Awakening the Dead: The Spirited History of the Corpse Reviver Cocktails

In the lexicon of classic cocktails, few names are as evocative or enigmatic as the Corpse Reviver. A series of concoctions designed as curatives for the bleary-eyed and hungover, these “hair of the dog” remedies are steeped in cocktail lore, promising to bring the drinker back from the dead. Among them, Corpse Reviver #1 and its siblings whisper tales of late 19th-century bartending ingenuity, medicinal mixology, and the golden age of cocktails. But why did Corpse Reviver #2 surpass its brethren in fame, and what stories do these elixirs hold? Read on as we delve into the history, mystery, and cultural tapestry of the Corpse Reviver cocktails.

The Genesis of Revival

The Corpse Reviver family’s roots are tangled in the history of mixology, with the earliest recipes appearing in cocktail books towards the end of the 19th century. These concoctions were part of a broader tradition of medicinal mixtures, often taken in the morning to cure the previous night’s excesses. They were devised as morning-after tonics and attempted to mitigate the fog of hangovers. While both Corpse Reviver #1 and #2 were first immortalized in Harry Craddock’s “The Savoy Cocktail Book” in 1930, they embarked on divergent paths of acclaim. The overall series of drinks includes several variations, each with its unique profile:

• Corpse Reviver #1: A potent blend of Cognac, Calvados, and sweet vermouth, this cocktail packs a punch, embodying the quintessential characteristics of a classic hangover cure.
• Corpse Reviver #2: Lighter and more citrusy, it combines gin, lemon juice, triple sec, Lillet Blanc, and a dash of absinthe, creating a balanced and refreshing antidote to the night before.
• Other Variants: While #1 and #2 are the most renowned, other versions like the Corpse Reviver #3 (a brandy and Fernet Branca mix) and Corpse Reviver #4 (also known as the Savoy Corpse Reviver, a gin, and Lillet concoction) play supporting roles in the saga.

Nightcap In Disguise

Corpse Reviver No. 1, blending Cognac, Calvados, and sweet vermouth, was perhaps doomed to obscurity from the start, overshadowed by the more accessible No. 2. However, No. 1 is often championed for its depth and complexity, likening it more to a Manhattan than a hangover cure. Its heavy spirit base, accented with a hint of apple from Calvados and herbal whispers from vermouth, situates it among classic cocktails like the Saratoga and Vieux Carré, rather than as a morning revival. The cocktail is a testament to the era’s penchant for Manhattan variations. As the short route between London and France flooded the London bar scene with French spirits.

Why #2 Reigns Supreme

Corpse Reviver #2’s ascension to the top of the cocktail menu is a tale of taste, timing, and the influence of one Harry Craddock. The American bartender, exiled by Prohibition, found his stage at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he penned “The Savoy Cocktail Book.” Within its pages, Craddock immortalized Corpse Reviver #2, endearing it to generations of cocktail enthusiasts. Its popularity is attributed to its palatable balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes—a refreshing contrast to the heavier, more spirit-forward #1. But be warned, the introduction to the original recipe reads, “Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again.”

Iconic Locations

The American Bar at the Savoy Hotel in London stands as the spiritual home of Corpse Reviver #2, a place where history permeates the air, and the walls whisper tales of the cocktail’s past glories. However, its influence has spread worldwide, with bars from New York to Tokyo and beyond offering their takes on this classic remedy.

The Morning After

The Corpse Reviver cocktails, traditionally consumed as “hair of the dog” remedies, intended to cure hangovers by reviving the drinker from the “dead.” The Corpse Revivers were particularly popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when cocktails were often prescribed for their medicinal properties. While the exact origins of the Corpse Reviver cocktails are somewhat murky, the drinks continue to be famous thanks to Corpse Reviver #2. So remember, if you do find yourself amongst the “undead” one morning, be sure to try this hangover cure.