Corpse Reviver No. 1

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Corpse Reviver No. 1 is lesser known than the more popular Corpse Reviver No. 2 but makes a fine after dinner sipper during the cooler months.

Unlike the Corpse Reviver No. 2 which is a gin-based cocktail with an absinthe rinse, a libation said to “wake the dead”, Corpse Reviver No. 1 is akin to a slow sipper, a spirituous cocktail to enjoy after dinner.

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The classic cocktail is the original in the Corpse Revivers and is featured in Harry Craddock’s The Savoy Cocktail Book in the 1930s with specific instructions as seen below the recipe:

1/4 Italian Vermouth.

1/4 Apple Brandy or Calvados.

1/2 Brandy.

Shake well and strain into cocktail glass.

To be taken before 11 a.m., or whenever steam and energy are needed.

The Ultimate Bar Book by Mittie Hellmich changes the specs into an equal parts cocktail:

1 ounce brandy

1 ounce applejack

1 ounce sweet vermouth

Stir the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Mr. Boston Official Bartender’s Guide favours more cognac to the mix, resulting in a drier drink, a little more suited to modern palates.

2 oz. cognac

1 oz. Calvados, apple brandy or applejack

1 oz. sweet vermouth

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

The recipe below is more in line with the Savoy specs and makes a fine late night sipper on cold nights.

Corpse Reviver No. 1 Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 45ml brandy or cognac
• 20ml Calvados or apple brandy
• 20ml sweet vermouth

Glassware: coupette
Garnish: orange coin

Method

In a mixing glass with ice, add the ingredients and stir to chill. Strain into a chilled coupette and garnish with an expressed orange coin.