I ♥ Zombies

While some people reach for a bottle of wine on a romantic evening, we’re usually shaking up favorite cocktails. This year, Valentine’s Day falls on the same day as the midseason premier of The Walking Dead and that means that we have both romance and zombies on the brain. Naturally, we decided to mix up a cocktail that would allow us to celebrate both occasions: I ♥ Zombies, a cherry-flavored zombie with a brilliant pink color.

The Zombie uses both dark and white rum as a base. For the dark, we recommend using a Jamaican rum like Blackwell. A funky, flavorful Jamaican rum blends beautifully with the sweet cherry juice. So beautifully, in fact, that we think some more cherry cocktails might be in our future. For the white, your favorite brand is a good option. We used Angostura in this one. While many Zombies use a splash of Pernod or absinthe, we spiced this one up with a few dashes of Creole Bitters, which added just the hint of licorice we were looking for to contrast with the cinnamon simple syrup that sweetens the drink. Top it with a 151 float if you want your Zombie with an extra kick.

Drinking Zombies alone – especially on Valentine’s Day – is no fun, so batch this up for two or simply tuck two straws into your hurricane glass when you serve it and sip it with your Zombie-loving sweetheart.

I <heart> Zombies (Cherry Zombie)
1 1/2 oz dark rum
1 1/2 oz white rum
1/2 oz triple sec
3/4 oz lime juice
1/2 spiced simple syrup or cinnamon simple syrup
2 oz cherry juice
2-3 dashes Creole Bitters
1/2 oz 151 float (optional)

In a mixing glass or a shaker, combine all ingredients (except the 151), fill with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a hurricane glass filled with crushed ice. If desired, top with 151 float. Garnish with a lime wheel and a heart-shaped candy.