The Nuclear Zombie is a fiery, intense twist on the classic Zombie cocktail, known for its high-proof rum and bold, tropical flavors. This potent drink is perfect for thrill-seekers, blending multiple types of rum with fresh fruit juices and a hint of spice. Beware: this cocktail is powerful and best enjoyed slowly!
Ingredients
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz overproof rum (such as 151-proof rum)
- 1/2 oz apricot brandy
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- 1/4 oz falernum (a sweet, spiced syrup often used in tiki drinks)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves and a maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add light rum, dark rum, overproof rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, and falernum.
- Shake Well: Shake vigorously until the ingredients are well-mixed and chilled.
- Serve: Strain the cocktail into a large glass filled with ice cubes or crushed ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a maraschino cherry. For a dramatic effect, add a few mint sprigs and ignite briefly (optional).
- Enjoy Carefully: Sip slowly—this cocktail packs a serious punch!
Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 Nuclear Zombie
Tips and Variations
- Mocktail Option: Replace rum with pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut water for a tropical twist.
- Batch Version: Multiply ingredients to make a punch-sized batch, perfect for parties.
- Add Spice: Add a dash of bitters or a pinch of cinnamon for extra depth.
FAQs
Is the overproof rum necessary?
Overproof rum gives the Nuclear Zombie its signature kick. However, you can skip it or replace it with more dark rum if you prefer a milder drink.
What is falernum?
Falernum is a sweet, lightly spiced syrup made with lime, almond, ginger, and cloves, adding depth to tiki cocktails.
The Nuclear Zombie is a daring cocktail for anyone ready to embrace a bit of adventure with tropical flair!
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Nuclear Zombie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vibrant, tropical drink is a fun twist on the classic Zombie cocktail. With a combination of rum, pineapple, citrus, and a radioactive green hue, the Nuclear Zombie is the ultimate Halloween party drink. Handle with caution — it’s deliciously strong!
Ingredients
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz overproof rum (151-proof, if available)
- 1 oz Midori melon liqueur (for that green “nuclear” color)
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: Maraschino cherry and a slice of lime
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add the light rum, dark rum, overproof rum, Midori, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
- Shake well until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of lime.
- Serve with caution and enjoy your “Nuclear Zombie!”
Notes
- If you prefer a less intense drink, reduce the overproof rum or omit it altogether.
- For an extra spooky effect, consider adding a small glow stick as a garnish (just make sure it’s securely wrapped and doesn’t contact the drink).
- This drink packs a punch, so it’s best enjoyed slowly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 10mg