Zombie
A complex tiki classic with three rums, tropical juices and a hint of anise from absinthe.

Ingredients
- Gold rum45 ml
- Dark rum45 ml
- Overproof rum, floated on top22.5 ml
- Lime juice, freshly squeezed22.5 ml
- Pineapple juice, freshly pressed45 ml
- Falernum15 ml
- Grenadine15 ml
- Cinnamon syrup, or Don's Mix15 ml
- Aromatic bitters (Angostura)e.g. Angostura2 dashes
- Absinthe, for aroma (optional)6 drops
- Mint, to garnish (optional)1 sprig
- Cocktail cherry, to garnish (optional)1 whole
- Orange, to garnish (optional)1 slice
Method
- Fill a tall tiki or Collins glass with crushed ice so it chills while you prepare the drink.
- Pour the gold rum, dark rum and lime juice into a shaker.
- Add the pineapple juice, falernum, grenadine and cinnamon syrup (or Don's Mix).
- Add the Angostura bitters and, if you like, the absinthe for a light anise note.
- Fill the shaker with crushed ice, close it and shake hard for 15–20 seconds, until ice cold.
- Pour everything, unstrained, into the chilled glass over fresh crushed ice.
- Float the overproof rum on top by pouring it slowly over the back of a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint, a cocktail cherry and an orange slice.
Donn Beach (Don the Beachcomber)
About this drink
The Zombie was created by Donn Beach in Hollywood in 1934 and is seen as a cornerstone of tiki culture. Its complex blend of rum, spice and fruit was so potent that Donn Beach reputedly limited guests to two. Jeff 'Beachbum' Berry later decoded and preserved the original recipes.
Questions and answers
Why are there three kinds of rum in a Zombie?
Gold, dark and overproof rum each bring their own layer of sweetness, depth and strength. It is a classic tiki technique for building complexity that no single rum can deliver.
How strong is a Zombie?
Very strong: Donn Beach's original was notorious for its strength, and with three rums including an overproof, this version lives up to the name. Take it slowly.
Can I leave out the absinthe in a Zombie?
Yes. It is optional here and adds only a light background note of anise. The drink's essential rum and fruit character stays intact without it.





