance. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of proportion and the art of restraint, proving that sometimes the most complex flavors come from the simplest formulas.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Corpse Reviver No. 2 taste like?

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 has a citrus, herbal, anise, complex flavor profile. A classic hair-of-the-dog cocktail with gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, lemon, and a rinse of absinthe.

What ingredients do I need for a Corpse Reviver No. 2?

A Corpse Reviver No. 2 requires 6 ingredients: Gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, Fresh Lemon Juice, Absinthe, Orange Peel.

How long does it take to make a Corpse Reviver No. 2?

A Corpse Reviver No. 2 takes about 4 minutes to prepare and is considered medium difficulty.

What glass should I use for a Corpse Reviver No. 2?

A Corpse Reviver No. 2 is traditionally served in a Coupe, garnished with Orange twist.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Corpse Reviver No. 2?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version of the Corpse Reviver No. 2 by substituting the spirits with non-alcoholic alternatives such as seedlip, non-alcoholic distilled spirits, or flavored syrups and juices that mimic the original flavor profile.

What is the history of the Corpse Reviver No. 2?

Born in the pages of Harry Craddock's legendary 1930 'Savoy Cocktail Book,' the Corpse Reviver No. 2 emerged during London's cocktail renaissance as the ultimate hangover remedy. Craddock, the American bartender who fled to London during Prohibition, created this as part of a series of 'corpse reviver' cocktails designed to bring the dead back to life—metaphorically speaking. The drink gained its reputation in the elegant bars of 1920s London, where sophisticated drinkers sought something more refined than a simple Prairie Oyster. What sets No. 2 apart from its siblings is the inspired use of absinthe as a rinse rather than a full ingredient, creating an ethereal backdrop for the quartet of equal-parts spirits. The cocktail experienced a renaissance in the early 2000s as part of the craft cocktail revival, with bartenders rediscovering Craddock's genius balance. Today, it stands as a testament to the power of proportion and the art of restraint, proving that sometimes the most complex flavors come from the simplest formulas.