Before we delve into Corpse Reviver No. 2, let’s go through Corpse Reviver No.1 very quickly.
The Savoy Cocktail Book recommends we drink Corpse Reviver No. 1 before 11am or whenever steam and energy are needed. Since it’s a super old reference book listing over 2000 cocktail recipes, and was published in the 1930s, what it says must hold some truth.
So, drink up, dear.
Pre-Prohibition
In 1920, the United States introduced Prohibition. It was a time when alcohol sales were prohibited, and only a few people could purchase liquor. However, things didn’t quite work out the way they were intended and there was a huge increase in illicit alcohol production and sales, mostly gin – because it was apparently very easy to make.
Ahem, we beg to differ. It took us 2 years to master some of our gin recipes here are the distillery.
Any who, with the spike in alcohol sales, cocktails became popular. Some of the classics like Sidecar, French 75, Gin Rickey, Hanky Panky have come from this era. The Corpse Reviver was birthed in this era as well.
When the booze was cheap and the hangovers were many, the Corpse Reviver was viewed as rousing the drinker from the dead. In other words, it was meant to cure hangovers, increase vigor and otherwise improve one’s morning.
However, it’s important to note, that if 4x Corpse Reviver No. 2 were to be taken in quick succession, you’re likely to un-revive the corpse again.
If ever a Corpse Reviver No. 3 gets created, I have one thing to say, beware!
Corpse Reviver No. 1 is a cognac-based cocktail that calls for two parts cognac, one part apple brandy, and one part vermouth.
Corpse Reviver No. 2
Its successor, the cocktail in question, Corpse Reviver No. 2 became more popular and widely drunk, mostly because of gin. It’s equal parts gin, triple sec, vermouth and lemon juice, and dash of Absinthe. I personally enjoyed the taste Last Garden Gin that enhances the cocktail with its floral notes.
If the recipe below is too dry, add one – two bar spoons of simple syrup 😉 – you’ll thank me later.