Corpse Reviver #2

Instructions

1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.

2. Discard the ice (if used). Add the dash of absinthe to the chilled glass, swirl it around to coat the inside, and discard any excess.

3. Combine the gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, and Lillet Blanc in a shaker.

4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.

5. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels very cold.

6. Double strain the mixture into the absinthe-rinsed coupe glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer.

7. Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass or place it on the rim as garnish.

Trivia

• What is a Corpse Reviver #2 cocktail?

  The Corpse Reviver #2 is a classic cocktail dating back to the pre-Prohibition era, famously documented in Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. It's known for its precise balance of gin, fresh lemon juice, Cointreau (orange liqueur), and Lillet Blanc (a French aperitif wine), with a final aromatic touch from an absinthe rinse. It's celebrated for its vibrant, citrus-forward taste profile.

• Why is it called Corpse Reviver?

  The name 'Corpse Reviver' refers to a category of cocktails historically consumed as 'hair of the dog' hangover cures, meant to 'revive the corpse' after a night of heavy drinking. The #2 designation distinguishes it from the earlier Corpse Reviver #1, which is a cognac-based drink. The name is mostly tongue-in-cheek, highlighting its potent and awakening qualities.

• What does a Corpse Reviver #2 taste like?

  The Corpse Reviver #2 offers a complex yet refreshing taste. It's predominantly citrusy and tart from the lemon juice and Cointreau, balanced by the botanical notes of the gin and the subtle sweetness and slight bitterness of Lillet Blanc. The absinthe rinse adds a faint anise or licorice aroma and herbal complexity that ties everything together without overpowering the drink.

• What's the difference between Corpse Reviver #1 and #2?

  The main difference lies in the base spirit and overall flavor profile. Corpse Reviver #1 is made with Cognac, Calvados (apple brandy), and sweet vermouth, resulting in a richer, darker, and sweeter drink. Corpse Reviver #2 uses Gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, and lemon juice, making it lighter, more tart, citrusy, and herbal, with the distinctive absinthe note.

• What type of gin is best for a Corpse Reviver #2?

  A classic London Dry Gin works exceptionally well in a Corpse Reviver #2. Its juniper-forward profile complements the citrus and herbal notes of the other ingredients. However, you can experiment with other gin styles; a slightly more floral or citrus-forward gin can also create a delightful variation. Avoid overly sweet or heavily flavored gins, which might disrupt the cocktail's delicate balance.

• Can I substitute Lillet Blanc in a Corpse Reviver #2?

  Lillet Blanc is quite unique, but if you can't find it, Cocchi Americano is often considered the closest substitute, offering a similar quinine bitterness and slightly richer profile. Dry vermouth (like Dolin Dry) can be used in a pinch, perhaps with a tiny bit of simple syrup to mimic Lillet's sweetness, but it will alter the authentic taste profile. Substituting changes the classic recipe, but can still result in a tasty drink.

• How crucial is the absinthe rinse in a Corpse Reviver #2?

  The absinthe rinse is crucial for the authentic Corpse Reviver #2 experience. It's not meant to be a dominant flavor but rather an aromatic element that adds depth and complexity. Rinsing the glass ensures just a subtle hint of anise and herbal notes complements the main ingredients. Skipping it or adding too much absinthe will significantly change the cocktail's intended character.