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CLASSIC COCKTAIL · 1920–1933

Corpse Reviver No. 1

The original morning-after cocktail: cognac, apple brandy and sweet vermouth, stirred and strong.

1920sHistorical classicResearched
Abstract illustration of a Corpse Reviver No. 1: a V-shaped cocktail glass of deep amber drink
Bartender Stories illustration · Classic Cocktail Archive
HISTORY

The Corpse Reviver family is a set of pick-me-up cocktails dating to the mid-1800s; the first known recipe appears in the 1871 Gentleman’s Table Guide. The No. 1 is generally credited to Frank Meier, bar manager at the Ritz Bar in Paris in the 1920s and 1930s, though he made no claim to it in his 1936 book. The recipe used here is adapted from Harry Craddock’s 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.

THE RECIPERich, apple-led and spirit-forward

Ingredients

  • Cognac30 ml
  • Apple brandy30 ml
  • Sweet vermouth30 ml
  • Angostura bitters1 dash

Method

Stir the cognac, apple brandy, vermouth and bitters with ice until very cold. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve without garnish.

Cocktail glass · no ice · no garnish

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