Corpse Reviver No 1 – Brandy
Corpse Reviver No 1 is from a family of cocktails, famous for their use as a hangover cure. The name applies that the drink is so good, it can wake a dead person if necessary. Most of the “Corpse Reviver” recipes got lost in time, and there are only a few left.
Corpse Reviver No 1 got its first recorded recipe in “The Savoy Cocktail Book” which was published in 1930. In that book, bartender and author Harry Craddock writes – “To be taken before 11 a.m., or whenever steam and energy are needed.” Drinking alcohol that early is not something you should do, but it seems fun. 😀
Around the early 20th century, Corpse Revivers lost their popularity and faded away. Most bars nowadays would probably have the No 2 (a gin-based member of the family), or a variation of it, but No 1 is very hard to find.
The “No 1” may not be as popular as the gin-based “No 2”, and cognac is definitely an odd choice for a morning drink, but the rich vibrant flavor of the dark spirits and vermouth is something worth trying. The drink is equal parts cognac and Calvados (apple brandy from Normandy, France), and that is where the richness comes from. If you can’t get your hands on Calvados, you can use any other brand of apple brandy. Just keep in mind, the flavor profile won’t be identical. Improvise with different brands and see which one suits you best.
Ingredients for Corpse Reviver No 1:
- 1 Ounce (30 ml) of cognac.
- 1 Ounce (30 ml) of Calvados.
- ½ Ounce (15 ml) of sweet vermouth.
Preparation:
- Add the ingredients (cognac, apple brandy, sweet vermouth) to the mixing glass.
- Fill with ice and stir until chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass.
- Enjoy.
