Zombie (1934) by Donn Beach

Here's how to make the Zombie Punch, the first famous Tiki drink, the original Don the Beachcomber (Donn Beach) classic made with Gold Cuban-Style (or Puerto Rican-Style) Rum, Dark Jamaican Rum, 151 Demerara (Guyanese) Rum, Lime Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Cinnamon Syrup, Falernum, Grenadine, Aromatic Bitters and a Mint Sprig for garnish.

This drink was invented in 1934 by Donn Beach, shortly after he created Tiki culture itself with his bar and restaurant, Don the Beachcomber. The drink is certainly strong and its strength became legendary, a legend that Donn readily encouraged. He set a limit as to how many a guest could order and put it right on the menu. It’s main purpose was to generate publicity and it did. Every other tiki bar had to put a drink on the menu with a warning of its deadly potency.

Flavour profile:

Tropical, spirit-forward, spiced

Tools:

Boston Shaker

Jigger

Crushed ice

Tiki mug or a Zombie glass

Ingredients:

Serving: 1

1oz (30ml) 151-proof Demerara (Guyana) Rum

1.5oz (45ml) Dark Jamaican Rum

1.5oz (45ml) Gold Cuban-Style Rum

0.75oz (22ml) Lime juice

0.5oz (15ml) Falernm

0.5oz (15ml) Don’s Mix (2 parts Grapefruit Juice, 1 part Cinnamon Syrup)

1 tsp (5ml) Grenadine

1 dash Absinthe

1 dash Aromatic Bitters

Garnish: Mint sprig

Technique: Shake & strain

Glass: Tiki mug or a Zombie glass

Procedure:

1. Pour all the ingredients in a shaker previously chilled

2. If not already chilled be sure to chill the glass as well

3. Smack some mint sprig on the rim of the glass to release some oils and aromas

4. Pour some crushed ice in the shaker until 3/4 of it then shake for 8 seconds

6. Strain the cocktail in the glass

7. Fill the mug with some more crushed ice

8. Garnish with a mint sprig

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