Get ready to shake things up with these 20 delicious Corpse Reviver cocktail variations! Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, these creative twists on the classic will revive your spirits and impress your guests. From fruity infusions to herbal delights, there’s a perfect sip for every occasion. Let’s dive in and discover your new favorite cocktail!
Classic Corpse Reviver No. 2
Mix this legendary cocktail when you need a serious pick-me-up—it’s bold, citrusy, and absolutely iconic. Master the balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes for a drink that’s both refreshing and complex.
Ingredients
– 1 oz gin (use a London dry style for authenticity)
– 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec as a substitute)
– 1 oz Lillet Blanc (chill beforehand for best results)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice (squeeze it just before mixing)
– 1 dash absinthe (rinse the glass lightly—don’t overdo it)
– Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
– Lemon twist (for garnish, optional but recommended)
Instructions
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice and water; set it aside to frost while you prepare the drink.
2. Measure 1 oz gin, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz Lillet Blanc, and 1 oz fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Add a generous handful of ice cubes to the shaker, ensuring it’s about two-thirds full for proper dilution.
4. Securely fasten the shaker’s lid and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the outside feels frosty and cold.
5. Discard the ice and water from the chilled glass, then add 1 dash of absinthe, swirling it to coat the interior evenly before pouring out any excess.
6. Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass through a fine mesh strainer to catch ice chips and pulp.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist by expressing its oils over the drink and placing it on the rim for aroma.
Expect a silky, well-chilled texture with a bright citrus kick and subtle herbal undertones from the absinthe rinse. Serve it straight up in a elegant glass for a classic touch, or pair with salty snacks to contrast the tangy sweetness.
Corpse Reviver No. 1 with Brandy
Forget boring cocktails—this brandy-based Corpse Reviver No. 1 will jolt your taste buds with its bold, balanced kick. It’s the ultimate pick-me-up that’s shockingly easy to make at home. Get ready to shake up your happy hour routine!
Ingredients
– 2 oz brandy (use a VSOP for smoother flavor)
– 1 oz apple brandy (Calvados works great)
– 1 oz sweet vermouth (adjust for sweetness preference)
– 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters (or Angostura as substitute)
– Ice cubes (large cubes melt slower)
– Lemon twist (for garnish, optional but recommended)
Instructions
1. Fill a mixing glass or shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz brandy into the mixing glass.
3. Add 1 oz apple brandy to the mixing glass.
4. Measure and pour 1 oz sweet vermouth into the mixture.
5. Add 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters directly over the liquid.
6. Stir the mixture vigorously with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well-chilled.
7. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
8. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink by squeezing it gently.
9. Drop the lemon twist into the glass as garnish.
Just sip and savor the smooth, aromatic blend—it’s herbaceous with a hint of citrus that lingers. Perfect for serving alongside sharp cheeses or as a bold nightcap.
Herbal Infused Corpse Reviver
Unleash your inner mixologist with this herbal twist on a classic cocktail. Upgrade your happy hour with botanical vibes that’ll wake up your senses and impress your crew.
Ingredients
– 1 oz gin (London dry style works best)
– 1 oz Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano for extra bitterness)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon, squeeze right before using)
– 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau preferred, but triple sec works)
– 3-4 fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
– 1 sprig rosemary (fresh, not dried)
– Ice cubes (preferably large for shaking)
– 1 absinthe rinse (about ¼ tsp, or Herbsaint if unavailable)
Instructions
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice water; set aside.
2. Measure 1 oz gin into a cocktail shaker using a jigger for accuracy.
3. Add 1 oz Lillet Blanc to the shaker.
4. Squeeze 1 oz fresh lemon juice directly into the shaker to avoid oxidation.
5. Pour in 1 oz orange liqueur.
6. Gently muddle 3-4 mint leaves and 1 rosemary sprig in the shaker to release oils without tearing.
7. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with ice cubes.
8. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until frosty.
9. Discard the ice water from the chilled glass.
10. Rinse the glass with ¼ tsp absinthe, swirling to coat the interior; pour out excess.
11. Double-strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass using a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh sieve.
12. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig or lemon twist.
Yields a silky, herb-forward sip with bright citrus notes. Perfect for pairing with spicy appetizers or sipping solo as a bold nightcap.
Corpse Reviver with a Spritz of Absinthe
This cocktail hits different. Transform your happy hour with this herbal, citrusy sip that packs a punch.
Ingredients
– 1 oz gin (London dry style works best)
– 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec for a budget option)
– 1 oz Lillet Blanc (substitute with Cocchi Americano)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch)
– 1/4 oz absinthe (rinse only, so a little goes far)
– Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
– Lemon twist (for garnish, optional but recommended)
Instructions
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice and water; set aside for at least 5 minutes.
2. Pour 1/4 oz absinthe into the chilled glass, swirl to coat the interior completely, then discard excess absinthe.
3. Combine 1 oz gin, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz Lillet Blanc, and 1 oz fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the three-quarters mark for optimal dilution and chill.
5. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty and cold to the touch.
6. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass through a fine mesh strainer to remove ice chips and pulp.
7. Express a lemon twist over the drink by squeezing the peel to release oils, then drop it in as garnish.
Bright and bracing, this cocktail balances botanical gin with sharp citrus and a whisper of anise from the absinthe rinse. Serve it alongside salty snacks like olives or nuts to contrast the acidity, or enjoy it solo as a sophisticated aperitif.
Spicy Ginger Corpse Reviver Twist
Just when you thought corpse revivers couldn’t get better—this spicy ginger twist will jolt your taste buds awake. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and herbal complexity that’ll have you sipping all night. Get ready to shake things up with this modern classic.
Ingredients
– 2 oz gin (use a London dry style for crispness)
– 1 oz fresh lime juice (squeezed right before mixing)
– ¾ oz ginger syrup (homemade or store-bought, adjust for spice level)
– ½ oz Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano as a substitute)
– ¼ oz absinthe (rinse the glass, or skip for a milder version)
– Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
– Thin ginger slice (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice and water; set aside for at least 5 minutes to get it frosty cold.
2. Pour ¼ oz absinthe into the chilled glass, swirl to coat the interior thoroughly, and discard any excess liquid.
3. Combine 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice, ¾ oz ginger syrup, and ½ oz Lillet Blanc in a cocktail shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes until it’s about three-quarters full to ensure proper dilution and chilling.
5. Securely close the shaker and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside feels very cold to the touch.
6. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass through a fine mesh strainer to remove ice chips and pulp.
7. Garnish with a thin ginger slice placed on the rim or floated on top for an aromatic finish.
Bold and invigorating, this cocktail delivers a sharp ginger kick that mellows into herbal notes with a citrusy zing. Serve it alongside spicy snacks like wasabi peas or enjoy it as a standalone aperitif—its effervescent texture and layered flavors make every sip a revelation.
Citrus-Enhanced Corpse Reviver
Forget boring brunch drinks—this citrus-packed cocktail slaps harder than your alarm clock. Fresh, zesty, and totally Instagram-worthy, it’s the ultimate pick-me-up.
Ingredients
– 2 oz gin (use a London dry style for crispness)
– 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec for a budget swap)
– 1 oz Lillet Blanc (chill it for best results)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice (squeeze it yourself—no bottled stuff)
– 1 dash absinthe (rinse the glass for a hint, not overpowering)
– Ice cubes (plenty for shaking)
– Lemon twist (for garnish, make it pretty)
Instructions
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 5 minutes to get it frosty.
2. Add 1 dash of absinthe to the chilled glass, swirl to coat the interior, and discard any excess.
3. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes to the halfway point.
4. Pour 2 oz of gin into the shaker.
5. Add 1 oz of Cointreau to the shaker.
6. Measure and pour 1 oz of Lillet Blanc into the shaker.
7. Squeeze 1 oz of fresh lemon juice directly into the shaker—strain out seeds if needed.
8. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
9. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass, avoiding ice chunks.
10. Garnish with a lemon twist by twisting it over the drink to release oils, then place it on the rim.
Makes one vibrant, balanced sip with a silky texture and bold citrus kick. Serve it alongside brunch bites or as a happy hour star—it’s a mood-lifter in a glass.
Berry-Infused Corpse Reviver
Haven’t had a drink that wakes up your taste buds like this? Berry-Infused Corpse Reviver slaps with fresh vibes and a boozy kick. Mix it up in minutes for that perfect pick-me-up.
Ingredients
– 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen, thawed)
– 2 oz gin (use a quality London dry for best flavor)
– 1 oz Lillet Blanc (sub with Cocchi Americano if needed)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice (squeeze it yourself for brightness)
– 1 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec)
– 1 dash absinthe (rinse the glass for a hint of anise)
– Ice cubes (for shaking, use large cubes to prevent dilution)
– Lemon twist (for garnish, optional but fancy)
Instructions
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 1 cup mixed berries until crushed and juicy, about 30 seconds.
2. Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz Lillet Blanc, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1 oz orange liqueur to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the top, ensuring it’s about two-thirds full.
4. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Take a chilled coupe glass and add 1 dash absinthe, swirling to coat the interior before discarding any excess.
6. Strain the shaken mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the prepared glass to remove berry pulp.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist by twisting it over the drink to express oils, then placing it on the rim.
But this cocktail bursts with berry sweetness balanced by citrus zing, creating a smooth, refreshing sip. Serve it chilled in a fancy glass for brunch or as a bold evening treat—it’s a vibe that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Corpse Reviver with a Hint of Lavender
Ditch the boring drinks—this lavender twist on the classic Corpse Reviver will jolt your taste buds awake. It’s floral, citrusy, and dangerously smooth. Perfect for shaking up your cocktail game.
Ingredients
– 2 oz gin (use a London dry style for crispness)
– 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec for a budget option)
– 1 oz Lillet Blanc (vermouth works in a pinch)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice (squeeze it yourself for best flavor)
– 1/4 oz lavender syrup (store-bought or homemade)
– Ice cubes (for shaking)
– Lemon twist (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Chill a coupe glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside.
2. Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz Cointreau, 1 oz Lillet Blanc, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 oz lavender syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes.
4. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker feels frosty.
5. Discard the ice from the chilled coupe glass.
6. Strain the mixture into the glass using a fine mesh strainer to catch any ice chips.
7. Express a lemon twist over the drink by squeezing it to release oils, then drop it in as garnish.
8. Serve immediately.
Expect a silky texture with a bright citrus kick and subtle floral notes from the lavender. Serve it alongside salty snacks to balance the sweetness, or enjoy it solo for a sophisticated sip.
Corpse Reviver Varietal with Cranberry
Kickstart your evening with this vibrant twist on a classic cocktail. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. Bold flavors meet refreshing simplicity.
Ingredients
– 2 oz gin (London dry style preferred)
– 1 oz fresh cranberry juice (unsweetened, or adjust sweetness)
– 0.75 oz Cointreau (or any orange liqueur)
– 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice (strained, no pulp)
– 1 tsp simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
– Ice cubes (for shaking, use large cubes to prevent dilution)
– Fresh cranberries (for garnish, or use a lemon twist)
Instructions
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice and water; set aside for at least 5 minutes to frost.
2. Measure 2 oz gin, 1 oz cranberry juice, 0.75 oz Cointreau, and 0.75 oz lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Add 1 tsp simple syrup if desired for a sweeter profile.
4. Fill the shaker with a handful of ice cubes, ensuring they cover the liquid.
5. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
6. Discard the ice and water from the chilled glass.
7. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass using a Hawthorne strainer to catch ice chips.
8. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries skewered on a pick or a lemon twist for aroma.
9. Serve immediately while cold and effervescent.
Makes a tart, cranberry-forward sip with a smooth gin backbone and citrus zing. Ideal for pairing with spicy appetizers or enjoying as a standalone refresher. Try rimming the glass with sugar for an extra festive touch.
Tropical Fruit Corpse Reviver Blend
Zap your taste buds awake with this vibrant Tropical Fruit Corpse Reviver Blend! This frosty fusion combines tangy citrus and sweet tropical fruits for an instant refresh. Perfect for brunch or beating the afternoon slump.
Ingredients
– 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks (thaw slightly for easier blending)
– 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (bottled works in a pinch)
– 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime, adjust for tartness)
– 1 tbsp honey (or agave for vegan option)
– 1/2 cup coconut water (chilled for best results)
– 4-5 ice cubes (optional for extra thickness)
Instructions
1. Add 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks to blender.
2. Pour in 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks.
3. Measure and add 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice.
4. Squeeze in 2 tbsp lime juice directly from fruit.
5. Drizzle 1 tbsp honey into blender.
6. Pour 1/2 cup chilled coconut water over ingredients.
7. Add 4-5 ice cubes if desired for thicker consistency.
8. Secure blender lid tightly to prevent leaks.
9. Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth.
10. Stop blender and scrape down sides with spatula if needed.
11. Blend again for 15 seconds to ensure no fruit chunks remain.
12. Pour immediately into chilled glasses.
Yield: This silky blend bursts with bright citrus notes and creamy tropical sweetness. Serve in hollowed pineapples for a fun presentation or top with toasted coconut flakes for crunch.
Corpse Reviver with Coffee Liqueur
Tired of basic brunch cocktails? This Corpse Reviver with Coffee Liqueur jolts your senses awake. Think zesty, bitter, and caffeinated perfection in a glass.
Ingredients
– 2 oz gin (London dry style recommended for botanical notes)
– 1 oz coffee liqueur (like Kahlúa, or swap for espresso syrup)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is brighter)
– 1 oz Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano as a substitute)
– 1 dash absinthe (or pastis, adjust to your anise preference)
– Ice cubes (for shaking, use large cubes to minimize dilution)
– Lemon twist (for garnish, or use an orange peel for variation)
Instructions
1. Chill a coupe or martini glass by filling it with ice and water; set aside for at least 5 minutes to get it frosty cold.
2. Measure 2 oz gin, 1 oz coffee liqueur, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz Lillet Blanc, and 1 dash absinthe into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes to about three-quarters full, ensuring ingredients are well-covered for proper chilling.
4. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside feels very cold to the touch.
5. Discard the ice and water from the chilled glass, straining the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into the glass to remove ice chips.
6. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink by squeezing it skin-side down, then drop it into the glass as garnish.
7. Serve immediately while cold and effervescent from the shake.
Expect a silky, invigorating sip with bold coffee bitterness balanced by citrus sharpness. Try it alongside a dark chocolate dessert or as a brunch standout—it’s effortlessly cool and complex.
Spiced Apple Corpse Reviver
Muddle those autumn cravings with a cocktail that screams cozy season. This spiced apple twist on the classic Corpse Reviver brings warmth to every sip—perfect for crisp evenings or brunch with friends.
Ingredients
– 2 oz apple brandy (like Laird’s, or use Calvados for a French twist)
– 1 oz fresh lemon juice (strained, no pulp for smooth texture)
– 1 oz Cointreau (or triple sec for a budget option)
– 1 oz Lillet Blanc (sub with dry vermouth if needed)
– 2 dashes apple bitters (Fee Brothers works great, adjust for more spice)
– 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish, or use a pinch of ground cinnamon)
– Ice cubes (about 1 cup, for shaking and serving)
Instructions
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes to chill the ingredients evenly.
2. Pour 2 oz of apple brandy into the shaker for a robust base flavor.
3. Add 1 oz of fresh lemon juice to balance sweetness with acidity.
4. Measure and pour in 1 oz of Cointreau for citrusy orange notes.
5. Incorporate 1 oz of Lillet Blanc to add herbal complexity to the mix.
6. Drop in 2 dashes of apple bitters to enhance the spiced apple profile.
7. Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well-chilled and frothy.
8. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass to avoid dilution from ice.
9. Garnish with a cinnamon stick placed on the rim or floated in the drink for aromatic appeal.
10. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal temperature and effervescence.
Sip into a symphony of crisp apple and warm spices, with a silky texture that glides down smoothly. Try it alongside a cheese board or as a festive starter for dinner parties—it’s a fall favorite that revives any moment.
Conclusion
Here’s a delightful collection of Corpse Reviver twists to revive your spirits! We hope you’ll mix up your favorites, share which ones you love in the comments below, and pin this article to your Pinterest boards for your next cocktail hour. Cheers to delicious discoveries!
I’m Louise Cutler, a food lover who enjoys creating simple, flavorful recipes that anyone can make and share at home.
