Feeling dead? A few sips of this Zombie Cocktail will zap you back to life.
One of the things I love most about living in Southern California is being surrounded by tiki culture. The clothes, music, iconography, and, of course, the cocktails all spark my imagination. A few sips of a strong, tropical libation and I’m dreaming of visiting the legendary Moai on Rapa Nui. I may never get to that remote part of the world, but one can dream. And a tiki drink helps.
Where I live in Los Angeles, one of the most famous tiki bars in the world is just right around the corner. Tiki Ti opened its doors in the City of Angels in 1961 by Ray Buhen. Since then it has become a legendary tiki bar, with an intimidating menu. I walk by there every day, and whenever they’re open, the line to get in winds around the block. Brightly colored aloha shirts and sarongs can be seen from space (on a good day) as patrons wait patiently for a sliver of space at the bar to enjoy some of the strongest cocktails in existence. Tiki Ti is amazing and extremely popular. Good luck getting in!
Despite living so close to this landmark, I’ve only been there once, primarily because my partner and I can’t beat the crowds. It isn’t just popular, it’s also very “cozy” inside. I’m not complaining, I’m actually quite proud to live so close to such a famous establishment. The menu consists of some of the most colorful, and potent tipples you’ll ever come across, with names like the Never-Say-Die, Vicious Virgin and Dr. Funk. One of them is the legendary Zombie cocktail.
Invented by Ernest Raymond Beaumont-Gantt, more famously known as Donn Beach of “Don the Beachcomber” fame, the Zombie is a cocktail capable of raising the dead… although they’re going to be extremely buzzed once they’re back in the land of the living. The story goes that in 1934, ol’ Donn had a severely hung-over customer come to him one morning, asking for a bit of the “hair of the dog” to get him through an important business meeting that day. The resulting concoction would eventually be named the Zombie, because the potency of the drink made Donn’s patron feel like the undead. Hopefully the meeting went well.
What is a Tiki Drink?
While there is a variety of colorfully named tiki-inspired cocktails, the simplest way to describe them would be strong, fruity, and usually filled with rum. Cherries and pineapple tend to be the garnish, and they’re traditionally served in tall, ornate glasses that often resemble ancient Polynesian idols. I have a few tiki cups myself, one of them being the Incredible Hulk. Even superheroes get in on the action.
What is the Best Alcohol to Use in a Zombie Cocktail?
If you’re unfamiliar with the world of tiki cocktails, be warned… there’s a lot of booze in them. The Zombie is no different. Our recipe calls for both light and dark rum, as well as triple sec and an optional addition of overproof rum. What is overproof rum? Well, simply put, it is a really, REALLY strong spirit. My personal favorite overproof brand is Jamaica’s own Wray & Nephew, which is a white rum. Throwing this into your Zombie as a float adds a punch that may or may not knock you flat.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce light rum
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1 ounce triple sec
- 1 1/2 ounces passionfruit juice
- 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/4 ounce grenadine
- 2 dashes bitters
- Optional: 1/2 ounce overproof rum
- Garnish: mint sprig
- Garnish: fruit slice
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the light rum, dark rum, triple sec, passionfruit juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- If using, carefully float the overproof rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and a slice of your favorite tropical fruit.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
If you don’t have any tiki glasses or cups handy, any tall glassware will do. Fill with ice and garnish with a slice of your favorite fruit and sprig of fresh mint.
If you need to, the Zombie Cocktail can be prepared and stored ahead of serving. Keep the mixed ingredients in an airtight container in your fridge, and shake individual servings over ice before you pour.
The Zombie is a very hefty beverage, weighing in at 298 calories. Don’t start a fight with this one. It’s so strong that many bars will limit customers to only two.
The cocktail has the familiar flavors of rum and fruit juices. An undead, shambling walking dead zombie usually tastes you.
Similar Drinks to the Zombie Cocktail
The Tiki Gods of Legendary Libations have bestowed upon us mere mortals the gift of giggle juice. Or in other words, if you like tiki drinks, Twist & Toast has some recipes for you to enjoy the next time you’re craving a fruity and boozy good time. Try some of these cocktails out at your next poolside soiree, then stick around for other imbibing inspirations.
- Blue Margarita – Catch some flavor waves with this brightly colored tiki classic.
- Coconut Mojito – Minty and creamy, the Coconut Mojito is guaranteed to cool you down on a hot day.
- My Thai – Inspired by the classic Mai Tai, this spicy drink is the perfect kick in the pants.
- Tia Mia – Mezcal and Jamaican rum create a smoky and crisp dance of robust flavors.
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