Corpse Reviver No. 2

This classic pre-Prohibition cocktail combines equal parts gin, orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, and fresh lemon juice with a delicate absinthe rinse. The result is crisp, citrusy, botanical, and gently herbal without tasting heavy or overly sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Equal measurements make it exceptionally easy to remember and scale.
• Fresh lemon provides a bright, tart counterpoint to the orange liqueur and fortified wine.
• A light absinthe rinse adds herbal aroma without overwhelming the drink.
• It delivers a polished, bar-quality cocktail in only 5 minutes.

Grocery List

• Produce: 1 medium lemon for fresh juice and a lemon twist
• Dairy: None required
• Pantry: London dry gin, Cointreau or another quality orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, absinthe, ice, and cold water

Full Ingredients

For the Cocktail

• 3/4 ounce (22 milliliters) London dry gin
• 3/4 ounce (22 milliliters) orange liqueur, preferably Cointreau
• 3/4 ounce (22 milliliters) Lillet Blanc
• 3/4 ounce (22 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained of seeds and pulp
• 1 cup ice, for shaking

For the Glass and Garnish

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) absinthe, for rinsing the glass; most will be discarded
• 1/2 cup ice, for chilling the glass
• 1/4 cup cold water, for chilling the glass
• 1 thin lemon twist, approximately 3 inches long, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill the serving glass

Place 1/2 cup ice in a 5- to 6-ounce coupe or Nick and Nora glass, then add 1/4 cup cold water. Let the glass chill for 2 minutes while you measure the cocktail ingredients. A properly chilled glass helps the finished drink remain close to its ideal serving temperature of approximately 40°F (4°C).

Step 2: Add the absinthe rinse

Discard the ice water and drain the glass completely. Add 1 teaspoon of absinthe, then slowly rotate and tilt the glass so the absinthe coats the entire interior. Pour out the excess. You want a thin, aromatic film rather than a full teaspoon of absinthe in the finished drink.

Step 3: Measure the cocktail

Pour 3/4 ounce each of gin, orange liqueur, Lillet Blanc, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a cocktail shaker. Measure carefully because the drink relies on equal proportions for its balance of citrus, sweetness, botanicals, and acidity.

Step 4: Shake until thoroughly chilled

Add 1 cup of fresh ice to the shaker. Seal the shaker and shake firmly for 12 seconds, or until the outside becomes frosty and the cocktail reaches approximately 40°F (4°C). Shaking both chills and slightly dilutes the strong ingredients, giving the cocktail a smooth, integrated texture.

Step 5: Double-strain the cocktail

Immediately strain the cocktail through the shaker strainer and a small fine-mesh strainer into the prepared coupe. Double-straining removes small ice chips and bits of lemon pulp, producing the clear, silky presentation associated with this classic drink.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Hold the lemon twist over the drink with the yellow side facing down, then gently bend it to release the fragrant citrus oils across the surface. Run the yellow side lightly around the rim and place the twist on the edge of the glass or float it on the cocktail. Serve immediately while very cold.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice can taste muted or harsh and will not provide the same clean citrus brightness.
• Choose a dry gin: A London dry gin with clear juniper and citrus notes stands up well to the orange liqueur and Lillet Blanc.
• Keep the absinthe restrained: Coat the glass and discard the excess. Leaving too much behind can overpower the other ingredients.
• Refrigerate the Lillet Blanc: Lillet is a wine-based aperitif and should be stored at approximately 40°F (4°C) after opening.
• Serve promptly: This cocktail is at its best immediately after shaking, before it warms and loses its crisp texture.

Variations

• More bitter and botanical: Replace the 3/4 ounce Lillet Blanc with 3/4 ounce Cocchi Americano for a sharper quinine character that recalls older formulations of aromatized wine.
• Rich orange variation: Substitute 3/4 ounce dry curaçao for the Cointreau to add deeper orange-peel and spice notes.
• Extra-delicate absinthe aroma: Instead of rinsing with 1 teaspoon, apply 2 light sprays of absinthe from a cocktail atomizer to the inside of the chilled glass.

Storage & Make-Ahead

A finished Corpse Reviver No. 2 should not be stored because its flavor and texture decline as it warms. For make-ahead preparation, combine the gin, orange liqueur, and Lillet Blanc in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) for up to 24 hours. Add the fresh lemon juice only when you are ready to shake and serve. Keep opened Lillet Blanc tightly sealed and refrigerated for 4 to 6 weeks. Prepare the absinthe rinse immediately before pouring the cocktail.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 171 kcal | Carbs: 10g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 8g | Sodium: 2mg | Cholesterol: 0mg