Zombie Donn Beach Cocktail Recipe

The Zombie cocktail was created in the 1930s by Donn Beach, also known as Don the Beachcomber, who is credited with founding the tiki bar movement in the United States. According to legend, the cocktail was invented for a customer who needed a drink to get through a business meeting after a long night of partying. The customer returned several days later, claiming that the drink had turned him into a "zombie," hence the name. Donn Beach's original recipe for the Zombie was a closely guarded secret, and he often used coded labels for the ingredients to prevent other bartenders from copying his creations. The original recipe has inspired many variations over the years, but the core elements typically include a combination of light and dark rums, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, lime juice, grenadine, and a splash of overproof rum for an extra kick. The Zombie cocktail has made appearances in various films and TV shows, adding to its mystique and allure. Notably, the cocktail was featured in the 1941 film "The Shanghai Gesture," where it was served in an exotic, opium den-style setting. The drink's association with the glamorous and mysterious world of tiki culture has only enhanced its popularity.