The History of the Zombie Cocktail

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With Halloween fast approaching, this classic cocktail seems like an obvious choice for any spooky shenanigans you may be planning! The Zombie is a somewhat complicated, yet tantalizingly delicious, blend of various ingredients including lime juice, gold rum, grenadine, Jamaican rum, white rum, falernum, Angostura bitters, and a touch of aniseed liqueur. The hangover after one-too-many of these is almost certain to make you feel like a zombie!

TL;DR

• The Zombie cocktail, created by Donn Beach in the 1930s, is famed for its potent effects.
• Beach guarded the original recipe with secrecy and frequent changes, leading to many variations.
• Modern interpretations add new ingredients while preserving the cocktail's bold flavors.
• Enjoy responsibly to avoid feeling like a real zombie the next morning!

Who Invented the Zombie?

The Zombie cocktail's name alludes to its potent effects. Indeed, its strength is no joke—bartenders at Don the Beachcomber, the renowned tiki bar chain, historically served no more than two of these potent libations per customer.

This legendary drink has been around since the 1930s, first crafted at the original Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood by its founder, Donn Beach. According to folklore, Donn concocted the drink for a customer suffering from a nasty hangover who had an important business meeting later that day. Aiming to revive his patron with a potent yet tasty blend, he masked the substantial alcohol content with a mix of fruit juices. The concoction, however, had an unintended effect: it made the customer feel even more like a zombie. His business meeting did not go as planned due to his inebriated state, thus giving birth to the now-iconic name.

Protecting the Zombie Secret

Donn Beach was notoriously secretive when it came to his cocktail recipes. Given the competitive nature of the burgeoning tiki bar scene, many establishments sought to replicate Beach's popular drinks. To guard his secrets, particularly his prized Zombie cocktail, Beach employed coded instructions even among his own bartenders.

On top of this, Beach frequently altered the recipe every few months, ensuring that competitors remained perpetually confused. As a result, the original recipe of the Zombie cocktail remains a tantalizing mystery, with many variations emerging over the years. Some versions include falernum, absinthe, and almond liqueur, while others play with different combinations of rum to tweak the flavor and potency. Each rendition offers a unique take on this classic tiki beverage.

Evolution and Modern Interpretations

Over the decades, the Zombie cocktail has evolved, adapting to the tastes and preferences of different eras. The mid-century tiki craze saw the drink become a staple at themed bars, while modern mixologists have revisited the classic, adding contemporary twists without losing its foundational spirit.

Ingredients like pineapple juice, papaya juice, and apricot brandy have been experimented with, each addition offering fresh layers of complexity to the drink. The essence of the Zombie lies in its bold flavors and its powerful punch, making it a perennial favorite for those seeking an adventurous imbibing experience.

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Zombie

Recipe card

4.65 / 5

Highball glass

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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 of alcohol ^*

Details

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Classic

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.

Ingredients

Lime juice

Gold rum

Grenadine

Jamaican rum

White rum

Falernum

Angostura Bitters

Aniseed liqueur

Method

How to make a Zombie

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes

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

Makers mode

View the full recipe

Enjoying the Zombie Responsibly

Regardless of the version you choose to make, one thing remains consistent: the Zombie is a potent cocktail that should be enjoyed responsibly. Garnish your drink with a variety of seasonal fruits to enhance its visual appeal and savor each sip. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the unique flavors and the historical richness of the cocktail without succumbing to its lethality.

We invite you to experiment with your own variations and share your unique takes on this iconic drink. Whether you stick to a more traditional recipe or venture out with modern twists, the Zombie cocktail is sure to provide a memorable experience. Just be sure to heed Donn Beach's original caution—too many of these might leave you feeling like the walking dead the next morning!

When mixing your Zombie, remember these key ingredients: lime juice, gold rum, grenadine, Jamaican rum, white rum, falernum, Angostura bitters, and a few drops of aniseed liqueur, among other variations. This delightful yet deadly combination is what makes the Zombie a timeless favorite. Drink slowly and enjoy—after all, part of the fun is the journey, not just the destination. Cheers!