Get ready to shake up some frightful fun with our step-by-step instructions on how to make an unforgettable Zombie Cocktail at home.

Are you ready to add some spooky fun to your next gathering? Look no further than the classic Zombie cocktail! This iconic drink has been a staple of tiki bars and Halloween parties for decades, with its origins dating back to the 1930s.

But what exactly makes this cocktail so special and why does it have such a devoted following? We (along with Robin of Double Trouble Bar) will delve into the history, ingredients, and variations of the Zombie cocktail, providing you with everything you need to know in order to unleash this undead delight at your next event.

So get ready for a taste sensation that is sure to bring any party back from the dead!

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Table of Contents

What is a Zombie Cocktail?

A Zombie cocktail is a highly potent and fruity mixed tropical drink that is known for its complex flavor profile and high alcohol content. There’s even a tall glass made just for this tiki classic, called a “Zombie glass“!

It typically includes a combination of various rums (light, dark, and high-proof), fruit juices (such as pineapple and lime), grenadine or other sweeteners, and sometimes apricot brandy or other liqueurs.

The Zombie cocktail is famously associated with Donn Beach, a legendary figure in the tiki bar culture, who is said to have created it in the 1930s or 1940s. And because of its name, its a favorite for Halloween cocktails.

Due to its strong alcoholic content, it’s named “Zombie” as it’s jokingly said to leave the drinker in a zombie-like state if consumed in excess. So it is definitely not for the faint of heart when it comes to a tolerance level!

Easy Zombie Cocktail Ingredients

If you like a good rum cocktail, then this drink is for you. There are several variations of the original zombie recipe. And you can’t go wrong with any of them.

But there are definitely certain ingredients that help make our recipe memorable! These are our tried and true zombie drink ingredients:

Gold rum — We used Puerto Rican gold rum.

Aged Jamaican rum

Overproof 151 dark rum

Fresh lime juice

Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice — You can play with the flavors by subbing other fruit juices like orange juice or pineapple juice.

Cinnamon syrup

Falernum liqueur — A sweetened lime and spice liqueur from the Caribbean.

Grenadine or pomegranate syrup — Adjust the amount syrup to your taste preference. Some like it sweeter, while others prefer a more balanced tartness.

Angostura bitters

Absinthe

Fresh mint sprig, cinnamon sticks and cherry — Optional for garnishing

How to Make a Zombie Mixed Drink

To make the classic version:

1 — In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add in all of the ingredients. Shake until chilled and well combined.

2 — Strain the mixture into a tall Zombie glass over ice.

3 — Optional: Garnish with cinnamon sticks, mint sprig, and a cherry.

For a blended zombie cocktail:

1 — In a blender with 6 ounces of crushed ice, add in all of the ingredients. Blend for 3-5 seconds or until you’ve achieved a slushy form.

2 — Pour the mixture into a Zombie glass filled with crushed ice. The crushed ice serves two purposes: it chills the cocktail quickly and adds a bit of dilution, which helps balance the flavors.

3 — Optional: Garnish with cinnamon sticks, mint sprig, and a cherry.

More Fun Rum Cocktails to Try

If you’re a Jeff Beachbum Berry fan, you’re probably familiar with a few other classic tiki drinks like our Shrunken Skull punch too! For more rum cocktails, check out a few of our favorites below —