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Zombie (1934)

A powerful multi‑rum tiki classic with citrus, spice, and intensity.

Base spirit
Rum
Style
Tiki
Glassware
Tiki mug
Technique
Shake

Don the Beachcomber’s 1934 Zombie blends three rums with citrus, grenadine, cinnamon, and secret syrups for a layered, high‑proof cocktail. Served over crushed ice, it shifts from sharp and aromatic to smooth as dilution sets in. Its balanced aggression made it the most famous early tiki drink.

A tall tiki mug Zombie packed with crushed ice, mint, and citrus garnish.

Ingredients

Servings
  • • 1 oz Jamaican rum
  • • 1 oz Puerto Rican rum
  • • 1 oz Demerara rum
  • • 0.75 oz lime
  • • 0.5 oz grapefruit
  • • 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
  • • 0.25 oz grenadine
  • • 2 dashes absinthe

Did you know?

“Beachbum Berry uncovered original Zombie specs after decades of secrecy, documenting how Donn Beach forced bartenders to mix from coded bottles.”

Source:Beachbum Berry; Smuggler’s Cove

Bartender's Note

Watch the proof—Zombie formulas were intentionally strong.

Missing a bottle? See smart swaps in Learn.

How to make the Zombie (1934)

  1. 1Add Jamaican rum, Puerto Rican rum, Demerara rum, lime, grapefruit, cinnamon syrup, grenadine, and absinthe to a shaker filled with ice
  2. 2Shake until well chilled
  3. 3Strain into a tiki mug over fresh ice
  4. 4Garnish with mint sprig and serve

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