Zombie Rum Cocktail

Name: Zombie Rum Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 oz Unsweetened Pineapple Juice; 1 Juice of a Lime; 1 Juice of a small orange; 1 tsp Powdered Sugar; 1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum; 1 oz Jamaica Rum; 1 oz Passion Fruit Juice

The Zombie is a potent classic tiki cocktail that combines aged and light rums with fresh citrus juices and passion fruit for a complex, refreshing drink. Its balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it a standout rum-forward cocktail.

🏷️Equipment: zombie glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Old Mr. Boston De Luxe Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

1 oz Unsweetened Pineapple Juice
1 Juice of a Lime

1 Juice of a small orange

1 tsp Powdered Sugar

1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum

1 oz Jamaica Rum

1 oz Passion Fruit Juice

7 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Add cracked ice and agitate for full minute in electric mixing machine (if none available, shake very well in cocktail shaker), and strain into 14 oz.
2
frosted zombie glass.
3
Decorate with square of pineapple and 1 green and 1 red cherry.
4
Carefully float 1/2 oz.
5
151 proof Demerara Rum and then top with sprig of fresh Mint dipped in powdered sugar.
6
Serve with straws.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use fresh-squeezed lime and orange juice for the best flavor; bottled juice will taste flat and overly acidic.
Combine the two rums—aged Jamaica rum adds depth while lighter imported rum keeps the drink balanced and drinkable.
Stir well with crushed ice to properly dilute and chill; the drink should be very cold but not watered down excessively.
Taste and adjust sweetness with additional powdered sugar if your citrus is particularly tart; freshness of fruit varies seasonally.

Substitutions

Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum → light or white rum like Bacardi or Havana Club (slightly less complex but acceptable)
Jamaica Rum → Appleton or Mount Gay aged rum (adjusts depth; use 1 oz if substituting with a higher-proof option)
Passion Fruit Juice → ½ oz grenadine + ½ oz pineapple juice (changes the profile but maintains sweetness and color)
Powdered Sugar → ½ oz simple syrup (easier to incorporate; reduce ratio slightly as it's more concentrated)

Storage & make-ahead

Zombie cocktails are best consumed fresh. Pre-batched rum-juice mixture (without ice) keeps refrigerated up to 4 hours; do not store with ice.

Equipment

jigger or shot glass for measuring spirits · cocktail shaker or mixing glass · bar spoon for stirring · strainer · juicer or citrus press

Common Questions

What is a Zombie cocktail?

A Zombie is a classic tiki cocktail made with two types of rum—typically aged and light—mixed with fresh citrus juices, passion fruit juice, and powdered sugar. It's known for being strong and tropical.

Can I make a Zombie without passion fruit juice?

Yes. Substitute passion fruit juice with grenadine (½ oz), apricot nectar, or additional pineapple juice, though the drink will lose some of its signature complexity.