Corpse Reviver No. 2


A citrus‚Äëforward, aromatic equal‚Äëparts classic with gin, lemon, and absinthe rinse.


Base spirit
Gin
Style
Sour
Glassware
Coupe

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a balanced equal‑parts cocktail combining gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and lemon juice with an absinthe‑rinsed glass. Shaken cold, it pours pale and bright with layered citrus and light anise on the nose. The drink appears in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, which warns to drink it before 11 a.m. and only occasionally. Modern versions favor Cocchi Americano to emulate early Lillet’s profile.


A chilled coupe of Corpse Reviver No. 2 with a faintly opalescent hue and a lemon twist.

Ingredients

Servings
  • 0.75 oz gin
  • 0.75 oz Cointreau
  • 0.75 oz Cocchi Americano
  • 0.75 oz lemon juice
  • Absinthe rinse
  • Lemon twist

Did you know?

The Savoy Cocktail Book provides the definitive recipe and its humorous caution, widely cited in historical commentary.

Source:Savoy Cocktail Book; PunchDrink archives

Bartender's Note

Do not overshake; maintain brightness.

How to make the Corpse Reviver No. 2

  1. 1Rinse a chilled coupe with absinthe.
  2. 2Shake all ingredients with ice.
  3. 3Strain into the glass.
  4. 4Garnish with a lemon twist.

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