Zombie by The Educated Barfly

Ingredients

• Not specifiedPuerto Rican gold rum
• Not specifiedJamaican rum
• Not specifiedLemon Hart 151 rum
• Not specifiedVelvet Falernum
• Not specifiedLime juice
• Not specifiedDon's Mix
• Not specifiedGrenadine
• Not specifiedAbsinthe
• Not specifiedAngostura bitters

What is a Zombie?

The Zombie is a classic tiki-style cocktail built around a blend of rums, fruit and strongly flavoured accents. It is associated with the American tiki bar tradition rather than being a drink from Puerto Rico.

This version combines Puerto Rican gold rum with Jamaican rum and high-proof Lemon Hart 151. Falernum, Don's Mix, grenadine, absinthe and bitters add sweetness, citrus and spice.

A blend of rums

Gold rum: this provides a rounded base for the cocktail.

Jamaican rum: its distinctive character gives the blend another layer.

Lemon Hart 151: this is a very high-proof rum, so measure it carefully and keep the finished drink away from flames.

Sweet and citrusy ingredients

Don's Mix: this named cocktail component is part of the ingredient list, but its contents and quantity are not specified here.

Lime juice: fresh juice generally gives a lively citrus flavour; measure it rather than adding an arbitrary splash.

Falernum and grenadine: these contribute sweet, aromatic notes, so their proportions matter to the drink's balance.

Use the listed measures

The ingredient quantities and preparation method were not provided with this recipe information. Check the original recipe for the measures and mixing instructions before making the cocktail.

That matters especially for a drink with several rums and a 151-proof spirit: changing the proportions can substantially alter its strength and flavour.

Keep the balance in mind

A Zombie brings together rum, citrus, sweet mixers and small amounts of assertive ingredients such as absinthe and bitters. Follow the recipe's measures so no single component overwhelms the others.

If you adjust the drink, make small changes and taste as you go, without increasing the high-proof rum casually.

Serving the cocktail

Serve it freshly made in a suitable cocktail glass. The supplied recipe information does not specify a glass, ice, garnish or mixing technique, so consult the original instructions for those details.

Because the drink contains several rums, serve it in a measured portion and sip it slowly. Water alongside is a practical accompaniment.

Recipe notes & tips

• Check the original recipe for quantities before mixing; none are included in the supplied details.
• Measure every spirit, especially the high-proof Lemon Hart 151.
• Use fresh lime juice for a brighter citrus flavour.
• Keep the absinthe and bitters measured rather than adding them freely.
• Serve the cocktail freshly made and sip it slowly.

Variations

• Citrus-forward: adjust the lime only in small increments once you have the original measures.
• Less sweet: reduce the sweet components slightly while keeping the rum proportions unchanged.
• Lower strength: make a smaller measured serving rather than substituting extra ingredients.
• Rum emphasis: use the original measures as a baseline before changing the balance between the rums.
• No absinthe: omit it for a simpler flavour, recognising that this changes the listed recipe.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Guessing the measures: the quantities are missing; find the original instructions before preparing the drink.
• Free-pouring 151 rum: its high proof makes careful measuring particularly important.
• Adding extra grenadine: too much can make the drink overly sweet; follow the specified measure.
• Overdoing the absinthe: its flavour is assertive, so use only the amount given in the original recipe.
• Treating it as a casual-strength drink: measure a serving and sip it slowly.

How to store

This cocktail is best prepared and served fresh. Do not store a mixed drink with ice, as melting will dilute it; refrigerate any prepared, ice-free mixture in a sealed container and use it promptly.

Frequently asked questions