Corpse Reviver No. 2

DifficultyBeginner

Wake up your palate with the Corpse Reviver No. 2, a crisp, citrus-forward classic cocktail made with gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and a touch of absinthe. Perfect for brunch, hangover remedies, or refined pre-dinner sipping.

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Yields1 Serving
Prep Time4 minsTotal Time4 mins
 ¾ oz London Dry gin
 ¾ oz Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano)
 ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
 A dash of absinthe (or rinse)
 Ice (for shaking)
 Garnish: Lemon twist (optional)
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  1. Rinse or dash a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass with absinthe. Swirl to coat, then discard the excess.

  2. Add gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice.

  3. Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.

  4. Double strain into the absinthe-rinsed glass.

  5. Garnish with a lemon twist if desired — or serve it clean and sharp.

Pairing Suggestions
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Its brightness and botanical profile make it a great match for briny, herbal, or citrusy dishes.

Tips & Notes
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  • This drink is equal parts — easy to remember, easy to scale.

  • Don’t overdo the absinthe — it should be a whisper, not a shout.

  • Use fresh lemon juice only; bottled won't do justice to the balance.

  • Keep all ingredients and your glass very cold for best clarity and structure.

  • While perfect for brunch, the name is no joke: “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.” – Harry Craddock, 1930.

Side Info
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The Corpse Reviver family of cocktails was designed as hangover cures in the early 20th century. The No. 2 variation, first printed in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, is the one that endured — a precise balance of citrus, herbal, and floral notes that makes it a favorite of modern bartenders.

Ingredients

 ¾ oz London Dry gin
 ¾ oz Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano)
 ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
 A dash of absinthe (or rinse)
 Ice (for shaking)
 Garnish: Lemon twist (optional)
Corpse Reviver No. 2