Seeking a hair-of-the-dog cocktail with a pedigree that goes beyond the basic Bloody Mary? For a more refined wake-up call, meet the Corpse Reviver, a sophisticated cocktail with a name that’s both morbid and oddly fitting.
Looking for the ultimate hair of the dog cocktail?
Look no further than the Corpse Reviver! This classic cocktail combines gin, Lillet blanc, and a touch of absinthe for a unique flavor profile and a reviving pick-me-up.
That feeling the morning after, when the sun seems a little too bright, your head throbs like a bass drum solo, and the only thing between you and the world is a strong cup of coffee (or three). But what if there was a more, well, civilized solution?
Enter the Corpse Reviver, a cocktail with a name that’s both delightfully macabre and strangely apt. This concoction, a relic from the 19th century, is more than just a hangover cure (although some swear by its reviving powers). It’s a classic drink with a sophisticated blend of flavors, a pick-me-up for the discerning soul who wouldn’t be caught dead gulping down Pedialyte.
Watch 🎥: How to make this Corpse Reviver Cocktail
What Is a Corpse Reviver Cocktail?
The Corpse Reviver isn’t your typical hangover cure! This cocktail with a darkly funny name actually has a long and interesting history.
Way back in the 19th century, terms like “hair of the dog” were thrown around to describe drinks believed to cure hangovers. One of the earliest mentions of a “Corpse Reviver” appears in a book called “The Gentleman’s Table Guide” from 1871. This recipe was pretty simple – just brandy, maraschino liqueur, and a few dashes of bitters.
Fast forward to the early 20th century, and the Corpse Reviver gets a major upgrade courtesy of Harry Craddock, a legendary bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London. His prohibition era “Savoy Cocktail Book” from 1930 features not one but two Corpse Reviver recipes. These became the gold standard, featuring a blend of gin, Lillet blanc (a French aperitif similar to vermouth), and other flavorful ingredients.
Our Corpse Reviver follows the more modern rendition. The base is a high-quality gin. You can use a dry gin like in a dry martini or regular gin. Lillet blanc, a French aperitif similar to dry vermouth, adds a touch of sweetness and herbal complexity.
Like a sazerac cocktail, this recipe also calls for a dash of absinthe. With its licorice-like aroma, this high-proof alcohol offers a subtle hint of intrigue. Fresh lemon juice injects a vital burst of tartness, balancing out the other ingredients. Finally, a splash of orange liqueur, like Cointreau or Triple Sec, ties everything together with a touch of citrusy sweetness. Then, there’s the garnish. A classic orange slice adds a pop of color and a hint of citrus oil to the aroma.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make a Corpse Reviver Cocktail
How to Make a Corpse Reviver
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Feeling adventurous? Try a Corpse Reviver No. 2, which swaps out the Lillet blanc for Cointreau or another orange liqueur. There’s even a Corpse Reviver No. Blue, which uses blue curaçao for a stunning visual effect!
- Swap out the orange slice for a lemon twist or lemon peel for a slightly different citrus flavor profile.
How to serve this cocktail
The Corpse Reviver isn’t your typical after-dinner drink. Traditionally, it’s served as a “hair of the dog” pick-me-up, perfect for those bleary-eyed mornings that require a touch of sophistication. Serve it in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass for an elegant presentation, and remember, a little goes a long way with this potent drink!
The Corpse Reviver is more than just a hangover cure (although some swear by its reviving powers). This iconic cocktail, with its darkly charming name and potent blend of flavors, is a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted drink. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!
Corpse Reviver Recipe
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- Strainer
Ingredients
- ½ tsp absinthe
- ¾ oz dry gin
- ¾ oz Lillet blanc
- ¾ oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice and shake until chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
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