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 Apricot Flavored Brandy; 2 1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum; 1 oz Jamaica Rum; 1 oz Passion Fruit Syrup

The Zombie is a potent tropical cocktail combining apricot brandy, imported rum, Jamaican rum, and passion fruit syrup with fresh citrus juice. Known for its complex layering of rums and bold fruity profile, it's a staple tiki drink.

🏷️Equipment: highball glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$17–$28

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide 50th Anniversary Edition

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 Apricot Flavored Brandy

2 1/2 oz Old Mr. Boston Imported Rum

1 oz Jamaica Rum

1 oz Passion Fruit Syrup

8 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Put all ingredients with a half cup of crushed ice into an electric blender.
2
Blend at low speed for one minute and strain into frosted highball glass.
3
Decorate with a stick of pineapple and one green and one red cherry.
4
Carefully float 1/2 oz.
5
151 proof rum and then top with sprig of fresh mint dipped in powdered sugar.
6
Serve with straw.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Squeeze fresh lime and orange juice immediately before mixing to preserve brightness and cut through the spirit intensity.
Use crushed ice or pebbled ice for faster chilling and proper dilution; larger ice cubes may not chill the drink adequately.
Shake aggressively for 10–15 seconds to fully incorporate the passion fruit syrup and balance the rums' alcohol heat.
Chill the glass beforehand with ice water to prevent rapid warming once the cocktail is poured.

Substitutions

Old Mr. Boston Apricot Brandy → other apricot brandy or apricot liqueur (flavor may intensify or lighten slightly)
Passion Fruit Syrup → grenadine or passion fruit nectar (changes the flavor profile; use sparingly with nectar)
Jamaican Rum → overproof dark rum (adds alcohol heat; reduce to 3/4 oz if preferred lighter)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served fresh immediately after shaking. Pre-batch the juices and syrup mixture up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate; add spirits and ice only when serving.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger or measuring spoon · bar strainer · citrus juicer

Common Questions

Can I make a Zombie cocktail without passion fruit syrup?

Passion fruit syrup is central to the Zombie's flavor. If unavailable, grenadine or passion fruit nectar are closer substitutes than omitting it entirely, though the taste will shift.

What's the difference between the two rums in this recipe?

Imported (typically aged) rum adds depth and complexity, while Jamaican rum brings bold, funky notes. Using both creates the Zombie's signature layered flavor.

Should a Zombie be shaken or stirred?

Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice to chill and combine the juices and syrups evenly, then strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.

Can I batch this cocktail ahead?

Mix juices and syrups in advance, but add rums and brandy only when serving, and shake with ice individually to preserve carbonation and proper chill.