Cocktail recipe

Zombie recipe.

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

Cocktail recipe 5 mins Mocktail option
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Zombie cocktail image
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. Add light rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, passion fruit puree, grenadine, and bitters to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
  3. Float the overproof rum on top.
  4. Garnish with mint, cherry, and pineapple.

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 mins Medium Approx. 24% ABV 2.9 units 260 kcal Ice Mocktail option
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