Let me tell you about the time I met my first Zombie. Not the walking dead kind – the dangerous, delicious cocktail that left me seeing double after just one glass. That’s the power of a proper Zombie cocktail recipe – it’s all tropical fruit and spice up front, with a rum punch that hits you like a shovel to the back of the head.
I’ve collected five lethal variations that each bring something special to the tiki apocalypse. From Donn Beach’s original 1934 recipe to modern twists, these drinks prove why the Zombie remains the most feared – and revered – cocktail in the rum world.
Fair warning: These aren’t your average beach drinks. They’re complex, boozy beasts that demand respect. But mix them right, and you’ll understand why we risk becoming the walking dead for just one more sip.
1. The Classic Donn Beach Zombie
The OG Zombie Cocktail Recipe That Started It All
What to Expect: This legendary cocktail, created by Donn Beach in the 1930s, is a boozy, citrusy masterpiece with layers of spice and sweetness. It’s strong, so sip with caution!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz dark rum
- 1 ½ oz gold rum
- 1 oz overproof rum (like 151-proof)
- ½ oz falernum (spiced syrup)
- ½ oz grenadine
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz grapefruit juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 tsp cinnamon syrup
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig & cherry for garnish
How to Make It:
- Fill a shaker with all ingredients (except overproof rum).
- Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
- Float the overproof rum on top.
- Garnish with mint and a cherry.
Taste & Look: Deep red with a frothy top, this Zombie cocktail recipe delivers a spicy, tangy, and sweet explosion with a fiery rum finish.
2. The Pineapple Zombie
A Tropical Twist on the Classic
What to Expect: If you love pineapple, this Zombie cocktail recipe is your new best friend—creamy, fruity, and dangerously smooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz coconut rum
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz orange juice
- ½ oz passion fruit syrup
- ½ oz grenadine
- Crushed ice
- Pineapple wedge & mint for garnish
How to Make It:
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake until chilled and strain into a tiki mug.
- Top with crushed ice and garnish with pineapple and mint.
Taste & Look: Bright golden-orange with a creamy texture, this drink is a tropical paradise—sweet, citrusy, and refreshing.
3. The Spiced Zombie
A Warm, Fiery Kick in Every Sip
What to Expect: This Zombie cocktail recipe turns up the heat with cinnamon and allspice for a bold, winter-ready tiki drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz aged rum
- 1 oz spiced rum
- ½ oz overproof rum
- ½ oz allspice dram
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz honey syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Crushed ice
- Cinnamon stick & lime wheel for garnish
How to Make It:
- Shake all ingredients (except overproof rum) with ice.
- Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Float the overproof rum on top.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and lime.
Taste & Look: Dark amber with warm spice notes, this Zombie cocktail recipe is rich, complex, and perfect for rum lovers.
4. The Frozen Zombie
A Slushy, Boozy Treat
What to Expect: Imagine a boozy tropical slushie—this Zombie cocktail recipe is icy, fruity, and perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- ½ oz apricot brandy
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz grenadine
- 1 cup crushed ice
- Maraschino cherry & orange slice for garnish
How to Make It:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
Taste & Look: Vibrant red-orange and frosty, this frozen Zombie cocktail is like a boozy tropical smoothie—sweet, tangy, and ultra-refreshing.
5. The Jet Pilot Zombie
A High-Octane Tiki Experience
What to Expect: A close cousin to the classic Zombie, this Zombie cocktail recipe is stronger, bolder, and perfect for rum enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz black rum
- 1 oz gold rum
- ¾ oz overproof rum
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz grapefruit juice
- ½ oz cinnamon syrup
- ½ oz falernum
- 1 dash absinthe
- Crushed ice
- Lime wheel & mint for garnish
How to Make It:
- Shake all ingredients (except overproof rum) with ice.
- Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.
- Float the overproof rum on top.
- Garnish with lime and mint.
Taste & Look: Dark and mysterious with a sharp citrus bite, this Zombie cocktail recipe is intense, aromatic, and unforgettable.
Conclusion
There you have it—five Zombie cocktail recipes that bring the tropics straight to your glass. Whether you prefer the classic, a frozen twist, or a spiced-up version, each of these drinks promises a flavorful (and potent) experience.
Which one will you mix up first? Just remember: Zombies are meant to be sipped, not chugged—unless you want to wake up feeling like the walking dead!
