Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail Recipe

It’s made with equal parts gin, Lillet Blanc, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice, plus a quick absinthe rinse to give it a little herbal kick. The result is bright, citrusy, and super refreshing.

The drink first showed up back in 1930, thanks to Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book. He even joked that having four in a row might knock you right back out.

After being forgotten for a while, the Corpse Reviver No. 2 made a comeback during the craft cocktail boom in the 2000s. Now it’s a go-to for bartenders and anyone who loves a well-balanced cocktail. We’ll show you how to make it at home, along with a few easy tips and fun ways to mix it up.

What's in a Corpse Reviver No. 2?

This one’s easy to remember. The Corpse Reviver No. 2 uses equal parts of everything, which makes it super simple to mix and well-balanced. Each ingredient plays a key role in giving the drink its bright, layered flavor.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Gin (3/4 oz)

We usually reach for a London Dry gin here. Its crisp, juniper-forward flavor gives the drink structure and keeps everything in check. Tanqueray and Beefeater are both great picks if you want that clean, classic taste.

If you’re after something smoother, Old Tom gin has a softer, slightly sweeter vibe. Feeling bold? Try blanco tequila for a fun twist that completely changes the game.

Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano (3/4 oz)

The original recipe used Kina Lillet, which isn’t around anymore. These days, we’ve got two solid options: Lillet Blanc and Cocchi Americano.

Lillet Blanc adds soft floral and honey notes. Cocchi leans more bitter and has a bit more punch, which makes it closer to what the original likely tasted like. We usually go with Cocchi. Dolin Blanc is a decent backup if that’s what you’ve got.

Orange Liqueur (3/4 oz)

Cointreau is our top pick. It’s smooth and dry with a bright orange flavor that balances the drink really well. Triple Sec works too if you want a cheaper option, though it’s a little sweeter.

If you like a richer drink, Grand Marnier adds a touch of cognac flavor. Just know it’ll shift the profile quite a bit. We stick with Cointreau for the classic version.

Fresh Lemon Juice (3/4 oz)

Fresh is a must. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t bring the same brightness or acidity. Squeeze it right before mixing. Those fresh citrus oils make a big difference in how the drink tastes.

Absinthe (just a rinse)

A little goes a long way. We use absinthe to lightly coat the inside of the glass. It adds a nice herbal aroma without taking over the drink.

If you don’t have absinthe, Pastis or Herbsaint will do the trick. The idea is to get that subtle hint of anise on the nose.

You might also like: Best Absinthe Cocktails to Try

What You’ll Need to Make It

Basic Tools

• Cocktail shaker (Boston or cobbler style)
• Hawthorne strainer
• Jigger (so we get those equal parts right)
• Chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass

Nice-to-Haves

• Fine mesh strainer if you want a smoother pour
• Atomizer for spraying absinthe evenly
• Peeler or zester if you’re adding a garnish

Since we’re working with equal parts, precision really matters. A jigger helps us keep everything balanced from the start.

If you’re looking to upgrade your home bar tools, we recommend checking out the MixMaster Pro Deluxe Stainless Steel Cocktail Set. It’s got all the essentials in one place and makes mixing way easier.

We like serving this cocktail in a coupe glass. It looks great, and the wide rim helps bring out the absinthe’s aroma with every sip.

How to Make a Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail

First things first, let’s pop our coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer. A chilled glass keeps the drink crisp and refreshing from the first sip to the last.

While the glass is cooling, it’s time for the absinthe rinse. Pour a small splash of absinthe into the glass, swirl it around to coat the inside, then pour out whatever’s left. We’re not drinking the absinthe itself. It’s just there to add a little extra aroma.

If you want a more precise way to do this, try using an atomizer to spray the absinthe. It helps you control the amount, wastes less, and gives a nice even layer.

Next, grab your cocktail shaker, fill it with ice, and add the ingredients:

• Gin
• Lillet Blanc
• Orange liqueur
• Fresh lemon juice

Give it a good shake for about 10 to 15 seconds. We want the mix to be ice-cold and well combined. Shaking also brings out the citrus and gives the drink a smoother texture.

Then, double strain it into your prepared glass. This catches any ice shards or pulp so the final drink is clean and smooth.

For garnish, twist an orange peel over the drink to release its oils. You can drop it into the glass or rub it along the rim. If you prefer lemon zest, that works too.

The absinthe rinse adds a subtle layer of herbal aroma without taking over the flavor. Each sip gives you just a hint of herbs and anise, balanced with bright citrus.

One last thing. Serve it right after straining. That way, you keep the temperature cold and the citrus tasting fresh.

You’ll find the exact amounts and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below.

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Corpse Reviver No. 2 Cocktail

Here are a few things we’ve learned that really help this cocktail hit the mark every time:

• Use fresh lemon juice
  It might sound small, but it makes a big difference. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the brightness or zing we want here. Freshly squeezed lemon brings the drink to life.
• Always chill your glass
  We like to toss our coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer while we prep the drink. A cold glass helps keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing longer.
• Taste as you go
  The equal-parts formula is a great starting point, but everyone’s taste is different. If it feels a little too sour, try adding just a splash of simple syrup to round it out.
• Go easy on the absinthe
  All you need is a quick rinse to coat the glass. It adds that nice herbal aroma without overpowering the citrus and botanicals.
• Shake it like you mean it
  Use plenty of ice and shake hard. That helps with both chilling and dilution. Then fine strain it to catch any ice shards or pulp so your drink stays smooth.
• Choose quality ingredients
  This cocktail is all about balance, so every ingredient matters. A good London Dry gin, fresh citrus, and a solid orange liqueur like Cointreau or Luxardo Triplum will take it up a notch.
• Add an orange twist
  A simple orange peel can elevate the whole experience. Give it a quick twist over the glass to release the oils, then drop it in. The scent adds a lovely layer to every sip.
• Try both Lillet Blanc and Cocchi Americano
  They each bring something different. Lillet is softer and a little sweeter. Cocchi has a more bitter edge and tastes closer to the original Kina Lillet from the 1930s. We like both, so it’s worth seeing which one you prefer.

With a few small tweaks and good ingredients, this cocktail really comes together. Give it a try and make it your own.

Corpse Reviver No. 2 Recipe Variations and Modern Twists

The classic recipe is a great foundation, but there are plenty of ways we can make it our own. Here are some fun variations to try:

• The Necromancer – A bold twist that bumps up the absinthe and adds elderflower liqueur for a more floral and herbal flavor.
• Mezcal Swap – Replaces gin with mezcal for a smoky version that pairs beautifully with Lillet Blanc.
• Aged Rum Version – Warms things up with rich, tropical notes by swapping in aged rum.
• Lime Juice – Swapping lemon for lime gives the drink a sharper, more vibrant edge.
• Grapefruit Juice – Adds a layer of bitter complexity for a fresh, modern twist.
• Muddled Raspberries – Creates a fruity, pink-hued version with a pop of color and flavor.
• Blackberry Liqueur – Replaces some of the Lillet Blanc for a deeper, berry-forward variation.
• Strawberry Syrup – Adds sweetness and visual appeal, especially when you want a softer, fruitier take.
• Corpse Reviver No. Blue – Uses blue curaçao instead of gin for a tropical flavor and bright, electric color.
• Corpse Reviver No. 1 – Made with cognac and apple brandy for a richer, darker cocktail.
• Corpse Reviver No. 3 – Features brandy and Italian vermouth for a smooth, spirit-forward variation.
• Corpse Reviver No. 4 – Combines rum and cherry brandy for a sweeter, fruitier finish.

Each one brings a different personality to the glass. Whether we’re keeping it classic or mixing it up with something seasonal, there’s always room to get creative.

More Classic Cocktails to Try

If you're into cocktails like the Corpse Reviver No. 2, you'll probably enjoy these other classics that offer the same kind of balance and charm:

• Death in the Afternoon
• Last Word
• Aviation
• Negroni
• Boulevardier
• French 75
• Southside

Frequently Asked Questions