Our Guide to The Zombie Cocktail

Of all the Tiki Cocktails that originated from the west coast of America in the late 1930`s, the Zombie Cocktail rightfully takes its place alongside the many greats of the era, including the Mai-Tai, the Royal Hawaiian and the Painkiller. The Zombie cocktail is a potent, tropical cocktail, combining a host of fresh fruit juices with liqueurs and various rums. The drink was invented by the legendary Donn Beach who, alongside Trader Vic, was one of the pioneers of the Tiki-style movement which swept across America in the late 30`s. Legend goes that the name of the cocktail derived from the effect that it has on the drinker. The original recipe called for 7.5 ounces of alcohol, which is equivalent to guzzling 3 Martinis!

The popularity of the Zombie Cocktail spread quickly throughout Hollywood when it began to be served in Don the Beachcomber Restaurant, whose proprietor was indeed the creator of the drink  – Donn Beach (formerly Earnest Raymond Beaumont-Gannt). Donn Beach was universally regarded as an extremely gifted mixologist who created many Tiki cocktails that called for multiple brands of rum, crushed ice and obscure syrups. Donn was known for keeping the formula of his Tiki cocktails a closely guarded secret and he actually applied code to most of his recipes, such as the Zombie and the Navy Grog, which allowed him to keep an edge over his competitors who were constantly trying to reproduce his Tiki cocktails. Because drinks like the Zombie cocktail became incredibly popular, bars felt compelled to offer them, even though their recipes sometimes bore little resemblance to Dons original recipe.

To unlock the secrets of Donn`s original recipe, extensive research and investigation was required: enter Jeff “Beachbum” Berry. Beachbum Berry is a Californian native who describes himself as a “tropical drink evangelist” who has made it his mission in life to research and fly the flag for Tiki cocktails, in order that they are prepared exactly how their original recipes intended them to be. In his book “Beachbum Berrys Sippin Safari” Jerry reveals what he believes to be the original recipe for the Zombie Cocktail.

For more indepth info on Tiki Cocktails, check out the Beachbums blog at beachbumberry.com

Like the majority of Tiki cocktails, the massive quantities of alcohol in the Zombie Cocktail are hidden beneath a complicated mixture of sweet juices and a little spice. The drink has a rich tropical sweetness that would probably be overbearing if it wasn’t for the warmth of the the alcohol, a gentle spice from the dark and golden rum and a veritable fruits salad garnishing the drink, Even better, the Zombie Cocktail is usually topped off with a float of 151-proof rum which allows the more adventurous to light it up and serve a flaming Tiki concoction.

Below are the ingredients and directions to make your own Zombie Cocktail

Cocktail Ingredients

37 1/2 ml Gold Rum, 25 ml White Rum, 25 ml Dark Rum, splash of 151 proof Rum, 12 1/2 ml Apricot Brandy, 12 1/2 ml Simple Syrup, 37 1/2 ml Pineapple Juice, 25 ml Lime Juice, Mint sprig and Orange wedge

How to make a Zombie Cocktail

Mix all ingredients, other than the 151 rum, in a shaker with ice. Pour into glass and top with the high-proof rum. Garnish with mint sprig and orange wedge.