If you’ve been dying to bring the spirit (and spirits!) of this hauntingly delicious beverage to your own Halloween gatherings or perhaps just want to add a little pizzazz to your Fall festivities, you’re in the right place. I’ll share how you can recreate Applebee’s Zombie Drink from the comfort of your home.
How to make Applebee’s Zombie Drink
Applebee’s Zombie Drink is a signature cocktail that combines various rums with fruit juices, creating a tropical, fruity flavor profile. It’s typically garnished with fruit and sometimes a signature decoration, like a cherry or an umbrella.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce of light rum: The base spirit that offers a smooth, slightly sweet base.
- 1 ounce of dark rum: Adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 ounce of apricot brandy: For a hint of fruitiness and a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that essential tangy kick.
- 1 ounce of pineapple juice: Adds tropical notes and sweetness.
- 1 ounce of orange juice: For a citrusy freshness.
- A dash of grenadine: For color and a hint of pomegranate sweetness.
- Ice: To chill and dilute the drink to perfection.
- Gummy brains (or worms): For garnishing to give that Halloween vibe.
- Optional: A splash of Bacardi 151: For an extra kick, float this on top and carefully light it on fire for a dramatic effect (be extremely cautious if doing so).
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker, combine the light rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, lime juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Add a dash of grenadine for color and sweetness. Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a highball or hurricane glass with ice to cool the glass.
- Combine and Serve: Strain the mixed ingredients into the prepared glass over ice. Adjust the consistency or sweetness according to taste by adding more juice or grenadine if desired.
- Garnish: Top the drink with a gummy brain or worms to give it that signature Applebee’s Zombie Drink look. Consider adding a tiny umbrella or a festive straw for an over-the-top presentation.
- Optional Flair: If you add Bacardi 151, do so after preparing the drink. Pour a small amount on top and carefully light it with a match. Make sure this is done in a safe area away from any flammable items, and never leave the flaming drink unattended. Extinguish before drinking!
Tips for the Perfect Zombie Drink
- Balance is Key: The beauty of the Zombie Drink lies in its balance between sweetness, tartness, and the robust flavors of the rum. Taste as you go and adjust the ingredients to suit your preference.
- Presentation: Halloween is all about theatrics, so don’t stop playing up the presentation. Use a clear glass to showcase the color of the drink and add Halloween-themed decorations to set the mood.
- Chill Your Ingredients: For the best experience, ensure all your juices and spirits are chilled before mixing. A cold drink is more refreshing and emphasizes the tropical character.
What to serve with
Pairing the perfect snacks and dishes with your homemade Applebee’s Zombie Drink can elevate your Halloween bash to the next level. When considering what to serve with this tropical yet potent concoction, consider balancing the flavors and the occasion.
Appetizers
- Halloween-Themed Appetizers: Serve finger foods that are easy to eat and Halloween-inspired. Think mummy hot dogs wrapped in pastry, jack-o’-lantern bell peppers stuffed with dip, or spider-deviled eggs adorned with olive spiders.
- Tropical Inspired Snacks: Since the Zombie Drink has tropical undertones, consider serving light appetizers like coconut shrimp, pineapple and ham skewers, or mango salsa with tortilla chips to echo the tropical flavors of the drink.
Main Courses
- BBQ and Grilled Foods: Hearty grilled meats or barbecue can stand up to the strong flavors of the Zombie Drink. Try dishes like jerk chicken, barbecued ribs, or grilled fish tacos.
- Island-Inspired Dishes: Embrace the drink’s island vibes with dishes such as Hawaiian sliders, tropical chicken salads, or Caribbean jerk-seasoned meats, which can offer a delightful flavor contrast and complement.
Sides
- Fruit Salad: As a refreshing counterpoint to the potent drink, a tropical fruit salad with pineapple, mango, and papaya can be both palate-cleansing and thematic.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Offer a platter of roasted or fried sweet potato fries as a sweet and savory side that guests can nibble on throughout the evening.
Desserts
- Themed Desserts: Sweeten the evening with Halloween-theme desserts like pumpkin-shaped cookies, graveyard brownies, or candy corn cupcakes.
- Tropical Desserts: End on a sweet note with tropical flavors such as coconut custard, pineapple upside-down cake, or key lime pie.
Ingredients Substitutes
Creating your version of the Applebee’s Zombie Drink at home can be a fun and festive activity for Halloween or any themed party. However, you might need ingredient substitutions either due to availability issues or personal preferences.
Rum Varieties
The classic Zombie Drink traditionally includes a combination of light (white), dark, and sometimes overproof rum like Bacardi 151.
- For Light Rum: You can substitute any white or silver rum. Vodka is a viable non-rum substitute for its similarly neutral flavor profile, though it lacks the subtle sweetness of rum.
- For Dark Rum: If you don’t have dark rum, mix light rum with molasses or caramel syrup to mimic its richer flavor. Brandy or bourbon can also stand in as darker, more complex substitutes with their unique profiles.
- For Overproof Rum (Bacardi 151): This is optional and mainly used for a flaming effect. It can be omitted without significantly altering the drink’s taste. If you want the alcohol content without the flame, use more dark or light rum. Keep in mind there’s hardly a direct substitute for the unique character and high proof of Bacardi 151, but any high-proof spirit can add that kick, such as Everclear, though it should be used with caution and respect for its potency.
Fruit Juices
The Zombie Drink typically includes a mix of citrus and other fruit juices, like pineapple and orange juice.
- Pineapple Juice: If pineapple juice is unavailable, mango juice or a combination of apple and citrus juices can provide a similar tropical sweetness.
- Orange Juice: Tangerine juice, mandarin juice, or even grapefruit juice can serve as alternatives, offering a similar citrus profile with varying degrees of sweetness and tartness.
Grenadine
Grenadine lends a sweet and slightly tart flavor, along with a signature red color to the drink.
Substitute: A mix of pomegranate juice with sugar can mimic grenadine’s flavor, or raspberry syrup can provide a similar sweetness and color.
Passion Fruit Syrup
Passion fruit syrup brings a tropical tang and sweetness to the concoction.
Substitute: You can blend equal parts of simple syrup (or agave syrup) with either passion fruit puree or juice. A mix of guava or mango syrup with a touch of lemon juice also works in its absence.
Apricot Brandy
This adds a subtle depth and fruitiness to the drink.
Substitute: Peach schnapps or peach brandy can be used as alternatives. In a pinch, you can mix apricot nectar or peach nectar with a splash of standard brandy to replicate the flavor profile.
Lime Juice
Fresh is best, but if you’re out of limes, bottled lime juice can work, though it might be slightly more acidic. Lemon juice is another fresh substitute that maintains the citrusy brightness.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own version of Applebee’s Zombie Drink at home can be a fun and festive way to get into the Halloween spirit.
More Drink Recipes:
- White Cranberry Juice Recipe
- Starbucks Strawberry Acai Pink Drink Recipe
- Copycat Del Taco Cookie Butter Shake Recipe
- Dunkin’ Cookie Butter Cold Brew Recipe
- Homemade Coffee Bean Cookie Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce of light rum: The base spirit that offers a smooth, slightly sweet base.
- 1 ounce of dark rum: Adds complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 ounce of apricot brandy: For a hint of fruitiness and a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 ounce of lime juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that essential tangy kick.
- 1 ounce of pineapple juice: Adds tropical notes and sweetness.
- 1 ounce of orange juice: For a citrusy freshness.
- A dash of grenadine: For color and a hint of pomegranate sweetness.
- Ice: To chill and dilute the drink to perfection.
- Gummy brains (or worms): For garnishing to give that Halloween vibe.
- Optional: A splash of Bacardi 151
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a shaker, combine the light rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, lime juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice. Add a dash of grenadine for color and sweetness. Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill a highball or hurricane glass with ice to cool the glass.
- Combine and Serve: Strain the mixed ingredients into the prepared glass over ice. Adjust the consistency or sweetness according to taste by adding more juice or grenadine if desired.
- Garnish: Top the drink with a gummy brain or worms to give it that signature Applebee's Zombie Drink look. Consider adding a tiny umbrella or a festive straw for an over-the-top presentation.
- Optional Flair: If you add Bacardi 151, do so after preparing the drink. Pour a small amount on top and carefully light it with a match. Make sure this is done in a safe area away from any flammable items, and never leave the flaming drink unattended. Extinguish before drinking!
