Zombie Cocktail – A Tropical Triple-Rum Classic with a Killer Kick

Contents show

1 Helpful Tips

2 Conservation and Storage

3 Ingredients

3.1 For Garnish:

4 Instructions

4.1 1️⃣ Shake it Up

4.2 2️⃣ Serve it Cold

4.3 3️⃣ Garnish & Go Wild

5 Notes

6 Details

7 Equipment

8 Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

9 Substitutions and Variations

10 Storage Instructions

11 Frequently Asked Questions

12 Conclusion

13 Zombie Cocktail – A Tropical Triple-Rum Classic with a Killer Kick

13.1 Description

13.2 Ingredients

13.3 For Garnish:

13.4 Instructions

13.5 1️⃣ Shake it Up

13.6 2️⃣ Serve it Cold

13.7 3️⃣ Garnish & Go Wild

13.8 Notes

13.9 Did you make this recipe?

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Say aloha to the Zombie Cocktail—a bold, boozy tiki favorite with tropical vibes and a real punch. Made with three types of rum, fresh pineapple and lime juice, apricot brandy, and just the right touch of sweet and bitter, this cocktail is not for the faint of heart.

Whether you’re lounging in the backyard or throwing a full-on luau, the Zombie brings major vacation energy with every sip. Garnished with fruit and mint, it’s a drink that looks festive and hits hard—just the way a classic tiki cocktail should.

Helpful Tips

• Float the overproof rum on top for a firey finish—literally, if you’re feeling adventurous (and safe)!
• Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep your drink icy longer.
• Want a layered look? Add grenadine last to create a beautiful sunrise effect at the bottom of the glass.
• Add crushed ice instead of cubes for a tiki bar-style texture.

Conservation and Storage

• Best served fresh.
• You can pre-mix all ingredients (except ice and garnish) in a sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 oz light rum
• 1 oz dark rum
• 1 oz overproof rum
• 2 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz apricot brandy
• ½ oz grenadine
• ½ oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Ice cubes

For Garnish:

• Pineapple wedge
• Mint sprig
• Orange slice

Instructions

1️⃣ Shake it Up

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:

• All three rums
• Pineapple juice
• Lime juice
• Apricot brandy
• Grenadine
• Simple syrup
• Bitters

Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is frosty and the ingredients are perfectly chilled and combined.

2️⃣ Serve it Cold

Strain into a tall tiki glass or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Want a wild shot-style version? Pour into a large shot glass for a truly “killer” kick.

3️⃣ Garnish & Go Wild

Top with a pineapple wedge, a sprig of mint, and an orange slice.
Serve with a straw or tiki stirrer—and a tropical playlist in the background.

Notes

• Overproof rum adds the heat—use it wisely! Float it on top for dramatic effect, or mix it in for a consistent kick.
• Use fresh juices for the most vibrant flavor.
• Customize the sweetness by adjusting the grenadine and simple syrup to taste.

Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Shake Time: 20 seconds
Total Time: 6 minutes
Yield: 1 large cocktail
Category: Tiki / Rum Cocktail
Method: Shaken
Cuisine: Polynesian / Caribbean-Inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free
Keywords: zombie tiki drink, tropical rum cocktail, overproof rum drink, pineapple lime cocktail, strong tiki cocktail

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring tools
• Tiki or highball glass
• Strainer
• Ice

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: 290
Sugar: 19g
Carbs: 23g
Alcohol Content: ~25–30% ABV
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 8mg

Heads-up: This cocktail is strong. Drink responsibly and pace yourself.

Substitutions and Variations

• No apricot brandy? Use orange liqueur or peach schnapps for a fruit-forward twist.
• Swap pineapple juice for passion fruit juice for a true tiki-style variation.
• Make it a party punch by multiplying ingredients by 4–6 and serving in a pitcher or punch bowl.

Storage Instructions

• Pre-mix the base (minus ice) and refrigerate up to 1 day.
• Shake with fresh ice and garnish just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a Zombie cocktail?
Because it’s strong enough to turn you into one! The original version was designed to “knock you dead” (in a good way).

Can I make it less strong?
Absolutely—just reduce or skip the overproof rum and add more pineapple juice or soda water to lighten it up.

Is it sweet or sour?
It’s balanced! The sweetness from pineapple, grenadine, and simple syrup is tempered by the lime juice and bitters.

Conclusion

The Zombie Cocktail is a tiki legend for a reason—it’s bold, fruity, boozy, and totally fun to drink (and make!). With its vibrant flavors and layered rums, it’s the ultimate island escape in a glass. Perfect for tropical parties, summer nights, or whenever you need a break from the ordinary.

More Tiki-Inspired Drinks to Explore:

• Mai Tai Magic
• Blue Hawaiian Swirl

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