Looking for a drink that will wake the dead? Try the Jamaican Zombie, a potent concoction of white and dark rum, apricot brandy, and a mix of delicious juices. Shake it all up in a shaker with some sugar, strain, and serve over ice. Don't forget the garnish! Perfect for impressing your friends or spicing up your next party.
Jamaican Zombie Ingredients
- 2.5 oz white rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz Apricot Brandy
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 1 oz Apple Juice
- 2 oz Orange juice
- 1 oz passion-fruit juice
- 1 - 2 tsp tsp superfine sugar
Jamaican Zombie Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
- knife - to prepare garnish slice
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Jamaican Zombie Recipe
- optionally make fresh Lime juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
- shake till perfectly chilled
- fill glass
The Jamaican Zombie Cocktail: A Classic Tiki Drink with Endless Variations
The Jamaican Zombie cocktail is a classic tiki drink known for its tropical fruity flavors and potent punch. It originated in the 1930s in Hollywood, California, where tiki bars were all the rage. The drink was created by a bartender named Donn Beach, who mixed various rums and fruit juices to create a drink that was both sweet and sour with a hint of spice. The name "Zombie" was inspired by the drink's ability to make the drinker feel like a zombie due to its high alcohol content.
Popularity The Jamaican Zombie cocktail has become a staple in the tiki cocktail scene and is known for its complex flavors and high alcohol content. It is a popular drink at tiki bars and beach resorts all over the world. It is often served in a tall glass or tiki mug with a colorful garnish that adds to its tropical appearance. The drink is famous for its use of different rums and fruit juices that create a unique blend of flavors.
Ingredient roles The Jamaican Zombie cocktail is made up of various ingredients that come together to create its unique tropical flavor. The white rum is the base of the drink and provides a neutral flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine. The dark rum adds depth and complexity to the drink with its rich and smoky flavor. The apricot brandy adds a sweet and fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients. The lime, apple, orange, and passion-fruit juice all provide a balance of sweet and sour flavors that make the drink refreshing and easy to drink. The superfine sugar is added to balance out the acidity of the fruit juices and make the drink more palatable.
How to garnish The Jamaican Zombie cocktail is often garnished with a colorful and tropical garnish that adds to its appearance. One popular garnish is a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry on a skewer. Another popular garnish is a lime wheel and a sprig of mint. The garnish should be placed on the rim of the glass or tiki mug to add to the drink's presentation.
Variations The Jamaican Zombie cocktail can be easily adapted to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Here are some variations of the drink:
Virgin/mocktail version: To make a virgin or mocktail version of the Jamaican Zombie, simply omit the rum and replace it with a non-alcoholic substitute such as ginger ale or coconut water. The other ingredients can remain the same.
Gluten-free version: The Jamaican Zombie cocktail is naturally gluten-free as long as the rums and fruit juices used are gluten-free. Brands such as Bacardi and Captain Morgan are gluten-free.
Vegan version: The Jamaican Zombie cocktail is vegan as long as the rums and fruit juices used are vegan. Brands such as Bacardi and Captain Morgan are vegan.
Keto version: To make a keto-friendly version of the Jamaican Zombie, replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as stevia or erythritol. The fruit juices should also be replaced with low-carb options such as lemon or lime juice.
Low-calorie version: To make a low-calorie version of the Jamaican Zombie, use light rum instead of dark rum and reduce the amount of sugar used. The fruit juices should also be replaced with low-calorie options such as grapefruit or cranberry juice.
Common Mistakes when making When making the Jamaican Zombie cocktail, there are some common mistakes to avoid. One mistake is using too much sugar, which can make the drink overly sweet. Another mistake is using low-quality rums, which can affect the overall taste of the drink. It is also important to use fresh fruit juices instead of pre-packaged juices, which can contain added sugars and preservatives. Finally, it is important to use the right amount of ice when shaking or stirring the drink to ensure that it is properly chilled and diluted.
In conclusion, the Jamaican Zombie cocktail is a classic tiki drink that has stood the test of time. Its tropical flavors and high alcohol content make it a favorite among tiki cocktail enthusiasts. With its endless variations, it can be adapted to suit different preferences and dietary needs. Just remember to use high-quality ingredients, avoid common mistakes, and garnish it with a tropical twist to enjoy the full experience of this classic cocktail.
If you are going to order Jamaican Zombie in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Jamaican Zombie can be served with different ingredients in different places.
