The Zombie cocktail is a legendary drink that has stood the test of time as the ultimate tropical cocktail. Invented by the renowned barman Donn Beach in the 1930s at his Hollywood bar, Don the Beachcomber, the Zombie has become a staple in the world of mixology. This potent mixture of three types of rum, lime juice, Don’s Mix No. 2, falernum, grenadine, absinthe, and bitters is known for its complex and rich flavor profile.
The story behind the Zombie’s creation adds to its intrigue. Legend has it that Beach mixed the drink for a hungover businessman who needed a pick-me-up before a meeting. The businessman later remarked that he felt like the living dead after drinking it, prompting Beach to name the cocktail the Zombie. Beach even instituted a two-drink limit on the potent cocktail, adding to its infamy and daring guests to try it.
During the era when the Zombie was created, many tropical bartenders kept their recipes closely guarded. Beachcomber pre-batched syrups and gave them numerical values to prevent their bartenders from taking the recipes with them when they left. The original Zombie called for Don’s Mix No. 2, a secret syrup that was eventually uncovered by tropical cocktail historian Jeff “Beachbum” Berry.
What makes the Zombie work so well is its unique combination of ingredients. Beach’s genius lies in using the classic sour template of spirit, citrus juice, and sugar, but adding a deep richness and complexity by incorporating multiple styles of each core component. The combination of Jamaican rum, Puerto Rican rum, and demerara rum creates a potent mixture that stands up to the other strong flavors in the cocktail.
Furthermore, the addition of lime juice, grapefruit juice, falernum, grenadine, and Don’s Mix No. 2 creates a complex and rich profile with tropical spice notes. The addition of Angostura bitters and a touch of absinthe adds depth and balance to the drink, making it a refreshing yet boozy sip.
This specific recipe for the Zombie comes from Jeff “Beachbum” Berry and remains true to the original 1930s recipe. Thanks to his efforts in uncovering the secrets behind the cocktail, bartenders today can continue to recreate this fruity, spicy, and rum-heavy classic for cocktail enthusiasts to enjoy.
