Corpse Reviver #2

Photo of Corpse Reviver #2 cocktail

Overview

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a legendary pre-Prohibition cocktail known for its sharp citrus brightness and refined herbal complexity. Perfectly balanced and deceptively light, it remains one of the most elegant and invigorating classic aperitif cocktails ever created.

Preparation Method

Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe and discard the excess. Add gin, Triple Sec, Cocchi Americano, and fresh lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice. Shake until well chilled. Strain into the prepared coupe glass and serve straight up.

Ingredients & Ratios

Structural Profile and Sensory Characteristics

Structural Breakdown

Flavor Balance and Intensity Breakdown

Sweetness
Acidity
Bitterness
Herbal
Spice
Fruitiness
Smokiness

Organoleptic Profile: Aromatic and Taste Intensity

Gin
Base spirit Aromatic backbone
Triple Sec
Liqueur Modifier Citrus Sweetener Aromatic Bridge
Cocchi Americano
Aromatized Wine Modifier Bitterness Softener Aromatic Lifter
Lemon Juice
Primary Acid Freshness Driver Structural Balancer
Absinthe
Anise Botanical Spirit Aromatic Rinse Herbal Intensifier Bitter Aroma Modifier

Corpse Reviver #2 Deep Dive: History, Style, and Use

Serving Style

Served straight up in a chilled coupe glass, the cocktail displays a pale, luminous yellow hue. A delicate herbal aroma rises from the absinthe rinse, framing the bright citrus core.

Food Pairings

Excellent with oysters, shrimp cocktail, or light seafood dishes whose natural salinity enhances the drink’s crisp acidity.

Origins

The Corpse Reviver #2 was first documented in Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book (1930), where it originally called for Kina Lillet, a fortified wine flavored with quinine. Over time, Kina Lillet was reformulated into the modern Lillet Blanc, which is softer and sweeter. Today, Cocchi Americano is widely used as a closer match to the original Kina Lillet, restoring the cocktail’s intended bitterness and structure.

Best Occasions

Ideal as an aperitif, for refined cocktail hours, or whenever a bright yet sophisticated classic is desired.

Tasting Notes

Fresh lemon zest and botanical gin lead the nose, followed by subtle floral and quinine notes from Cocchi Americano. The palate is crisp, dry, and vibrant, finishing with a faint anise whisper from the absinthe.

Style & Character

Elegant, witty, and timeless — a cocktail that balances intellectual complexity with immediate refreshment.

Variations

A softer, rounder version can be made by substituting Cocchi Americano with Lillet Blanc, reducing bitterness and sharpening sweetness.

Alcohol Strength

21%

⚠️ Alcoholic beverage: not suitable for minors, pregnant individuals, or designated drivers. Please enjoy responsibly.

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