Zombie Cocktail Recipe – A Strong, Tropical Tiki Drink

Zombie Recipe – The Zombie cocktail is one of the most iconic drinks in the world of tiki mixology—potent, fruity, and full of exotic flavors. Originally crafted in the 1930s by Donn Beach, the legendary founder of the tiki movement, this cocktail became famous not only for its unique ingredients but also for its intense strength.

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A Zombie is traditionally limited to one or two per person because of the bold mixture of multiple rums layered with fresh citrus, spices, and tropical fruit juices.

Recipe Details 

• Cuisines: Tiki, Polynesian, American

• Course: Drink / Cocktail

• Servings: 1 cocktail

• Calories: Approximately 300–380 calories per serving

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Active Time: 10 minutes

• Resting Time: 0 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Here are the traditional ingredients used to prepare one classic Zombie cocktail:

Alcohol

• 1 oz white rum

• 1 oz dark rum

• 1 oz golden rum

• 1/2 oz overproof rum (for float or optional flame)

Fruit & Juice

• 1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 oz pineapple juice

• 1 oz passion fruit syrup or puree

• 1/2 oz grapefruit juice

Sweeteners & Spices

• 1/2 oz grenadine

• 1/2 oz falernum

• 1 dash Angostura bitters

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon syrup (optional but recommended)

Other

• Crushed ice

• Ice cubes

Garnish

• Maraschino cherry

• Pineapple wedge

• Fresh mint sprig

• Orange slice (optional)

Equipment Needed

To make a professional-grade Zombie cocktail, you’ll need:

• Cocktail shaker

• Jigger (for measuring)

• Bar spoon

• Highball or tiki glass

• Strainer

• Ice crusher or mallet

• Straw

• Torch or lighter (if flaming the overproof rum – optional)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a perfect Zombie cocktail:

1. Prepare Your Glass

Fill a tall tiki mug or highball glass with crushed ice. This chills the glass and helps balance the cocktail’s strong rum flavors.

2. Mix the Base Ingredients

Add the following to a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes:

• White rum

• Dark rum

• Golden rum

• Lime juice

• Pineapple juice

• Passion fruit syrup

• Grapefruit juice

• Grenadine

• Falernum

• Bitters

• Cinnamon syrup (if using)

Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. The goal is to fully blend the ingredients while lightly diluting them for balance.

3. Pour and Build

Dump or strain the mixture into your chilled glass filled with crushed ice.
Top with additional crushed ice if needed to create a dome.

4. Add Overproof Rum

Slowly pour 1/2 oz of overproof rum over the back of a spoon so it floats on top.
This creates the classic “Zombie look” with a layered appearance.

5. Garnish

Enhance the tropical look with:

• Mint sprig

• Pineapple slice

• Maraschino cherry

• Orange round

Serve with a thick straw and enjoy immediately.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Values are approximate and vary based on brands and measurements.

Tips for Making the Perfect Zombie Cocktail

Use Quality Rums

Different rums offer different characteristics:

• Light rum = crisp and clean

• Dark rum = rich and molasses-forward

• Golden rum = smooth and aged

• Overproof rum = intensity and aroma

Fresh Ingredients Matter

Fresh lime juice, premium falernum, and real passion fruit elevate the drink dramatically.

Shake Hard

The Zombie contains many ingredients—shaking ensures perfect blending.

Don’t Skip the Spice

Falernum and cinnamon syrup are part of the authentic tiki experience.

Serving Suggestions

A Zombie pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled pineapple

• Coconut shrimp

• Hawaiian BBQ

• Tropical fruit platters

• Spicy jerk chicken

Final Thoughts

The Zombie cocktail is a masterpiece of tiki culture—powerful, fruity, complex, and incredibly fun to craft. From its layered rum base to its vibrant tropical elements, it’s a drink that brings a taste of the islands to any gathering. With quality ingredients, proper technique, and a little creativity, you can easily recreate this classic bar favorite at home.