Zombie — The ultimate tropical cocktail with a twist. Drinking a classic cocktail that feels like the living dead 🧟♂️🍍🥃

The Zombie is a classic cocktail originating from 1930s Tiki culture, created by renowned bartender Donn Beach (Don the Beachcomber). It uses a variety of rums as a base, combined with tropical fruit juices and a variety of spices, resulting in a complex and rich flavor. However, its high alcohol content can result in a "zombie"-like dizziness, hence its name. Legend has it that there was once a two-drink limit per person to prevent people from becoming "the living dead." This drink is a must-try for those who enjoy a deeper, more intense experience and a love of tropical cocktails. It's definitely worth a try.

Zombie's classic material

• 45ml Jamaican rum

• 45ml Puerto Rican rum

• 15ml 151% proof rum (for floating)

• 22ml fresh lime juice

• Tropical juice (pineapple juice, papaya juice) about 90 ml in total

• 15ml almond syrup (Falernum)

• Grenadine syrup 15ml

• 1 drop Angostura bitters

• A little Grano (Pernod or anise liquor)

• 15ml Don's Mix (cinnamon syrup and grapefruit juice)

• Lots of crushed ice

Preparation method

1. Combine all ingredients (except the 151-proof rum) in a blender or shaker with plenty of crushed ice.

2. Shake or stir well and pour into a tall glass or drinking glass.

3. Slowly pour in 151-proof rum to form a floating layer. Light it to increase the visual impact (be careful!).

4. Garnish the rim with a mint sprig, pineapple slice, or citrus slice.

Taste and characteristics

Zombie boasts a rich, multifaceted, fruity aroma, from the sweet and sour tropical juices to the sharpness of rum and the smoky vanilla notes. It's both refreshing and intense. The combination of various rums further enhances the overall flavor, while bitters and spices add depth and a lingering finish. A word of caution: the alcohol content is quite strong, so it's best enjoyed slowly by those with a moderate alcohol tolerance. Don't overdo it!

Editor's sharing

• Legend has it that this cocktail was created by Donn Beach to help hangover guests wake up, but the effect was so strong that it made them stiff like zombies.

• The restaurant limits each person to a maximum of two drinks, which shows that the alcohol is quite strong and not something that novice cocktail enthusiasts can easily handle.

• It is recommended to use authentic rum, which has sufficient layers and body.

• Pay attention to the ratio of ice cubes and wine when mixing to achieve the ultimate delicious taste that is balanced and not greasy.

• The addition of spices and bitters makes the taste more three-dimensional, especially the almond syrup and Pernod add a unique charm to the flavor.

The Zombie isn't just a cocktail; it's a symbol of Tiki culture. It represents the ultimate challenge in spirits, while also offering a refreshing tropical fruit punch, perfect for adventurous Hong Kong bartending enthusiasts. For a thrilling resurrection from the dead, don't miss this zombie cocktail, steeped in history and story! 🧟🔥🍸