Zombie Cocktail: Classic Tiki Recipe With Three Rums
The Zombie cocktail is a classic tiki drink that was originally concocted by Donn Beach in the late 1930s. Known for its potent blend of rums, tropical juices, and spices, it's a drink that's traditionally enjoyed leisurely. The legend has it that after consuming a Zombie, one might feel as if they’ve shuffled into the world of the living dead, hence its moniker. This cocktail is a feast for the senses, evoking a sense of tropical escapism with each sip.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Bar spoon
- Jigger (1 oz / 2 oz dual-sided)
- Lewis bag and mallet (for crushing ice)
- Tiki glass or hurricane glass (12-16 oz)
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz white rum 45ml, preferably a high-quality Caribbean rum
- 1.5 oz gold rum 45ml
- 1 oz dark rum 30ml
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice 15ml, about half a lime
- 0.5 oz falernum 15ml, a syrupy sweet liqueur with flavours of almond, ginger, and lime
- 1 tsp grenadine
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 0.5 oz overproof rum 15ml, for the float
- 1 slice orange for garnish
- 1 piece maraschino cherry for garnish
- 1 sprig mint for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the white rum, gold rum, dark rum, lime juice, falernum, grenadine, and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice.1.5 oz white rum, 1.5 oz gold rum, 1 oz dark rum, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz falernum, 1 tsp grenadine, 1 dash Angostura bitters
- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled and combined.
- Pour the mixture into a large tiki glass without straining, allowing the ice to flow into the glass.
- Float the overproof rum on top by slowly pouring it over the back of a bar spoon.0.5 oz overproof rum
- Garnish with the orange slice, maraschino cherry, and a sprig of mint. For extra aroma, clap the mint between your palms before placing it on the drink.1 slice orange, 1 piece maraschino cherry, 1 sprig mint
Notes
Storage: This cocktail does not store well once built — ice dilution and the overproof float degrade within minutes. Serve immediately.
Make-Ahead: Combine the white rum, gold rum, dark rum, lime juice, falernum, grenadine, and bitters in a sealed jar or pitcher and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake with fresh crushed ice and add the overproof float just before serving.
Substitution: If you cannot find falernum, substitute equal parts simple syrup and a few drops of almond extract with a squeeze of fresh lime — it won't be identical but will approximate the flavour profile.
Pro Tip: Pour the overproof rum float over the back of a bar spoon held just above the surface of the drink — this keeps the overproof layered on top, giving you a strong aroma hit on the first sip without making the entire drink overly boozy.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 29mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 54IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 0.1mg
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