Zombie
The Zombie cocktail is a potent and tropical libation with a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Created by legendary bartender Donn Beach, also known as Don the Beachcomber, this concoction became a signature drink at his tiki bars and is celebrated for its complex blend of rums and exotic flavors. The Zombie is notorious for its high alcohol content, earning its name from its supposed ability to "revive the dead."
Ingredients and Tools:
45 ml (1 1/2 oz) gold rum
45 ml (1 1/2 oz) dark rum
30 ml (1 oz) white rum
22.5 ml (3/4 oz) lime juice
22.5 ml (3/4 oz) falernum
15 ml (1/2 oz) grenadine
15 ml (1/2 oz) apricot brandy
1 dash of Angostura bitters
120 ml (4 oz) pineapple juice
Crushed ice
Cocktail shaker
Jigger
Tall glass
Straw
Preparation Steps:
Fill a tall glass with crushed ice.
In a cocktail shaker, combine the gold rum, dark rum, white rum, lime juice, falernum, grenadine, apricot brandy, and a dash of Angostura bitters.
Add pineapple juice to the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with a pineapple slice, cherry, or mint sprig if desired. Add a straw for sipping.
Flavor Profile:
The Zombie cocktail offers a harmonious blend of tropical flavors, with the richness of rum balanced by the tartness of lime juice and the sweetness of falernum, grenadine, and pineapple juice. It's a complex and refreshing drink that transports you to a sunny island paradise.
Mixoloco - Mixology Tips:
Choosing Rums: For an authentic Zombie cocktail, use a combination of gold, dark, and white rums to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Experiment with different rum brands and styles to find your preferred combination.
Fresh Lime Juice: When preparing the Zombie cocktail, always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice, as it may contain preservatives and lack the vibrant citrus notes of fresh juice. Squeezing fresh lime juice may require extra effort, but it makes a world of difference in the final cocktail.
Crushed Ice: The use of crushed ice in the Zombie cocktail not only chills the drink but also contributes to its tropical vibe. If you don't have a crushed ice maker, you can place ice cubes in a clean kitchen towel and crush them using a rolling pin or mallet.
Balancing Sweetness: Adjust the amount of grenadine and apricot brandy to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can increase the quantities of these ingredients, but be mindful not to overpower the other flavors.
