Zombie
Don the Beachcomber's legendary tiki bomb — three rums layered with lime, falernum, grapefruit, cinnamon and absinthe. Its high cumulative ABV and many components make precise batch math essential before service.
Ingredients
| Aged Jamaican rum | 1.5 oz |
| Gold Puerto Rican rum | 1.5 oz |
| 151-proof Demerara rum | 1 oz |
| Lime juice | 0.75 oz |
| Falernum | 0.5 oz |
| Grapefruit juice | 0.5 oz |
| Absinthe | 0.125 oz |
| Total volume | 5.88 oz |
Garnish: Mint sprig
Tip: change “Make” to scale the recipe, or switch units for the metric world.
How to make it
Shaken · Advanced · about 4 minutes
- 1
Add the aged jamaican rum, gold puerto rican rum, 151-proof demerara rum, lime juice, falernum, grapefruit juice and absinthe to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- 2
Shake hard for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker frosts over.
- 3
Strain into a hurricane glass over fresh ice.
- 4
Garnish with mint sprig.
Tools you'll need
Making a batch for a party?
Here's a pre-calculated batch of 12 with 27% dilution water built in. Scale to any number with the batch calculator →
| Ingredient | × 12 | Bottles |
|---|---|---|
| Aged Jamaican rum | 18.0 oz | 1 |
| Gold Puerto Rican rum | 18.0 oz | 1 |
| 151-proof Demerara rum | 12.0 oz | 1 |
| Lime juice | 9.0 oz | 1 |
| Falernum | 6.0 oz | 1 |
| Grapefruit juice | 6.0 oz | 1 |
| Absinthe | 1.5 oz | 1 |
BatchPour tools produce estimates for planning purposes only. Actual dilution, ABV, and ingredient yields vary by technique, ice temperature, and produce. Always taste and adjust. Drink responsibly.
If you like the Zombie, try…
Daiquiri
rumRum, lime, sugar — deceptively simple, endlessly satisfying.
Mojito
rumRum, mint, lime, and soda — refreshing and crowd-pleasing.
Dark 'n' Stormy
rumDark rum and ginger beer — a Caribbean classic with serious depth.
Piña Colada
rumRum, coconut cream, pineapple — tropical and party-ready.
Zombie FAQ
What's in a Zombie?
A classic Zombie is made with aged jamaican rum, gold puerto rican rum, 151-proof demerara rum, lime juice, falernum, grapefruit juice, absinthe. It's shaken and served in a hurricane glass.
What is the ABV of a Zombie?
A classic Zombie is approximately 35.5% ABV — about 3.48 US standard drinks per serving once you account for dilution.
Should I shake or stir a Zombie?
Shake it. Citrus and other non-spirit ingredients need the aeration and hard chill that shaking gives.
How do I batch Zombies for a party?
Scale every ingredient by your guest count, then add about 27% dilution water. The BatchPour batch calculator does the math for any number.