History & Heritage
“The Corpse Reviver No. 1 first appeared in Harry Craddock's 1930 *Savoy Cocktail Book*, designed as a morning-after "hair of the dog" remedy. Craddock noted it was "To be taken before 11 a.m., or whenever steam and energy are needed." While some credit Frank Meier of the Ritz Bar in Paris, Craddock's recipe established the classic 2:1:1 ratio of Cognac, Calvados, and sweet vermouth. This spirit-forward cocktail reflects the sophisticated pre-Prohibition era but was overshadowed by its more approachable gin-based sibling, the Corpse Reviver No. 2. The craft cocktail renaissance has renewed interest in this robust, complex classic.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or cocktail glass
Combine Cognac, Calvados, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice
Stir until well-chilled (approximately 20-30 seconds)
Strain into the chilled glass
Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and drop it in
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe or martini glass
Garnish
Express oils and drop in
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use V.S.O.P. Cognac for optimal depth and smoothness
Chill the glass thoroughly—temperature is crucial for this spirit-forward drink
Stir don't shake to maintain the silky texture
Quality ingredients are essential due to the drink's simplicity
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Corpse Reviver No. 1.
Equal Parts
1:1:1 ratio for a more balanced, less Cognac-forward profile.
Changes
Apple-Forward
Increased Calvados for more pronounced apple flavor.
Changes
With Bitters
Addition of orange bitters for extra complexity.
Changes
Armagnac Version
Substituting Armagnac for a more rustic, robust character.
Changes
American Apple Brandy
Using American apple brandy/applejack instead of Calvados.
Changes
Carpano Antica
Using Carpano Antica Formula for bold vanilla and spice notes.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Corpse Reviver No. 1
The original Savoy reviver—cognac, apple brandy, and sweet vermouth stirred into a rich, bracing pre‑prandial pick‑me‑up.
Bourbon Vieux Carré
A timeless New Orleans classic that beautifully encapsulates the city's multicultural heritage. This sophisticated cocktail masterfully blends American rye whiskey, French cognac and Bénédictine, Italian sweet vermouth, and Creole bitters for a harmonious and richly layered experience.
Vieux Carré
Walter Bergeron's New Orleans classic blends rye, cognac, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine with dual bitters for a silky, spirit-forward sipper.