Corpse Reviver No.1 – Classic Cocktail Recipes

How To Make A Corpse Reviver No.1

Corpse Reviver No.1


A Cocktail to Wake the Dead

Corpse Reviver No.1
Corpse Reviver No.1

The Corpse Reviver No.1 is one of a series of cocktails. Corpse revivers were made to ‘raise the dead’. In other words – they were a hangover cure. The name “Corpse Reviver No. 1” signals it as a pick-me-up or reviver for those who had overindulged.

This is a three ingredient equal parts cocktail. Calvados, Cognac and Sweet Vermouth are the main ingredients in this drink. It is less popular than the gin based Corpse Reviver No.2. Due in part, no doubt, to the relative popularity of the corresponding base spirit.

Corpse Reviver No.1 Ingredients

The Corpse Reviver No.1 is a three ingredient equal parts cocktail. This style of cocktail is both simple to make and delightfully complex in flavour. In this case, complex flavours of oak aged apple and grape brandy are balanced by the herbaceous botanical flavours of sweet vermouth.

Calvados

Calvados is an apple brandy from the Normandy region of France. It is made from cider distilled and aged in oak casks for a minimum of two years.

Cognac

Cognac is a type of French brandy. When a distiller makes Cognac they start wit is distilled twice. Most cognacs are not aged for more than four years in order to maintain the quality and flavour, but in some cases it may be aged for over 200 years

Sweet Vermouth

Vermouth is an aromatized wine, typically made from white wine, and flavored with various botanical ingredients, such as herbs, roots, and barks. 

Absinthe

Absinthe is an anise flavoured spirit made with botanicals and herbs. The main ingredient in absinthe is wormwood, which gives the drink its characteristic green color.

Classic Cocktail Recipes – Corpse Reviver No.1

First listed in Harry Craddock’s Savoy Cocktail Book in 1932, this classic was originally intended as morning-after, hair of the dog, pick me up. A little something to bring you back from the dead. This version is stronger and has more depth than it’s more popular gin based cousin, the Corpse Reviver No.2.

  • Glass: chilled coupe glass
  • 1 oz. VSOP Cognac
  • 1 oz. Calvados
  • 1 oz sweet vermouth
  • Garnish: cocktail cherry
  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add Cognac, Calvados and vermouth to the mixing glass and stir well.
  3. Strain into chilled coupe and garnish with cherry.

Calvados is a type of apple based brandy. Any apple brandy can be substituted.

Gin Martini
Gin Martini

Classic Cocktail Recipes

Learn more about the classic cocktails that form the structure of the drinks you know and love.

Corpse Reviver No.2
Corpse Reviver No.2

Corpse Reviver No.2

If you love the Corpse Reviver No.1 you owe it to yourself to check out the No.2. Click here to learn about the gin version.

Sidecar Cockail
Sidecar Cocktail

Sidecar

The Sidecar is another classic brandy cocktail that you should know. Click here to learn the recipe.