Zombo (Original Recipe)

Wait! Isn't that tequilla and whiskey in the photo? 

Why yes! Corralejo is my favorite tequila. And it just stands to reason that it would make an excellent Zombie with its caramel notes and rich body. This is my own tiki creation based on a simple zombie recipe. The spices mean a lot in this drink. Allspice and cinnamon are added in liquor form, as is anise in the form of Pernod. Luxardo maraschino makes an appearance, as does triple sec.

There isn't usually any pineapple juice in a Zombie, but that's the beauty of making your own cocktail. You can do what you want. And at the time I wanted tequila and a reason to use up a fresh pineapple. Yes I squeezed it by hand, but if you are blending, just throw the pineapple pieces into the mix and buzzzz!

Ok. Try to keep up. Here's what you need to make this.

• 1 1/2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. light rum
• 1/4 oz. 151-proof rum
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. orange juice
• 1 oz. pineapple juice
• 1/4 oz. MurLarkey cinnamon whiskey
• several dashes allspice dram
• several dashes Pernod
• pineapple spear and leaves

Combine all ingredient except pineapple spear and leaves in a shaker or blender. After shaking/blending, pour into a cool tiki mug and garnish with pineapple.

The Undead Gentleman (Smuggler's Cove Recipe)

Ever wonder what a Zombie would be like served up? That's the aim of the Undead Gentleman. This drink has all the complexity of a Zombie without the soda or crushed ice. It is unbelievably layered! For this I made cinnamon syrup, which was really just a matter of adding ground cinnamon to demerara syrup and straining it through a coffee filter. I also made my own black overproof rum with black strap molasses, 151 rum and white unaged rum.

Pampero Anejo rum is well aged and especially smooth. It is not one of those molasses-added dark rums. It is more sophisticated and suited for sipping, so it is fitting for a gentlemanly drink.

If it wasn't for all the work, I'd say this is a great drink to enjoy a Zombie cocktail at home. At a restaurant where all of these syrups and rums are available, it is a no-brainer...

• 1 1/2 oz. blended aged rum (Pampero Anejo)
• 1 oz. black overproof rum (homemade recipe used)
• 1/2 oz. falernum
• 1 dash absinthe (Absente Refined used)
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz. cinnamon syrup
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• intertwined grapefruit and lime twists

Combine all liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or coupe. Garnish with intertwined twists.

Walking Zombie (Non-Alcoholic)

Fee brothers orgeat syrup allows me to make this complicated non-alcoholic drink a little easier. Soaking almonds and pressing the oils from them all day makes for a long bar prep for a home bartender.

The Walking Zombie is a super exotic tiki drink with all the juices and syrups of a Zombie without the rum. You'll be able to walk too after drinking it.

• 2 oz. lime juice
• 2 oz. orange juice
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• 2 oz. guava nectar
• 1 oz. grenadine
• 1/2 oz. orgeat syrup
• pineapple spear (and leaves as shown)
• mint leaves (recommended garnish)

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a grim-face tiki mug. Fill with crushed ice and garnish with pineapple spear and leaves.