Updated: October 6, 2022 by Michael Kahn. Published: October 29, 2020.
The Corpse Reviver No. 2 cocktail is a variation of the original Corpse Reviver, featuring an added dash of absinthe. Some call it an effective hair of the dog or hangover cure, but one thing is for certain; This cocktail certainly will jolt you back to life with its strong astringent flavors.
If you’d like to level up your spooky yet sophisticated Halloween party this year, add A Wicked Thing and the Fright Night in the Grove to your cocktail repertoire!

Note: I first made and photographed this with an orange peel, but after ordering several from higher-end bars, I’ve decided a lemon peel garnish is preferred.
Rumors of the Corpse Reviver date back to the 1930s at the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London. Multiple recipes have evolved from the three original ingredients, including those adaptions by famous bartenders such as Harry Craddock, Trader Vic, and as published in Punch Magazine.
As for my personal rendition, you’ll want to make sure not to add more than a slight dash of absinthe. Add too much and the cocktail will soon be overpowered by licorice or anise.
“To be taken before 11AM, or whenever steam or energy is needed.”
Harry Craddock
Table of Contents
Ingredients used for this cocktail:
- London Dry Gin
- Lillet Blanc
- Cointreau
- Oregon Spirit Absinthe
- Meyer lemon
“Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.”
Savoy Cocktail Book
Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail
Equipment
- Martini glass
Ingredients
- 1 oz Gin London, juniper heavy style
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc Cocchi Americano alternative
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1 oz Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 dash Absinthe
- 1 Lemon peel For garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into cocktail shaker.
- Add crushed ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel.