Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Zombie Cocktail is a legendary tiki drink known for its bold mix of rums, tropical fruit juices, and a hint of spice. This potent cocktail was originally created in the 1930s and quickly became a favorite for its strong kick and layered flavors. With its exotic ingredients and vibrant presentation, the Zombie is perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for a tropical escape in a glass.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

light rumdark rumoverproof rumlime juicepineapple juicepapaya juicegrenadinefalernumangostura bitterscinnamon syrupcrushed icemint sprig (for garnish)maraschino cherry (optional)

directions

Fill a shaker with crushed ice.

Add light rum, dark rum, overproof rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, papaya juice, grenadine, falernum, a dash of Angostura bitters, and cinnamon syrup.

Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.

Strain into a tall tiki glass filled with fresh crushed ice.

Float a small amount of overproof rum on top for an extra kick.

Garnish with a mint sprig and a maraschino cherry if desired.

Serve immediately with a straw.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 cocktail.Preparation time: 5 minutesMixing time: 2 minutesTotal time: 7 minutes

Variations

Use orange juice instead of papaya juice for a more citrus-forward version.

Try adding a splash of passion fruit syrup for a tangy twist.

Make a frozen Zombie by blending all ingredients with ice until smooth.

For a lighter version, reduce the amount of overproof rum or skip the float.

storage/reheating

This cocktail is best made fresh and consumed immediately due to the ice and fresh juices.
Pre-mix the non-alcoholic ingredients ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

FAQs

What makes the Zombie Cocktail so strong?

The combination of multiple types of rum, especially overproof, gives it its notorious strength.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, substitute the rums with tropical juice blends and a splash of soda water.

What is falernum?

Falernum is a sweet syrup or liqueur with flavors of almond, lime, ginger, and spices, often used in tiki drinks.

Is this a traditional tiki drink?

Yes, it’s one of the most iconic tiki cocktails, popularized by Donn Beach in the 1930s.

Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Absolutely—multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher. Add ice just before serving.

Do I have to float the overproof rum?

No, but it adds a dramatic effect and extra depth if you’re going for authenticity.

What’s the best glass to use?

A tall tiki glass or hurricane glass works best.

Can I skip the cinnamon syrup?

Yes, but it adds a warm spice note that complements the tropical flavors.

Conclusion

The Zombie Cocktail is a vibrant, bold, and boozy tiki classic that brings excitement to any occasion. Whether you’re throwing a luau, celebrating summer, or simply in the mood for a strong tropical drink, the Zombie delivers on flavor, fun, and flair. Enjoy responsibly, and let this tiki treasure liven up your cocktail lineup.