Cocktail Art
Zombie #2
The Zombie #2 is a potent tiki classic with a complex, bittersweet flavor. Combining rich dark rum and fiery overproof rum with tart lime and grapefruit juices, it is balanced by the warm spice of cinnamon syrup. This sour, tropical drink is perfect for summer evenings and lively gatherings. It offers a slightly drier, more citrus-forward profile than the original 1934 recipe.
- GlassRocks glass
- MethodShake
- Time3 min
- Strength≈ 13% ABV
How to make a Zombie #2
Shake it in a rocks glass with crushed ice. About 3 minutes.
- Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice.
- Pour the dark rum, overproof rum, cinnamon syrup, lime juice, and grapefruit juice into a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake well.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a mint leaf.
Bartender’s tips
- If you do not have overproof rum, you can substitute it with additional dark, gold, or aged rum, though the drink will lose some of its punch.
- Freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juices are essential to balance the heavy rums and sweet cinnamon syrup.
- Use freshly crushed ice for the glass to keep the drink cold and help dilute the strong spirits as you sip.
You may also like
If you enjoy the complex tropical flavors of the Zombie #2, you might also want to try these similar cocktails: Bahama Mama, Mai-Tai, Hurricane, and Headshot.
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★ 4.6 · 584 ratingsZombie #2 questions
What kind of rum is best for a Zombie #2?
This recipe uses a combination of 45 ml dark rum and 30 ml overproof rum to create its signature deep, complex, and strong flavor profile.
How strong is the Zombie #2 cocktail?
The Zombie #2 has an alcohol by volume of about 13 percent, making it a moderately strong drink due to the inclusion of overproof rum.
Can I substitute the lime juice in this recipe?
If fresh lime juice is unavailable, you can use 30 ml of fresh lemon juice as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the classic tropical flavor.