Welcome to Savoy Revisited, where I'm making my way through Harry Craddock's 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book to find out which cocktails still deserve a place in a modern home bar... and which ones are best left in 1930.

The Original (1930) Corpse Reviver #2 Bright, citrusy, herbal, and remarkably balanced for a cocktail approaching its 100th birthday. "Four of these taken in swift succession will unrevive the corpse again." See the Original Savoy Recipe

My Version of the Recipe

Here's the same recipe translated into modern measurements. Craddock calls for "1/4 wineglass" of each ingredient. A "wineglass" is equivalent to two ounces. So you're looking at a half-ounce of each ingredient.

• 1/2 ounce freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc
• 1/2 ounce Cointreau
• 1/2 ounce dry gin
• Dash of absinthe

Add to a shaker with ice, shake well, pour into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an expressed orange twist.

What's Changed Since 1930?

Harry Craddock originally called for Kina Lillet, a quinine-laced aperitif wine that disappeared decades ago. Modern Lillet Blanc is lighter, fruitier, and a little sweeter, so today's drink isn't quite the same cocktail his guests would have enjoyed at The Savoy. Some bartenders swap in Cocchi Americano to bring back a bit of that lost bitterness.

I also stayed as faithful as possible to Craddock's original measurements. Rather than the oversized equal-parts recipes you'll often find today, I converted his "¼ wine glass" measurements into a more modest modern serving. It feels closer to the spirit of the original, and leaves you less tempted to test his famous warning that four in quick succession will "unrevive the corpse again."

As for the garnish, Craddock didn't specify one, but I added an expressed orange peel because it complements the Cointreau beautifully... and because I felt all fancy and shit.

Does it deserve the hype? Verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Would I make it again? Absolutely. Modern Home Bar? Definitely. Worth the hype? I think so. What do you think?

Cheers! Bob ​bourbony.co​ ​

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