Corpse Reviver

The story

The Corpse Reviver is a family of cocktails that dates back to the early 20th century, with the most famous version appearing in the 1930 book 'The Savoy Cocktail Book' by Harry Craddock. It was originally intended as a restorative drink, believed to revive the drinker after a night of excess. Its enduring popularity is due to its balanced flavors and refreshing qualities.

How it tastes

The Corpse Reviver offers a bright and zesty flavor profile, with the herbal notes of absinthe complementing the citrusy lemon and the sweetness of triple sec. It's typically served as a brunch cocktail or a pick-me-up, making it suitable for daytime gatherings.

Getting it right

The key to a well-made Corpse Reviver is proper shaking to ensure all ingredients are well combined and chilled. Using fresh lemon juice is crucial for achieving the right balance of acidity and brightness. Straining into a chilled glass enhances the drinking experience.

Variations

• Corpse Reviver #2 — This variation substitutes Lillet Blanc with Cocchi Americano and adds a dash of orange bitters, creating a slightly different flavor profile.
• Corpse Reviver #1 — This version uses brandy instead of gin and includes sweet vermouth, resulting in a richer, more robust drink.

Substitutions

• Lillet Blanc — Cocchi Americano or dry vermouth can be used as alternatives.
• Triple Sec — Cointreau or another orange liqueur works well in place of triple sec.

Questions

What is the best time to serve a Corpse Reviver?

The Corpse Reviver is best served during brunch or as a refreshing pick-me-up cocktail, particularly after a night of indulgence.

Can I make a Corpse Reviver without absinthe?

Yes, while absinthe adds a unique herbal note, you can omit it or substitute with another anise-flavored liqueur if desired.

Is the Corpse Reviver strong?

With an ABV of around 14%, the Corpse Reviver is moderately strong, making it suitable for casual sipping rather than heavy drinking.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026