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    Home » Classic Cocktails » Halloween Cocktails: The Corpse Reviver is Scary Good

    Published: Oct 9, 2020 · Modified: Feb 26, 2022 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Halloween Cocktails: The Corpse Reviver is Scary Good

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    As we descend into chilly autumn nights and prepare for trick or treating, don't be afraid to summon the 'spirits' for the Corpse Reviver cocktail. It's so good, it may just bring back the dead.

    Corpse Reviver cocktail in a cocktail glass with an orange twist on a purple background.
    Have no fear - the Corpse Reviver cocktail will stir up some Halloween fun

    The Original Corpse Reviver

    As with most of the cocktails I write about, calling anything an 'original' is a little tricky because many of these drinks were created in a time when record-keeping was a little lax. Bartenders just put things together and passed them along by word of mouth. After some casual research, I learned that there are several different Corpse Reviver cocktails. Not just variations, but completely different drinks with very different base spirits.

    This cocktail recipe is a Cognac-based version that began appearing in the late 1800's. It was said to offer a cure for the common hangover. This is a pretty strong drink itself, so use caution or you just may get the opposite result!

    A word about Calvados -- I love to read about history, and I came across my first mention of Calvados while reading about the Normandy region of France. Apparently, the farmers there grow very unique varieties of apples not found anywhere else. Calvados is said to be made from over 100 different varieties of these apples. You can taste the care that goes into creating this regional specialty. It's got far more depth than an ordinary apple brandy.

    It Takes Three High Quality Ingredients

    The list of ingredients is not long, but they are very high quality spirits:

    • Cognac
    • Calvados
    • Sweet Vermouth

    That's all it takes to make a fun Halloween cocktail!

    Tips for a Successful Corpse Reviver

    Even though this is a simple cocktail to mix up, there are a few key points to keep in mind:

    • You should use Cognac rather than brandy because it will give the cocktail a nuttier after taste.
    • Don't skimp on the Calvados. You may be tempted to use apple brandy, but using French Calvados compliments the Cognac with a pleasant sweetness.

    Whether you're ready to 'bring out your dead' or just have a treat on Halloween, the Corpse Reviver is just the ticket to fun.

    Close up of a Corpse Reviver cocktail.

    Halloween Cocktails: The Corpse Reviver is Scary Good

    Kevin Mayfield
    This Halloween themed cocktail is definitely a treat and not a trick!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 minutes mins
    Course Classic Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    Calories 142 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ounce Cognac
    • 1 ounce Calvados
    • ½ ounce Sweet Vermouth

    Instructions
     

    • Add two scoops of ice into a mixing glass.
    • Pour all of the ingredients into the glass and stir for 30 seconds to ensure ingredients chill.
    • Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
    • Add twist of orange peel to glass.

    Notes

    Use Calvados for a better tasting drink rather than an apple brandy
    Serve very chilled 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 142kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 1mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Calvados, Cognac, Corpse Reviver, Halloween Cocktail, Vermouth
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    About Kevin Mayfield

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      Nancy and Bentley

      Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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