Zombie Cocktail Recipe – Rum, Citrus & Tropical Tiki Magic

Bold, fruity, and famously strong, the Zombie cocktail is a tiki legend that has been turning heads since the 1930s. Created by Donn Beach at his Don the Beachcomber bar, this drink layers light rum, dark rum, overproof rum, tropical fruit juices, and grenadine into a vibrant and complex cocktail. Served in a tall tiki glass with crushed ice and a dramatic garnish, the Zombie is as much a visual showstopper as it is a flavorful one. In this post, you’ll learn the authentic recipe, tips for balancing its sweetness and strength, and how to recreate the iconic New Orleans and tiki-bar vibe at home.

9/9/20251 min read

📖 Ingredients (1 serving):

1½ oz light rum
1½ oz dark rum
1 oz overproof rum (to float on top)
½ oz apricot brandy
½ oz grenadine
¾ oz fresh lime juice
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz papaya juice (optional, can sub with passion fruit juice)
1 dash Angostura bitters
Ice (crushed preferred)

🍍 Garnish:

Pineapple wedge
Mint sprig
Maraschino cherry
Optional: flaming lime shell for dramatic tiki presentation

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Tall tiki glass or hurricane glass
Bar spoon

🍹 Instructions:

Combine ingredients
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add the light rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, grenadine, lime juice, pineapple juice, papaya (or passion fruit) juice, and a dash of bitters.
Shake well
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain & serve
- Pour into a tall tiki glass filled with crushed ice.
Float the overproof rum
- Carefully pour 1 oz of overproof rum over the back of a spoon so it floats on top.
Garnish
- Decorate with a pineapple wedge, mint sprig, and cherry. For a showstopper, add a hollowed lime half on top, fill it with overproof rum, and (carefully) set it alight.

✨ Tips for the Perfect Zombie:

This is a strong cocktail—sip slowly and don’t overdo it.
Use fresh juices—they bring out the tropical brightness.
Adjust grenadine for sweetness depending on your preference.
To emphasize tiki flair, serve in a tall tiki mug with lots of crushed ice.

✅ Flavor Profile:

A complex balance of fruity, tart, sweet, and spiced flavors, with the depth of multiple rums layered into one glass. Tropical paradise with a kick!