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Zombie
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.65 / 5

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The Zombie cocktail is a classic tiki drink that originated in the 1930s and has become a staple in tiki... ... more

The Zombie cocktail is a classic tiki drink that originated in the 1930s and has become a staple in tiki bars and cocktail menus around the world. This potent cocktail typically contains a mix of different rums, with the addition of tart citrus juice, sweet grenadine, and spices like falernum and aniseed liqueur.

The main players in this cocktail are the gold, Jamaican, and white rums, creating a complex and flavorful base. The lime juice adds a refreshing tang, while the grenadine provides a hint of sweetness.

The addition of bitters and aniseed liqueur add depth and spice to this tropical libation. Served in a tall glass with ice, the Zombie is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and boozy, making it a favorite among cocktail lovers.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die (Part 2)
Invented
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1934
Base ingredient
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White rum
Calories
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260 calories
Garnish
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Mint
Alcohol content
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30% | 4.8 units *
Details
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Classic

Tags

White rum ingredient icon
White rum cocktails
Aniseed liqueur ingredient icon
Top ten Aniseed liqueur cocktails
Falernum ingredient icon
Top ten Falernum cocktails
Gold rum ingredient icon
Top ten Gold rum cocktails

Highball glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Gold rum cocktail ingredient icon for the Zombie cocktail
Gold rum
Jamaican rum cocktail ingredient icon for the Zombie cocktail
Jamaican rum
White rum cocktail ingredient icon for the Zombie cocktail
White rum
Aniseed liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the Zombie cocktail
Aniseed liqueur
Lime juice cocktail ingredient icon for the Zombie cocktail
Lime juice
Grenadine cocktail ingredient icon for the Zombie cocktail
Grenadine
Falernum cocktail ingredient icon for the Zombie cocktail
Falernum
Angostura Bitters cocktail ingredient icon for the Zombie cocktail
Angostura Bitters
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Zombie cocktail, a beloved tiki treasure, dazzles with its hearty mix of rums—gold, Jamaican, and white—which form a robust and intoxicating backbone that's both complex and intriguing. The addition of lime juice cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing zest, while the understated sweetness from grenadine and the faintly aromatic spice from falernum and aniseed liqueur elevate the drink to a symphony of tropical flavors that's dangerously easy to sip.

Method
How to make a Zombie

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Gold rum 45ml, Jamaican rum 45ml, White rum 30ml, Aniseed liqueur 6 drops, Lime juice 20ml, Grenadine 1 teaspoon, Falernum 15ml, Angostura Bitters Dash
Add all the ingredients to a blender with ice and blend until smooth
Pour into a highball glass
Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve

Power tips
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Use freshly squeezed lime juice to bring out the natural tartness and balance the cocktail's sweetness.
Make your own grenadine using pomegranate juice and sugar for a more authentic and less syrupy sweetness.
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Zombie masterclass

Master the craft of the Zombie cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The History of the Zombie Cocktail

With Halloween fast approaching, this classic cocktail seems like an obvious choice for any spooky s...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Highball  Â·  Garnish  Â· 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the Zombie cocktail?

The Zombie cocktail was originally concocted by Donn Beach in the late 1930s at his Hollywood restaurant, Don the Beachcomber. It gained popularity after being showcased at the 1939 New York World's Fair. It's known for its potent combination of various rums and tropical ingredients, designed to give it a powerful kick.

Faq icon

Why is it called a Zombie?

The cocktail is named 'Zombie' because of the effect it supposedly had on patrons who drank it. According to cocktail lore, Donn Beach originally created the drink for a customer who was hungover and needed to attend a business meeting. The customer later returned, complaining that the drink had left him feeling like a zombie. The name stuck due to the cocktail's strong effects on those who consume it.

Non alcoholic variations icon

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Zombie?

Yes, a non-alcoholic version of the Zombie, often referred to as a 'Virgin Zombie,' can be made by substituting the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives. For example, you can use non-alcoholic rum flavoring or a blend of fruit juices in place of the rums, and omit any liqueurs. The key is to mimic the fruitiness and spiciness of the original cocktail.

Ingredient substitutions icon

What is falernum, and is there a substitute for it in the Zombie cocktail?

Falernum is a sweet syrup used in Caribbean and tropical drinks, containing flavors of almond, ginger, lime, and sometimes clove or allspice. It's a key ingredient in many tiki cocktails including the Zombie. If falernum is not available, a homemade syrup made from almond extract, ginger syrup, lime juice, and a touch of clove could serve as a substitute, capturing the essence of falernum's flavor profile.

Faq icon

Why do some Zombie cocktail recipes vary in ingredients and quantities?

The Zombie cocktail has many variations, primarily because Donn Beach was very secretive about his original recipe and often changed the ingredients to prevent others from copying it precisely. As a result, bartenders and enthusiasts have created their versions based on taste and interpretation of what a Zombie should be. This has led to diversity in the recipes available, with each offering a different experience of the classic cocktail.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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