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    Home » Classic Cocktails » Easy Zombie Tiki Cocktail Recipe

    Published: Apr 2, 2021 · Modified: Feb 25, 2022 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Easy Zombie Tiki Cocktail Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    When you drink the famous Zombie tiki cocktail, you too will feel brain dead. But given the amount of rum this Tiki drink contains, it tastes surprisingly delicious!

    A Zombie Tiki cocktail in a clear tiki mug
    A frosty Zombie Tiki cocktail served in a clear Tiki-themed mug is delicious and fun to drink.

    The Zombie Tiki Cocktail is a Classic

    This tiki classic has a long history that is shrouded in codes and secrecy. It was originally created by Donn Beach, founder of the famous Don the Beachcomber tiki restaurants. He didn't want his cocktails copied, so he created an elaborate set of coded phrases and secret ingredient mixes that only he knew.

    Over the years there have been many attempts to crack the codes and recreate this classic recipe. Some are probably more successful than others. I'm not certain that my easy Zombie Tiki cocktail is perfectly accurate, but I like the way it tastes. And from what I've read, it's probably pretty close to the original!

    This drink is one I prefer to drink at home so that I have control over what actually goes into it. In a restaurant or bar it runs the risk of becoming a dumping ground for different syrups and cheap spirits that the bar makes a hefty markup on.

    Ingredients for a Zombie Tiki Cocktail

    Admittedly this tiki drink does have a long list of ingredients. So get ready to give your bar a workout!

    • Light rum
    • Dark rum
    • 151 overproof rum
    • Pernod
    • Fresh-squeezed lime juice
    • Falernum
    • Cinnamon simple syrup (use this recipe, but add two cinnamon sticks to the boiling water)
    • Grapefruit juice
    • Grendine
    • Angostura bitters
    • Yellow Chartreuse

    Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, lime and a cocktail cherry and you're all set.

    Bar tools needed

    • Bar spoon
    • knife
    • Jigger
    • Cutting board
    • Lemon/lime juicer

    How to serve it

    Make sure you have some fun with your Tiki drinks. So use a zany tiki glass to serve it in.

    There are plenty of vintage tiki glasses at thrift stores and even more at sites like Amazon. I actually feel more comfortable using newer glasses since it takes the worry out of breaking an old glass when the spirits are flowing on a wets slippery glass.

    Tips for a Successful Zombie

    Keep these pointers in mind to mix it like a pro:

    • Add the Chartreuse to the glass and swirl it around to coat the inside, then pour it out to give the drink a touch of licorice flavor.
    • Always use freshly squeezed fruit juices instead of bottles so that the drink will be less sweet and will mix better with the rums.
    • Don't skip some of the more obscure spirits, such as Falernum. I admit that I hadn't tried Falernum before, and even had to ask where to find it at the large liquor store where I shop. It was worth the effort. It's a wonderful, tropical tasting liqueur with flavors like spices and cloves.
    • Do get a bottle of strong, overproof rum for your collection. Overproof rum is 151 proof, whereas regular rum is 80 proof. The extra power really gives your tiki drinks a special boost of flavor.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What alcohol is in a Zombie Cocktail?

    What isn't? The base spirit for this drink is rum. It uses both light and dark as well as 151 proof rum.

    Who created the Zombie Cocktail?

    It is pretty generally accepted that Donn Beach invented this drink at his Hollywood Don the Beachcomber restaurant.

    If you're having a Tiki themed night, you need to try this baked coconut shrimp which can be served as an appetizer or main course.

    What is your go-to Tiki cocktail? Do you follow a different recipe? If so, drop me a line and let me know!

    Before you go, did you try this cocktail? Why not leave a comment in the Comments section along with a rating? I always appreciate hearing from you and getting your feedback.

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    A Zombie Tiki cocktail in a clear tiki mug.

    Easy Zombie Tiki Cocktail Recipe

    Kevin Mayfield
    This classic tiki cocktail packs a strong, but delicious, punch!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Classic Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    Calories 336 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ½ ounces light rum
    • 1 ½ ounces dark rum or gold rum
    • 1 ounce overproof rum
    • 1 teaspoon grenadine
    • ½ teaspoon Pernod
    • ½ ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
    • ½ ounce Falernum
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon simple syrup
    • Dash of grapefruit juice
    • Dash of Angostura bitters
    • Dash of Yellow Chartreuse swirled in the tiki glass then discarded
    • Garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Place a small scoop of ice cubes in your blender
    • Pour in the liquid ingredients and pulse a few times in the blender -- just enough to mix it up and crush the ice a little
    • Pour into a tiki glass (add a little more ice if you prefer)
    • Add the garnish of grapefruit wedge, bar cherry, lime slice and mint 

    Notes

    Supposedly Donn Beach added something he called Donn's Mix. I'm not entirely sure what that is, but a bartender friend of mine told me it is a simple syrup made with cinnamon sticks and a dash or two of grapefruit juice mixed in.
    You don't have to blend this drink, it is perfectly fine to use a cocktail shaker instead.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 336kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 13mgPotassium: 32mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword 151 rum cocktails, falernum, overproof rum, rum drinks, Tiki cocktails, tiki drinks, tropical drinks
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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