Zombie
A legend of the tiki world, the Zombie is a famously potent and complex cocktail created by Donn Beach. This recipe follows the original 1934 formula, a carefully balanced blend of three different rums, citrus, and exotic spices.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Gold Rum
- 1 ½ oz Dark Jamaican Rum
- 1 oz 151-proof Demerara Rum
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- ½ oz Falernum
- ½ oz Don's Mix*
- 1 bar spoon Grenadine
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- 1 dash Absinthe
- Garnish: Fresh Mint Sprig
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients to a blender with approximately 6 oz (¾ cup) of crushed ice.
- Flash Blend: Blend for no more than 5 seconds. The goal is to quickly combine and chill the ingredients, not to create a frozen slushy.
- Pour and Garnish: Pour the contents into a tall tiki mug or Collins glass. Add more crushed ice to fill the glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a large, fresh sprig of mint.
Pro Tips for Perfection
*Don's Mix: This is a key ingredient in many of Donn Beach's recipes. To make it, combine 2 parts fresh white grapefruit juice with 1 part cinnamon syrup. It adds a crucial layer of sweet spice that defines the Zombie's flavor profile.
Respect the Potency: The original Zombie was so strong that Donn Beach famously limited his customers to two per visit. With three different types of rum, including a high-proof float, this is a very potent drink that should be enjoyed responsibly.