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Corpse Reviver #2 Cocktail Recipe & Guide

Corpse Reviver #2 Cocktail Recipe & Guide

Intermediate
15 minutes
4 Steps
8 Items

About This Project

To make a Corpse Reviver #2, first chill a cocktail shaker with ice. Then add 1 oz each of gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice, along with 1/2 oz of absinthe. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until chilled. Finally, strain the mix into a chilled coupe glass.

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Tools & Materials

Cocktail Shakers - Weighted

Cocktail Shakers - Weighted

Ice Maker for Clear Spheres

Ice Maker for Clear Spheres

Japanese-Style Jigger

Japanese-Style Jigger

Gin

Gin

Curacao

Curacao

Lemon

Lemon

Steps

Common Problems

Your Corpse Reviver #2 will taste flat and uninspired if you use bottled lemon juice.

Solution: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

Uneven ingredient ratios lead to a muddled, unpleasant cocktail.

Solution: Ensure accurate measurements for the best flavor balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need specific bar tools like a Japanese-Style Jigger or a weighted shaker to make a Corpse Reviver #2?

While a Japanese-Style Jigger and weighted shaker are recommended for precision and efficiency, a standard jigger or even kitchen measuring spoons/cups and any shaker with a tight seal will work for a beginner. The key is accurate measurement and vigorous shaking to chill the drink properly. A fine mesh strainer is essential to remove ice shards.

This cocktail is very beginner-friendly, rated as 'beginner' difficulty. The estimated time from gathering ingredients to sipping your finished drink is only 15 minutes. The main challenge is precise measurement, which gets easier with practice.

While the specific ingredients are crucial for the classic Corpse Reviver #2 profile, you can experiment with substitutions. A good quality dry white vermouth can replace Lillet Blanc, and another orange liqueur (like triple sec) can stand in for Cointreau, though the flavor will subtly change. For best results, stick to the original recipe as much as possible.

Common mistakes include incorrect ingredient ratios, especially with the potent absinthe and tart lemon juice, and not chilling the cocktail sufficiently. To avoid this, always measure precisely with a jigger and shake vigorously for at least 15-20 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients also makes a big difference.

The 1/2 oz of absinthe is a traditional measurement that provides the cocktail's distinct character. For beginners or those sensitive to absinthe's strong flavor, you can start with an absinthe rinse of the coupe glass instead of adding it directly to the shaker, or reduce it to a few dashes. Omitting it entirely will significantly alter the drink's classic profile.

The initial investment for all five spirits (gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, fresh lemon, absinthe) can range from $100-$200, depending on brand and bottle size. While this seems high, these bottles will yield many cocktails over time. Consider buying smaller bottles of Lillet Blanc or Absinthe if available, as they are used in smaller quantities.