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Zombie

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Zombie
Alcoholic Cocktail Hurricane Glass 11 ingredients

Recipe

  • 1 1/2 oz Jamaican Rum
  • 1 1/2 oz Gold Rum
  • 1 oz 151-Proof Rum
  • 3/4 oz Lime Juice
  • 1/2 oz Donn's Mix (Recipe Below)
  • 1/2 oz Falernum
  • 1 tsp Grenadine
  • 4 Dashes Pernod
  • 1 Dash Angostura Bitters
  • Mint Sprig (Garnish)
  • Crushed Ice

Instructions

Add the Jamaica rum, gold rum, 151-proof rum, Pernod, lime juice, Donn’s mix, falernum, grenadine and bitters into a blender, then add 6 ounces of crushed ice. Blend at high speed for no more than 5 seconds. Pour the contents into a tall glass or Tiki mug and add additional crushed ice to fill, if necessary. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Donn's Mix: Bring 3 crushed cinnamon sticks, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a boil, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Simmer for two minutes, then remove from the heat and let sit for at least two hours before straining into a clean glass bottle. To finish the mix, add 1 part of the syrup to 2 parts fresh grapefruit juice. Cover and keep refrigerated for up to two weeks.

About Zombie

The Zombie cocktail is a potent and tropical concoction that embodies the spirit of Tiki culture. Known for its complex blend of rums and fruit juices, this drink is both refreshing and strong, often associated with exotic island vibes. The combination of light and dark rums, along with the fruity notes from pineapple, orange, and lime juices, creates a vibrant and layered flavor profile. The addition of apricot brandy and a touch of sugar adds depth and sweetness, making it a balanced yet intoxicating choice for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts.

The Zombie was created in the late 1930s by Donn Beach, the founder of the Tiki bar movement. He originally concocted it to help a hungover customer get through a business meeting, and the drink's strength reportedly left the customer feeling like a "zombie" for the rest of the day—hence the name. The cocktail quickly gained popularity and became a staple in Tiki bars, known for its elaborate presentation and powerful punch. Despite its potency, the Zombie remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its unique taste and its role in the history of tropical cocktails.

This cocktail is alcoholic, so drink responsibly! Best served in a Hurricane Glass, though any glass works!

Feel free to get creative with substitutions — try different fruit types, sugar substitutes, or liquor brands. Crafting cocktails should be fun!

Shopping List

This drink uses 9 core ingredients. Click any ingredient to find more drinks featuring it:

  1. Rum (Dark)
  2. Rum (Light)
  3. Rum
  4. Lime Juice
  5. Sugar
  6. Falernum Syrup
  7. Grenadine
  8. Absinthe or Anise Licorice Liqueur
  9. Bitters

Suggested Listening

A track pairing to sip along to.

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