Cocktail recipe

Zombie

A powerful tiki classic with layered rums, tropical fruit, lime, grenadine and bitters. Lush, fruity and famously strong.

Cocktail List 5 minutes Mocktail
About measurement options
Metric (ml)
Volumes are shown in millilitres or litres.
US (fl oz, cups and spoons)
Uses US fluid ounces, cups and spoons. 1 US fl oz ≈ 29.57 ml.
Imperial (UK and Canada)
The UK and Canada share the imperial fluid ounce. 1 imperial fl oz ≈ 28.41 ml. Small volumes are shown in ml.
Bar (parts and dashes)
On CocktailFun, 1 part = 30 ml. Dashes stay as dashes. Very small volumes may be shown in ml.
Zombie

Description

The Zombie is the tiki drink with a warning label. Built with multiple rums, tropical juices, citrus, grenadine and bitters, it was designed to taste lush and fruity while carrying much more strength than the glass lets on.

Created by Donn Beach in the 1930s, it helped define tiki culture: theatrical, generous, sweet-tart and slightly dangerous. A good Zombie should not be a random fruit punch. It needs rum depth, citrus bite, spice and enough fruit to make the whole thing feel like a tropical escape with serious engine power.

Ingredients

  • 40 ml Light Rum
  • 40 ml Dark rum
  • 20 ml Overproof Rum
  • 60 ml Pineapple juice
  • 30 ml lime juice
  • 20 ml Passion Fruit Puree
  • 10 ml Grenadine
  • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 1 mint sprig (for garnish)
  • 1 cherry (for garnish)
  • 1 wedge Pineapple Wedge (for garnish)

Equipment needed

Cocktail Shaker – Used to shake the main ingredients with ice. Bar Spoon – Used to float the overproof rum neatly.

Instructions

  1. Measure into a shaker: 40 ml Light Rum, 40 ml Dark rum, 60 ml Pineapple juice, 30 ml lime juice, 20 ml Passion Fruit Puree, 10 ml Grenadine, 2 dashes Angostura Bitters.
  2. Shake hard with ice, then strain into tall glasses filled with fresh ice. Leave room for the top layer.
  3. Float the following by pouring slowly over the back of a spoon held just above each drink: 20 ml Overproof Rum.
  4. Garnish each glass with mint, a cherry and a pineapple wedge.

Recommended glassware

Zombie Glass
Zombie Glass (Recommended)

A tall narrow glass designed for tropical and tiki drinks.

350–470 ml Tall and narrow with tiki-style presentation potential.

Best for: Zombie, Singapore Sling, tropical punches, tall tiki drinks.

Garnish: Ideal for mint bouquets, pineapple leaves, cherries, and straws.

Tiki Mug
Tiki Mug

A decorative vessel for tiki cocktails and theatrical rum serves.

Great for an immersive tiki serve.

300–500 ml Decorative mug or vessel, often ceramic.

Best for: Mai Tai variations, Zombie, Navy Grog, Scorpion, tropical rum drinks.

Garnish: Pairs well with mint bouquets, flaming garnishes, pineapple fronds, and over-the-top presentation.

Quick facts

5 minutes Medium Approx. 24% ABV 2.9 alcohol units 260 kcal Ice Mocktail
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