Easy Zombie Tiki co*cktail Recipe - Flour Child (2024)

When you drink the famous Zombie tiki co*cktail, you too will feel brain dead. But given the amount of rum this Tiki drink contains, it tastes surprisingly delicious!

The Zombie Tiki co*cktail is a Classic

This tiki classic has a long history that is shrouded in codes and secrecy. It was originally created by Donn Beach, founder of the famous Don the Beachcomber tiki restaurants. He didn't want his co*cktails copied, so he created an elaborate set of coded phrases and secret ingredient mixes that only he knew.

Over the years there have been many attempts to crack the codes and recreate this classic recipe. Some are probably more successful than others. I'm not certain that my easy Zombie Tiki co*cktail is perfectly accurate, but I like the way it tastes. And from what I've read, it's probably pretty close to the original!

This drink is one I prefer to drink at home so that I have control over what actually goes into it. In a restaurant or bar it runs the risk of becoming a dumping ground for different syrups and cheap spirits that the bar makes a hefty markup on.

Ingredients for a Zombie Tiki co*cktail

Admittedly this tiki drink does have a long list of ingredients. So get ready to give your bar a workout!

• Light rum
• Dark rum
• 151 overproof rum
• Pernod
• Fresh-squeezed lime juice
• Falernum
• Cinnamon simple syrup (use this recipe, but add two cinnamon sticks to the boiling water)
• Grapefruit juice
• Grendine
• Angostura bitters
• Yellow Chartreuse

Garnish with a grapefruit wedge, lime and a co*cktail cherry and you're all set.

Bar tools needed

• Bar spoon
• knife
• Jigger
• Cutting board
• Lemon/lime juicer

How to serve it

Make sure you have some fun with your Tiki drinks. So use a zany tiki glass to serve it in.

There are plenty of vintage tiki glasses at thrift stores and even more at sites like Amazon. I actually feel more comfortable using newer glasses since it takes the worry out of breaking an old glass when the spirits are flowing on a wets slippery glass.

Tips for a Successful Zombie

Keep these pointers in mind to mix it like a pro:

• Add the Chartreuse to the glass and swirl it around to coat the inside, then pour it out to give the drink a touch of licorice flavor.
• Always use freshly squeezed fruit juices instead of bottles so that the drink will be less sweet and will mix better with the rums.
• Don't skip some of the more obscure spirits, such as Falernum. I admit that I hadn't tried Falernum before, and even had to ask where to find it at the large liquor store where I shop. It was worth the effort. It's a wonderful, tropical tasting liqueur with flavors like spices and cloves.
• Do get a bottle of strong, overproof rum for your collection. Overproof rum is 151 proof, whereas regular rum is 80 proof. The extra power really gives your tiki drinks a special boost of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're having a Tiki themed night, you need to try thisbaked coconut shrimpwhich can be served as an appetizer or main course.

What is your go-to Tiki co*cktail? Do you follow a different recipe? If so, drop me a line and let me know!

Before you go, did you try this co*cktail? Why not leave a comment in the Comments section along with a rating? I always appreciate hearing from you and getting your feedback.

More Mid Century Classic co*cktails