Description
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash absinthe
- Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the gin, Cointreau or triple sec, Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano, and lemon juice to the shaker.
- Add a dash of absinthe to the shaker.
- Shake well.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
The Origin of the Corpse Reviver #2 Cocktail
The Corpse Reviver #2 is one of the most famous cocktails from the early 20th century. It was documented in Harry Craddock’s 1930 book, “The Savoy Cocktail Book”. However, it’s likely that the drink was invented a few years earlier, during the Prohibition era in the United States.
The term “Corpse Reviver” was a common name for a family of drinks that were said to have the ability to revive someone who had a hangover. There were several different versions of the Corpse Reviver, but the #2 is the most well-known.
The exact origin of the Corpse Reviver #2 is unclear, but it’s believed to have been created by Frank Meier, a bartender at the Ritz Hotel in Paris during the 1920s. Meier was known for his innovative cocktails, and the Corpse Reviver #2 was likely one of his creations.
The drink became popular in the United States after it was featured in “The Savoy Cocktail Book”, which was a collection of cocktails from the famous Savoy Hotel in London. The book was widely distributed and helped to popularize many classic cocktails, including the Corpse Reviver #2.
Today, the Corpse Reviver #2 remains a popular cocktail among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, and it’s often served as a brunch drink or as a way to revive after a night of heavy drinking.
Corpse Reviver #2 Cocktail Traditions
The Corpse Reviver #2 is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for decades. Over time, different traditions and variations have emerged around the drink. Here are a few examples:
- Served as a Brunch Cocktail: The Corpse Reviver #2 is often served as a brunch cocktail because of its citrusy and refreshing taste. It’s a great way to start the day, especially after a night of heavy drinking.
- Served as a Cure for a Hangover: As the name suggests, the Corpse Reviver #2 is said to have the ability to revive someone who is hungover. Some people swear by the drink as a hangover cure, although there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
- Served with a Pickle or Olive: Some bartenders like to garnish the Corpse Reviver #2 with a pickle or olive. This adds a savory flavor to the drink and complements the citrus and herbal notes.
- Served with a Side of Absinthe: Another tradition associated with the Corpse Reviver #2 is to serve it with a side of absinthe. This is known as a “Corpse Reviver #2½” and involves taking a sip of absinthe before drinking the cocktail. The absinthe is said to enhance the flavor of the cocktail and make it even more refreshing.
These are just a few examples of the traditions associated with the Corpse Reviver #2. As with any classic cocktail, there are many ways to enjoy it, and bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts often put their own spin on the recipe.
Modern Corpse Reviver #2 Cocktail Trends
The Corpse Reviver #2 is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time, but as with any cocktail, there are always new trends and variations that emerge. Here are some modern trends and twists on the Corpse Reviver #2:
- Barrel-Aged Corpse Reviver #2: One trend in recent years has been to barrel-age the Corpse Reviver #2, which involves aging the cocktail in oak barrels for several weeks or months. This imparts a unique flavor to the drink and adds a subtle smokiness.
- Variations on the Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano: Lillet Blanc and Cocchi Americano are both fortified wines that are used in the traditional recipe for the Corpse Reviver #2. However, some bartenders have experimented with other fortified wines, such as sherry or vermouth, to add different flavors to the drink.
- Garnishes: While the classic garnish for the Corpse Reviver #2 is an orange peel, some bartenders have gotten creative with their garnishes. For example, a sprig of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add an herbal note to the drink.
- Non-Alcoholic Versions: As more people opt for non-alcoholic drinks, some bartenders have created non-alcoholic versions of the Corpse Reviver #2. These typically replace the gin and Cointreau with non-alcoholic alternatives, and the result is a refreshing and flavorful mocktail.
These are just a few examples of the modern trends and twists on the Corpse Reviver #2. As with any classic cocktail, there are many ways to put your own spin on it and make it your own.
Corpse Reviver #2 Cocktail Variations
The Corpse Reviver #2 is part of a family of cocktails called the “Corpse Reviver” cocktails, which were originally created as hangover cures.
- Corpse Reviver #1: This is the original Corpse Reviver cocktail, and it’s made with brandy, apple brandy, sweet vermouth, and a dash of absinthe. It’s a rich and flavorful cocktail that is quite different from the Corpse Reviver #2.
- Corpse Reviver #3: This variation on the Corpse Reviver uses cognac instead of gin, and it also includes triple sec, lemon juice, and absinthe. It has a sweeter flavor profile than the Corpse Reviver #2.
- Corpse Reviver #4: The Corpse Reviver #4 is a more recent variation on the classic cocktail. It’s made with gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and triple sec, and it has a light and refreshing taste.
- Corpse Reviver #Blue: This version of the Corpse Reviver replaces the gin and Cointreau with blue curaçao and Hpnotiq liqueur, giving it a bright blue color. It’s a playful twist on the classic cocktail that is perfect for parties and events.
These are just a few examples of the related cocktails in the Corpse Reviver family. Each one has its own unique flavor profile and ingredients, but they all share a common origin and are popular among cocktail enthusiasts.
Enjoy your Corpse Reviver cocktail!