Corpse Reviver No. 2

The Corpse Reviver No. 2 is a complex gin cocktail combining equal parts gin, lemon juice, lime juice, and Cointreau. It is traditionally finished with a dash of absinthe, which gives it a distinctive herbal aroma. This combination creates a balanced citrus sour that is both tart and refreshing.

The recipe first appeared in print in the 1930 edition of the Savoy Cocktail Book, authored by Harry Craddock. Craddock noted that "four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again," warning drinkers of its potency. It was originally intended as a hangover cure.

The cocktail delivers a complex, bright, and tart citrus sour profile primarily driven by the lemon and lime juices. The gin provides a botanical backbone, while the Cointreau adds a sweet orange note. The dash of absinthe rinses the glass to give the drink a distinctive, lingering anise aroma.

While absinthe is a crucial ingredient for the authentic Corpse Reviver No. 2 flavor, you can substitute it with Pastis or Herbsaint if absinthe is unavailable. Usually, the bartender just rinses the glass with a small pour of absinthe rather than shaking it into the drink. Omitting it entirely strips the cocktail of its signature botanical complexity.