CORPSE REVIVER

The Corpse Reviver family of named cocktails are sometimes drunk as alcoholic hangover “cures”, of potency or characteristics to tongue in cheek be able to revive even a dead person.

Some Corpse Reviver cocktail recipes have been lost to time, but several variations commonly thought of with ties to the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel remain, especially those espoused by Harry Craddock that originally date back to at least 1930 and are still being made.

Many “reviver” variations exist and the word is sometimes used as a generic moniker for any morning after cocktail.

The use of the words “corpse reviver” to describe a mixed drink appears in literature as early as an issue of Punch in 1861.

The first widely popularized Corpse Reviver cocktail is listed in The Savoy Cocktail Book. In bartender Craddock’s notes he says “To be taken before 11AM, or whenever steam or energy is needed”

Recipe for ‘Corpse Reviver’

• 6cl of Cognac
• 3cl of Calvados
• 3cl of Sweet Vermouth
• Garnish: Lemon Peel

Stir with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, add garnish and serve.