Tiki Spiced Dark Rum Zombie with Citrus and Cinnamon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bold tiki classic combining dark and gold rums, fresh citrus juices, and warm cinnamon syrup to create a complex, layered cocktail. This caribbean-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together dark rum, gold rum, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a shaker filled with 1 cup crushed ice, combine 1.5 oz dark rum, 1.5 oz gold rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz fresh orange juice, 0.75 oz cinnamon syrup, and 0.25 oz grenadine.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters and shake vigorously for 20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Strain into a tiki mug filled with crushed ice. Garnish with 1 cinnamon stick and an orange twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tiki Spiced Dark Rum Zombie with Citrus and Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Tiki Spiced Dark Rum Zombie with Citrus and Cinnamon?

Refrigerate any leftover tiki spiced dark rum zombie with citrus and cinnamon in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tiki Spiced Dark Rum Zombie with Citrus and Cinnamon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Tiki Spiced Dark Rum Zombie with Citrus and Cinnamon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Tiki Spiced Dark Rum Zombie with Citrus and Cinnamon?

Caribbean cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.