The Corpse Reviver #2 is a bright, complex cocktail designed to do exactly what its name suggests: bring you back from the dead after a night of heavy drinking. This Prohibition-era "hair of the dog" remedy became a beloved classic in its own right.
The History: Medicine for the Morning After
The Corpse Reviver family of cocktails dates back to the late 1800s, when "morning cocktails" were commonly prescribed as hangover cures. The idea was simple: a well-balanced drink could settle your stomach, rehydrate you, and get you back on your feet after a rough night.
The Corpse Reviver #2—the most famous of the family—was popularized by Harry Craddock in his 1930 "Savoy Cocktail Book," published just as Prohibition was winding down. Craddock, an American bartender who fled to London during Prohibition, included the recipe with a warning: "Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again."
The drink became a staple in speakeasies and hotel bars during the 1920s and 1930s, where it was served as a brunch cocktail or a morning pick-me-up for those who'd overindulged the night before. Its bright, citrusy profile and hint of absinthe made it refreshing and revitalizing—perfect for shaking off a hangover.
After decades of obscurity, the Corpse Reviver #2 was rediscovered during the craft cocktail revival and is now a modern classic, enjoyed any time of day (not just for hangovers).
The Classic Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3/4 oz gin
- 3/4 oz Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano)
- 3/4 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash absinthe (or absinthe rinse)
- Lemon twist or brandied cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Rinse a chilled coupe glass with absinthe by pouring a small amount in, swirling it around, and discarding the excess. (Alternatively, add 1 dash of absinthe to the shaker.)
- Add gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into the absinthe-rinsed coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or brandied cherry.
Tips for the Perfect Corpse Reviver #2
Equal parts is key: Like the Last Word, this drink uses equal proportions of all four main ingredients (3/4 oz each) for perfect balance.
Use Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano: The original recipe called for Kina Lillet, which is no longer made. Lillet Blanc is the modern substitute, though Cocchi Americano is closer to the original flavor.
Don't skip the absinthe: Just a dash or rinse adds a subtle herbal complexity that makes this drink special. Too much will overpower it, so use a light hand.
Fresh lemon juice only: This is a citrus-forward drink. Bottled lemon juice will ruin the bright, refreshing character.
Shake it cold: This should be ice-cold and slightly frothy. A vigorous shake is essential.
A Drink That Brings You Back to Life
The Corpse Reviver #2 is proof that the best hangover cures are also just damn good cocktails. Whether you're recovering from a rough night or just looking for a bright, complex drink, this Prohibition-era classic delivers.
Just remember Craddock's warning: moderation is key. One or two will revive you. Four will put you back in the ground.
Cheers to second chances and the art of the comeback.
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