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Savor the bewitching blend of exotic flavors in our Zombie Drink cocktail. This tantalizing elixir combines a symphony of tropical fruits such as passion fruit and pineapple, a mixture of rums, and a hint of mysterious allure. Unleash your taste buds and embark on a thrilling flavor adventure with every potent sip.
Donn Beach safeguarded his original cocktail recipes and bar inventory with highly classified codes, ensuring that only a select few were privy to the coveted knowledge. As the Zombie cocktail’s popularity surged, it inspired a multitude of imitations across various bars, resulting in a delightful array of interpretations, each brimming with its unique ingredients and flavors.
The majority of these renditions typically feature a blend of both light and dark rums, occasionally spiced up with the formidable 151-proof rum. While passion fruit remains a common ingredient, the Zombie’s repertoire extends to include an enticing medley of fruits such as grapefruit, orange, papaya, and pineapple, all taking turns in the spotlight.
Exploring the diverse versions of the Zombie is a thrilling adventure, as each one offers a distinct character and flavor profile. It’s well worth experimenting with various iterations to discover your personal favorite in this ever-evolving classic cocktail.
Why is it called a Zombie Drink?
The Zombie drink earns its enigmatic name due to its reputation for packing a punch so powerful that it might leave you feeling like the living dead! This iconic cocktail was crafted by the legendary Donn Beach, the founding father of tiki culture, in the 1930s.
It’s said that after a few sips of this potent concoction, its imbibers might start to shuffle like zombies, their movements slowed by the intoxicating blend of rums and exotic ingredients. So, sip carefully and enjoy the tropical mysteries of the Zombie!
Ingredients Needed
The traditional Zombie cocktail recipe showcases a unique blend of ingredients that can be challenging to source, such as Pernod, falernum, and the elusive Donn’s mix – a syrup infused with the tantalizing essence of grapefruit and cinnamon.
Given the rarity of these components and the significant variance in how different bartenders craft this beverage, I’ve crafted our unique rendition using more easily available substitutes. It’s worth noting that the Zombie cocktail boasts one of the lengthiest ingredient lists among popular cocktails, adding to its complexity and intrigue.
- White Rum
- Spiced Rum
- Dark Rum
- Lemon Juice
- Lime Juice (or you can use Sour Mix).
- Pineapple Juice
- Passion Fruit Syrup
- Orange Bitters
- Grenadine
How to Make a Zombie Drink
- Add the ingredients to a blender. In your cocktail shaker, combine the white rum, spiced rum, and dark rum with the citrus juices, pineapple juice, and Passion Fruit Syrup with the Grenadine Syrup. For an added punch, you can either include the high-proof 151-proof rum at this stage or keep it reserved for a dramatic finishing touch.
- Blend. With the ingredients in place, add a generous portion of ice to the blender and pulse the ingredients until the ice becomes crushed and the ingredients mixed. Pour the mixture into a highball glass, tikki glass, or glass of your choice.
- Optional. If you like, you can elevate your cocktail by gently pouring the high-proof rum over the back of a bar spoon, allowing it to gracefully float atop your drink. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Traditionally crushed ice is used. The choice of ice is often a topic of debate when it comes to crafting the Zombie cocktail. While crushed ice is the traditional preference, using ice cubes is also an acceptable alternative.
- Which glass to use? The Zombie cocktail is traditionally presented in a tall glass, often referred to as the “zombie glass,” which typically holds 12 ounces and resembles a highball or Collins glass. For those seeking a touch of tropical ambiance, consider serving it in an elegant hurricane glass to enhance the overall aesthetic and experience.
- Experiment with Syrups: While traditional Zombie recipes call for Passion Fruit Syrup and Grenadine, don’t hesitate to explore other syrups like falernum or cinnamon syrup for a unique twist.
- Mind the 151-Proof Rum: Be cautious when adding the high-proof rum, as it’s highly alcoholic and can significantly affect the potency of your cocktail. You can skip it if you prefer a milder drink.
FAQS
The alcohol content in a Zombie cocktail can vary depending on the recipe and the specific brands of alcohol used. However, a typical Zombie cocktail contains a substantial amount of alcohol. It often includes a combination of light rum, dark rum, and sometimes 151-proof rum, along with various liqueurs.
As a rough estimate, a standard Zombie cocktail can have an alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage ranging from 20% to 30% or even higher, depending on the proportions and types of spirits used. This makes it a relatively strong cocktail, so it’s important to enjoy it responsibly.
The terms “Zombie” and “Zombie Punch” are sometimes used interchangeably, but traditionally, they have distinct characteristics. The Zombie is a classic cocktail created by Donn Beach in the 1930s, known for its complex flavor profile with a mix of light rum, dark rum, and various ingredients like fruit juices and syrups. It’s typically served in a tall glass.
On the other hand, Zombie Punch is a larger batch version of the Zombie, prepared in a punch bowl for multiple servings at parties or gatherings. While they share similar ingredients, Zombie Punch recipes are adjusted to accommodate the larger quantity, making it a convenient choice for group celebrations.
The Zombie cocktail is credited to Donn Beach, also known as Don the Beachcomber, who is a legendary figure in the world of tiki cocktails and tiki culture. Donn Beach created the Zombie cocktail in the 1930s at his tiki bar in Hollywood, California. The cocktail gained immense popularity and became a signature drink at his establishment. Donn Beach’s original Zombie recipe was a closely guarded secret, and he reportedly went to great lengths to keep it confidential. Over the years, variations of the Zombie cocktail have emerged, but its origins can be traced back to Donn Beach.
Variations
There are numerous variations of the Zombie cocktail, as bartenders and enthusiasts have put their own spin on this classic tiki drink over the years. Here are a few common recipe variations:
- In the 1950 recipe as documented in Berry’s book, the primary sweetener comprises 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, which is thoughtfully dissolved within the lime juice before incorporating the rest of the ingredients. Although the recipe does not specify the need for straining, the shaking action inherently breaks down the ice. For optimal results, it is generally advised to strain the cocktail over fresh ice, ensuring a balanced and less diluted concoction.
- Dale DeGroff’s Zombie recipe, featured in “The Craft of the Cocktail,” stands as a favored choice among cocktail enthusiasts. Crafting this delightful concoction involves the harmonious marriage of 1 ounce each of light rum, dark rum, and orange curaçao, blended with 1 1/2 ounces each of either passion fruit purée or syrup and orange juice. To enhance its vibrant character, add 1/2 ounce each of freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices, along with a subtle 1/4 ounce of grenadine and a dash of aromatic bitters. Shake this enticing blend with ice, then elegantly strain it into a tall glass brimming with fresh ice.
- Why not explore Gary “Gaz” Regan’s rendition of the Zombie No. 2, as featured in “The Joy of Mixology,” a creation he attributes to the influence of Berry’s “Beachbum Berry’s Grog Log” (2003)? In this delightful concoction, meld together 1 ounce of dark rum, 1 1/2 ounces each of añejo and light rums, and complement them with a harmonious blend of 3/4 ounce each of applejack, papaya nectar, and pineapple juice. To elevate its refreshing allure, infuse the mix with 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup, then give it a vigorous shake over ice. Pour this tantalizing elixir into a tall glass filled with fresh ice, and gracefully crown it with a 1/2-ounce float of 151-proof rum.
More Cocktail Recipes
Zombie Drink Recipe
Equipment
- Blender can also use a cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1 ounce White Rum
- 1 ounce Spiced Rum
- 1 ounce Dark Rum
- 1 ounce Lemon Juice
- 1 ounce Lime Juice
- 1 ounce Pineapple Juice
- 1½ ounce Passion Fruit Syrup
- 3 dashes Orange Bitters
- 1/2 ounce Grenadine
- 1/2 ounce 151-Proof Rum optional
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a blender. In your cocktail shaker, combine the white rum, spiced rum, and dark rum with the citrus juices, pineapple juice, and Passion Fruit Syrup with the Grenadine Syrup. For an added punch, you can either include the high-proof 151-proof rum at this stage or keep it reserved for a dramatic finishing touch.
- Blend. With the ingredients in place, add a generous portion of ice to the blender and pulse the ingredients until the ice becomes crushed and the ingredients mixed. Pour the mixture into a highball glass, tikki glass, or glass of your choice.
- Optional. If you like, you can elevate your cocktail by gently pouring the high-proof rum over the back of a bar spoon, allowing it to gracefully float atop your drink. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Notes
- Traditionally crushed ice is used. The choice of ice is often a topic of debate when it comes to crafting the Zombie cocktail. While crushed ice is the traditional preference, using ice cubes is also an acceptable alternative.
- Which glass to use? The Zombie cocktail is traditionally presented in a tall glass, often referred to as the “zombie glass,” which typically holds 12 ounces and resembles a highball or Collins glass. For those seeking a touch of tropical ambiance, consider serving it in an elegant hurricane glass to enhance the overall aesthetic and experience.
- Experiment with Syrups: While traditional Zombie recipes call for Passion Fruit Syrup and Grenadine, don’t hesitate to explore other syrups like falernum or cinnamon syrup for a unique twist.
- Mind the 151-Proof Rum: Be cautious when adding the high-proof rum, as it’s highly alcoholic and can significantly affect the potency of your cocktail. You can skip it if you prefer a milder drink.
