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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails » The Zombie Cocktail: A Tropical Vacation in a Glass!

    LAST UPDATED: February 3, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: June 20, 2019 By Toni Dash 36 Comments

    The Zombie Cocktail: A Tropical Vacation in a Glass!

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Zombie Cocktail title

    The Zombie cocktail is a party in a glass. Loads of fruit juices and rum put the ‘happy’ in Happy Hour with this classic cocktail.

    Zombie Cocktail title

    This post intended for those of alcohol-purchasing age only; please always drink responsibly!

    Fruity umbrella drinks are always the sign of a party. The Zombie Cocktail is no exception.

    This rum cocktail tastes like a lazy summer day on a tropical beach. 

    And so much more!

    Jump to:
    • What Is a Zombie Cocktail?
    • What Does the Zombie Cocktail Taste Like?
    • Cocktail Ingredients
    • What Type of Rum to Use
    • How to Make the Zombie Cocktail – Step by Step
    • More delicious Cocktail Recipes you’ll love
    • Recipe
    Zombie cocktail with pink cocktail umbrella and fruit garnish

    What Is a Zombie Cocktail?

    The Zombie Cocktail is an old-school cocktail with multiple fruit juices and types of rum.

    It’s tropical-tasting and strong!

    I picked up some apricot brandy for the recipe at my local liquor store. An older gentleman working there said ‘Zombies! Wow, I haven’t thought about those in a long time!’ 

    Good reason for that.

    History of the Zombie Cocktail

    Mixology buffs will know Donn Beach, famed bartender and owner of the Hollywood ‘Don the Beachcomber’ restaurant.

    He started the tiki cocktail frenzy that we still love today.

    If you had a Zombie Cocktail made by Donn Beach, you probably wouldn’t remember enough to talk about it afterwards.

    Originated in the 1930’s, Don referred to the cocktail as ‘the mender of broken dreams’.

    However Wikipedia says it’s alternative name is the ‘Skull Crusher’.

    The original version had well more than 4 ounces of liquor in one cocktail.

    Customers were limited to only 2 cocktails per visit! 

    two tropical zombie cocktails in stemmed glasses

    What Does the Zombie Cocktail Taste Like?

    My first impression of the cocktail was that is smells like a tropical vacation.

    It has the familiar rum flavor that mixes effortlessly with tropical fruit juices. 

    The Less Boozy version

    This version is lower in booze but still leaves this a ‘drink it at home and no driving afterwards’ cocktail.

    The mix of fruit juices and rum really give this a Mai Tai feel and flavor.

    Loads of crushed ice makes it very refreshing too.

    Cocktail Ingredients

    The Zombie cocktail has more ingredients than most cocktails, but the flavor combination is delicious!

    It’s not a lightweight drink, however. Load the Uber app on your phone before sipping!

    • Orange Juice
    • Pineapple Juice
    • Lime Juice
    • Bitters
    • Light Rum
    • Gold Rum
    • Dark Rum
    • Grenadine
    • Apricot Brandy
    The Zombie Cocktail with ice and cocktail umbrella

    What Type of Rum to Use

    The Zombie cocktail uses three types of rum: light, golden and dark. 

    The blend of all three give a wonderful flavor.

    Difference Between Types of Rum

    Light Rum. Also called white rum or silver rum is clear and not aged long. Its light flavor is perfect for baking or lighter rum cocktails like Mojitos.

    Gold Rum. Also called amber rum. Its aged in wooden casks giving it the golden color and a sweeter flavor.

    Dark Rum. The most aged rum also being stored in wooden casks. It’s color is deep gold and the flavor is sweeter than other rums. Dark rum is commonly found in tiki drinks.

    Can the Types of Rum be Substituted?

    Though the blend of rums gives the Zombie Cocktail its signature flavor, the type of rum can be substituted.

    My recommendation would be to use at least light and dark rum.

    If only using one rum, dark rum is my recommendation.

    How to Make the Zombie Cocktail – Step by Step

    For a detailed printable version of the recipe please refer to the recipe card at the end of the post.

    • Add all ingredients into a blender with crushed ice.
    • Blend at high speed until smooth.
    • Pour into two Collins tall glasses or large goblets. Add ice cubes to fill.
    • Garnish with pineapple, lime or orange wheels and maraschino cherries.
    Zombie cocktails with fruit garnish

    More delicious Cocktail Recipes you’ll love

    • The Beachcomber Cocktail {recipe} and other Beachy libations
    • Your New Favorite Rhubarb Vodka Sipper: Rhubarb Pie Cocktail (& Mocktail)
    • Firecracker Punch: A Fruity Fizzy Punch with a Bang!
    • Homemade Pineapple-Infused Rum

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and PINTEREST!

    Recipe

    Zombie cocktail with pink cocktail umbrella and fruit garnish

    The Zombie Cocktail Recipe

    This close relative of the Mai Tai cocktails is like a tropical vacation in a glass. Fruit juices and rum over loads of crushed ice make for a potent happy hour cocktail.
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktail
    Cuisine: American
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 2 cocktails
    Calories: 284kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces Orange Juice
    • 2 ounces Pineapple Juice
    • 1 ounce Lime Juice
    • 2 dashes Bitters
    • 2 ounces Light Rum
    • 2 ounces Gold Rum
    • 2 ounces Dark Rum
    • ½ ounce Grenadine
    • 1 ounce Apricot Brandy

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to a blender with 1 ½ cups crushed ice. Blend until smooth.
    • Pour into 2 14-ounce Collins glasses or large goblets and fill with crushed ice.
    • Garnish with a pineapple wedge, lime or orange wheel and maraschino cherries.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 93mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 21.3mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: February 9, 2017

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ashley Presciutti says

      June 21, 2019 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      Rum is my weakness! I have a new favorite drink!

      Reply
    2. Sue | the view from great island says

      June 21, 2019 at 11:01 am

      5 stars
      Toni you had me at “smells like a tropical vacation” ~ I’m all over it!!

      Reply
    3. Maayke says

      June 21, 2019 at 10:52 am

      Yum! I love cocktails with pineapple juice.

      Reply
    4. Chelsea says

      June 21, 2019 at 10:36 am

      5 stars
      These are sooo fun! We’re obsessed! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    5. Kristyn says

      June 21, 2019 at 9:50 am

      5 stars
      LOL..love the name!! Sounds refreshing!

      Reply
    6. lauren kelly says

      June 21, 2019 at 9:45 am

      5 stars
      This is the perfect summer cocktail! I need to double the recipe next time!

      Reply
    7. Sandi says

      June 21, 2019 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      Wow, I need to try this for happy hour!

      Reply
    8. Lyn says

      June 21, 2019 at 9:26 am

      5 stars
      What a fun drink recipe! This would be perfect now that the weather is hitting triple digits.

      Reply
    9. Kristen says

      June 21, 2019 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great drink! Love the combo of the three different rums. Dangerous, in the best way possible. 🙂

      Reply
    10. Jacque Hooper says

      June 21, 2019 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      What a cool and refreshing cocktail for summer! I will be enjoying this all season long!

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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