Zombie Cocktail Recipe – The Zombie Cocktail is a legendary tiki drink that packs a tropical punch and a strong alcoholic kick. Created in the 1930s by Donn Beach, the founder of tiki culture, the Zombie was designed to be deceptively smooth yet potent. With a mix of light, dark, and overproof rum, citrus juices, and exotic syrups, this cocktail quickly became a favorite among tiki enthusiasts and remains a staple in tropical-themed bars.
What makes the Zombie Cocktail Recipe so unique is its intricate layering of flavors—from the sweetness of pineapple juice and grenadine to the warming spice of cinnamon syrup and the boldness of multiple rums. Despite its complexity, it can be recreated at home with the right ingredients and tools. Just be warned: this is not a one-and-done kind of drink—it’s best enjoyed slowly, responsibly, and with a tropical mindset.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 10 minutes
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Cuisine: Caribbean / American Tiki
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Course: Cocktail / Drink
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Servings: 1
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Calories: ~240 kcal
Equipment Needed
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger or shot measure
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Strainer
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Highball or tiki glass
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Bar spoon (optional)
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Ice
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Knife & cutting board (for garnish)
Ingredients
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1 oz light rum
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1 oz dark rum
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1 oz overproof rum (such as 151-proof rum, for float)
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½ oz apricot brandy or orange liqueur
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½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
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½ oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 oz pineapple juice
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½ oz grenadine
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½ oz cinnamon syrup or falernum
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2 dashes Angostura bitters
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Crushed ice
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Garnish: mint sprig, maraschino cherry, orange slice
Instructions
Step 1: Chill the Glass
Start by placing your tiki or highball glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while preparing your drink.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, add:
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Light rum
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Dark rum
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Apricot brandy
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Lime juice
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Lemon juice
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Pineapple juice
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Grenadine
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Cinnamon syrup
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Angostura bitters
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
Step 3: Prepare the Glass
Remove the glass from the freezer or discard the ice water. Fill it with fresh, crushed ice.
Step 4: Strain and Float
Strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass. Slowly pour the overproof rum on top as a float using the back of a spoon for that fiery tiki presentation.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry. Optionally, you can add a flaming lime shell (only if experienced and safe).
Enjoy your Zombie responsibly—it’s called “Zombie” for a reason!
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | ~240 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Alcohol Content | ~28% ABV |
| Sodium | 4mg |
Tips & Variations
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Spiced Rum: Swap dark rum for spiced rum to add a layer of warmth and complexity.
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Falernum: If cinnamon syrup is unavailable, use falernum—a Caribbean syrup made with almond, ginger, and lime—for a different tropical twist.
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More Citrus: Add a touch more lime juice if you prefer a tarter profile.
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Frozen Style: For a summer party vibe, blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen zombie slush.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Zombie cocktail with:
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A tropical fruit platter
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Grilled skewers or Hawaiian-style BBQ
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Island-themed appetizers like coconut shrimp or crab rangoon
The strong flavors of the Zombie pair best with food that’s rich or has contrasting acidity to balance the sweetness and booze.
Final Thoughts
The Zombie Cocktail Recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys tiki culture, tropical flavors, and rum-based drinks. With its complex layers of fruit, spice, and strong liquor, it’s an unforgettable experience in every sip. It’s the kind of drink that’s both a showstopper and a conversation starter.
Just remember: it’s incredibly strong. One is fun, two is bold—but any more and you might be walking like a real zombie.
