Get ready to shake up some frightful fun with our step-by-step instructions on how to make an unforgettable Zombie co*cktail at home.
Are you ready to add some spooky fun to your next gathering? Look no further than the classic Zombie co*cktail! This iconic drink has been a staple of tiki bars and Halloween parties for decades, with its origins dating back to the 1930s.
But what exactly makes this co*cktail so special and why does it have such a devoted following? We (along with Robin ofDouble Trouble Bar) will delve into the history, ingredients, and variations of the Zombie co*cktail, providing you with everything you need to know in order to unleash this undead delight at your next event.
Soget ready for a taste sensation that is sure to bring any party back from the dead!
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Table of Contents
What is a Zombie co*cktail?
A Zombie co*cktail is a highly potent and fruity mixed tropical drink that is known for its complex flavor profile and high alcohol content. There’s even a tall glass made just for this tiki classic, called a “Zombie glass“!
It typically includes a combination of various rums (light, dark, and high-proof), fruit juices (such as pineapple and lime), grenadine or other sweeteners, and sometimes apricot brandy or other liqueurs.
The Zombie co*cktail is famously associated with Donn Beach, a legendary figure in the tiki bar culture, who is said to have created it in the 1930s or 1940s. And because of its name, its a favorite for Halloween co*cktails.
Due to its strong alcoholic content, it’s named “Zombie” as it’s jokingly said to leave the drinker in a zombie-like state if consumed in excess. So it is definitely not for the faint of heart when it comes to a tolerance level!
Easy Zombie co*cktail Ingredients
If you like a good rum co*cktail, then this drink is for you. There are several variations of the originalzombie recipe. And you can’t go wrong with any of them.
But there are definitely certain ingredients that help make our recipe memorable! These are our tried and true zombie drink ingredients:
Gold rum — We used Puerto Rican gold rum.
Aged Jamaican rum
Overproof 151 dark rum
Fresh lime juice
Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice —You can play with the flavors by subbingother fruit juices like orange juice or pineapple juice.
Cinnamon syrup
Falernum liqueur — A sweetened lime and spice liqueur from the Caribbean.
Grenadine or pomegranate syrup — Adjust the amount syrup to your taste preference. Some like it sweeter, while others prefer a more balanced tartness.
Angostura bitters
Absinthe
Fresh mint sprig, cinnamon sticks and cherry — Optional for garnishing
How to Make a Zombie Mixed Drink
To make the classic version:
1 — In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, add in all of the ingredients. Shake until chilled and well combined.
2 — Strain the mixture into a tall Zombie glass over ice.
3 — Optional: Garnish with cinnamon sticks, mint sprig, and a cherry.
For a blended zombie co*cktail:
1 — In a blender with 6 ounces of crushed ice, add in all of the ingredients. Blend for 3-5 seconds or until you’ve achieved a slushy form.
2 — Pour the mixture into a Zombie glass filled with crushed ice. The crushed ice serves two purposes: it chills the co*cktail quickly and adds a bit of dilution, which helps balance the flavors.
3 — Optional: Garnish with cinnamon sticks, mint sprig, and a cherry.
More Fun Rum co*cktails to Try
If you’re a Jeff Beachbum Berry fan, you’re probably familiar with a few other classic tiki drinks like ourShrunken Skull punchtoo! For more rum co*cktails, check out a few of our favorites below —
- Blackberry Dark and Stormy
- Bahama Mama
- Jungle Juice
- Hunch Punch
Zombie co*cktail Recipe
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes
Get ready to shake up some frightful fun with our step-by-step instructions on how to make an unforgettable Zombie co*cktail at home
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine co*cktails
Equipment
Tall Zombie glass
Blender optional
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz gold rum
- 1 1/2 oz aged Jamaican rum
- 1 oz overproof 151 dark rum
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
- 1/4 oz cinnamon syrup
- 1/2 oz falernum liqueur
- 1/4 oz absinthe
- 1 tsp grenadine
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 mint sprig optional for garnishing
- 2 cinnamon sticks optional for garnishing
- 1 co*cktail cherry
Nutrition
Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg
Servings: 1
Calories: 396kcal
Instructions
To make a classic Zombie co*cktail over ice:
In a co*cktail shaker filled with ice, add in all of the ingredients. Shake until chilled and well combined.
Strain the mixtureinto a tall Zombie glass overice.
Optional: Garnish with cinnamon sticks, mint sprig, and a cherry
To make a Zombie co*cktail over blended ice:
In a blender with 6 ounces of crushed ice, add in all of the ingredients.Blend for 3-5 seconds or until you've achieved a slushy from.
Pour the mixture into a Zombie glass filled with crushed ice.
Optional: Garnish with cinnamon sticks, mint sprig, and a cherry.
KEYWORD: zombie co*cktail
Don’t forget to share your Zombie co*cktail with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more quick and delicious recipes? Find them all right here!
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