Zombie
A strong multi-rum tiki sour with citrus, falernum, grenadine, and absinthe.
The Zombie is a high-powered tiki drink built on more than one rum, sharpened with citrus, and seasoned with falernum, grenadine, and absinthe. Light and dark rums create depth, lime and grapefruit keep the drink from collapsing into sweetness, and the spice accents give it a medicinal aromatic edge. Served tall over crushed ice, it is intentionally potent. Donn Beach created the original at Don the Beachcomber in the 1930s.
Ingredients
- • 1 oz white rum
- • 1 oz gold rum
- • 1 oz dark rum
- • 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- • 0.75 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- • 0.5 oz falernum
- • 0.25 oz grenadine
- • 1 dash absinthe
- • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Did you know?
“Donn Beach created the Zombie at Don the Beachcomber in the 1930s; the original formula was closely guarded and later reconstructed by tiki historians.”
Bartender's Note
This is a modern serviceable build, not a claim to Donn Beach’s secret original. Limit to one serving; the drink is designed to be strong.
Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.
How to make the Zombie
- 1Add white rum, gold rum, dark rum, fresh lime juice, fresh grapefruit juice, falernum, grenadine, dash absinthe, and Angostura bitters to a shaker filled with ice
- 2Shake until well chilled
- 3Strain into a Highball glass over fresh ice
- 4Garnish with mint sprig and serve
