Corpse Reviver #666 Cocktail Recipe

ByJohn

The Corpse Reviver #666 cocktail is a creative spin on the classic Corpse Reviver No. 2, a drink made famous in Harry Craddock’s “The Savoy Cocktail Book.” I’ve always been a sucker for new takes on old-school cocktails, and honestly, this one’s both bold and a little mysterious.

The recipe blends fresh citrus and herbal notes, but there’s something a bit enigmatic about it too. If you’re itching to shake up your usual drink order, this one definitely stands out.

Corpse Reviver #666 Cocktail Recipe

Corpse Reviver #666 Cocktail Recipe

When I make a Corpse Reviver #666, I like to keep things straightforward. Picking a good gin and chilling the glass really does make a difference.

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker: I always grab a sturdy shaker—it chills the drink and mixes everything up nicely.
  • Strainer: Fine mesh works best, keeps out those annoying ice shards and pulp.
  • Jigger or measuring cup: I measure every time, otherwise the flavors get out of whack.
  • Chilled coupe glass: The classic coupe helps keep it cold. I just pop it in the freezer for a bit.
  • Citrus juicer: A basic hand juicer is all I use to get the most juice.
  • Bar spoon: Mostly for stirring, though the shaking does most of the work.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz London dry gin (I’m partial to Tanqueray London Dry Gin, but honestly, any solid London dry will do)
  • 1 oz Lillet Blanc: This French aperitif brings in floral and citrus flavors.
  • 1 oz Cointreau: Adds that bright orange kick.
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice: Please, use fresh. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t cut it.
  • 1 dash absinthe: Go easy—just a dash, or you’ll regret it.
  • Ice: Enough to fill up your shaker and chill things down.

For garnish, I’ll use a lemon peel or a wheel, depending on what’s handy.

Instructions

  • Pour the gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, lemon juice, and absinthe into your shaker.
  • Add ice until the shaker feels good and heavy.
  • Shake hard for about 15 seconds, or until your hands are freezing and the shaker’s frosty.
  • Double strain into the chilled coupe glass to catch any pulp or stray ice.
  • Garnish with a thin lemon peel, giving it a twist over the drink to release those oils.

Sometimes I’ll run the peel around the rim first—just a little extra aroma.

Notes

Tanqueray London Dry Gin is my go-to for this, but feel free to use another classic London dry. I always keep my Lillet Blanc chilled; it just tastes fresher that way.

Absinthe is strong stuff, so don’t overdo it. A single dash is plenty, trust me.

Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. Bottled juice just dulls everything.

Chilling the coupe glass helps keep the drink cold longer. If you’re into a bolder citrus flavor, add a touch more lemon juice. This cocktail is at its best right after you make it—don’t let it sit around.

Corpse Reviver #666 Cocktail Recipe

Corpse Reviver #666 Cocktail Recipe
The Corpse Reviver #666 is a spooky twist on the classic Corpse Reviver No. 2, featuring gin, citrus, and a dash of absinthe for a bold and herbaceous kick. It’s a crisp, aromatic drink with a mysterious vibe—perfect for Halloween parties or cocktail hour with a twist.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1 Cocktail

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 oz London dry gin e.g., Tanqueray
  • 1 oz Lillet Blanc
  • 1 oz Cointreau
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1 dash absinthe
  • Ice for shaking
  • Garnish: Lemon peel or lemon wheel

Instructions

  • Add gin, Lillet Blanc, Cointreau, lemon juice, and absinthe to a cocktail shaker.
  • Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
  • Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon peel—twist it over the drink to release oils, and optionally run it around the rim.

Tasting Notes

The first sip of the Corpse Reviver #666 always surprises me. It’s crisp and bright, with a gentle herbal note from the gin and a sweet edge from the liqueur.

It isn’t overpowering, but there’s enough alcohol to remind you it’s a proper cocktail. The citrus wakes up my palate, and there’s a little bitterness that keeps things interesting.

What jumps out at me:

  • Fresh citrus
  • Light herbal flavors

There’s a mild sweetness, never cloying, and just enough bitterness to balance things out.

Some folks claim Corpse Revivers are “hangover cures,” but honestly, I just think it’s a refreshing pick-me-up any time. The smooth finish keeps me coming back for another sip.

If you’re into tasting for subtleties, you might notice:

  • Orange or lemon peel
  • Anise or licorice from the absinthe
  • Some soft floral hints

The aftertaste is clean—it doesn’t hang around. For me, it leaves a cool, crisp finish that kind of makes you want another round.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitute

Sometimes, I just can’t track down every ingredient for the Corpse Reviver #666. Here’s what I like to swap in when things go missing:





















Substitution Table

Original Ingredient Substitute Options
Kina Lillet Lillet Blanc, Cocchi Americano
Absinthe Pernod, Herbsaint
Cointreau Triple Sec
Gin Old Tom gin

Quick Tips













Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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