Intro

Some recipes take me straight back to a moment in time, and this Applebee’s Zombie Drink Recipe does exactly that.

I still remember sitting in a booth with girlfriends after a long week, laughing a little louder than usual, the restaurant lights glowing softly, and that dangerously smooth Zombie drink arriving at the table — bright, tropical, and just mysterious enough to feel like a mini escape.

One sip in, and it tasted like vacation. Two sips in, and suddenly the week didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

As a female chef, I spend most of my time in the kitchen focused on food, but cocktails? Cocktails are where I let my playful side shine. This homemade Applebee’s Zombie Drink Recipe brings back that same fun, fruity, island-inspired vibe — minus the noisy bar and wait time. It’s bold, a little sweet, a little boozy, and layered with tropical flavors that smell like pineapple, citrus, and summer nights.

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that iconic restaurant cocktail at home, this is it. This easy Applebee’s Zombie Drink Recipe is perfect for parties, girls’ nights, or when you just want to sip something fun and feel fancy without leaving your kitchen.

What is Applebee’s Zombie Drink Recipe?

The Applebee’s Zombie Drink Recipe is inspired by the classic tiki-style Zombie cocktail, known for its tropical fruit flavors and layered rum base.

Applebee’s version leans into bright, approachable flavors — think pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and a mix of light and dark rum that gives the drink depth without overwhelming heat.

What makes this drink special is how smooth it is. It doesn’t taste overly strong, but don’t let that fool you. The sweetness of the fruit juices balances the rum beautifully, while grenadine adds a hint of cherry-like richness and that signature sunset color at the bottom of the glass.

This is a classic Applebee’s Zombie Drink Recipe — fruity, vibrant, and designed to be enjoyed slowly, preferably with good company and zero responsibilities afterward.

Why This Drink Always Steals the Spotlight

Every time I serve this cocktail at home, it becomes the first thing people ask about.

It looks stunning in the glass
It tastes like a tropical getaway
It’s easy to batch for a crowd
It feels festive without being complicated

As a chef, I love recipes that feel indulgent but aren’t intimidating, and this drink checks every box.

Equipment List

You won’t need any fancy bar tools — just a few basics.

Cocktail shaker
Measuring jigger or shot glass
Tall hurricane or highball glass
Bar spoon or long spoon
Ice scoop
Citrus juicer (optional)

Ingredients

These ingredients are simple and easy to find, but together they create that signature Applebee’s flavor.

1½ oz light rum
1 oz dark rum
2 oz pineapple juice
1½ oz orange juice
½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)
½ oz grenadine
½ oz simple syrup
Ice cubes

Optional ingredients:

Splash of club soda for a lighter finish
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Orange slice or pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fill the Shaker with Ice

Add a generous scoop of ice to your cocktail shaker. Cold is key here — the drink should feel crisp and refreshing from the first sip.

Step 2: Add the Juices

Pour in the pineapple juice, orange juice, and fresh lime juice. You’ll immediately smell that bright citrus-tropical aroma that sets the tone for the drink.

Step 3: Add the Rum

Add the light rum and dark rum to the shaker. The combination gives the cocktail depth without overpowering the fruit flavors.

Step 4: Sweeten and Shake

Add the simple syrup, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. The shaker should feel ice-cold in your hands.

Step 5: Pour Over Ice

Fill a tall glass with fresh ice and strain the shaken mixture into the glass.

Step 6: Float the Grenadine

Slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon so it settles at the bottom, creating that signature layered look.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a cherry, citrus slice, or pineapple wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly.

What It Smells and Tastes Like

This cocktail smells like pineapple and orange the second it hits the glass. The first sip is sweet and fruity, followed by subtle warmth from the rum. The grenadine adds a soft cherry note that lingers just long enough to make you go back for another sip.

How to Serve It Like a Pro

Presentation makes this drink even more fun.

Serve in a clear glass to show off the layers
Use crushed ice for a tiki-style vibe
Add a paper umbrella for flair
Rim the glass with sugar for extra sweetness

Make It a Party Pitcher

This homemade Applebee’s Zombie Drink Recipe is easy to scale.

Multiply ingredients by 6 or 8
Mix everything except grenadine in a pitcher
Add grenadine to individual glasses for presentation

Variations I Love

Once you master the base recipe, try these twists:

Swap dark rum for coconut rum
Add mango juice for extra tropical flavor
Use blood orange juice for a deeper citrus note
Add a splash of passion fruit syrup

This flexibility is why it’s such an easy Applebee’s Zombie Drink Recipe to keep in your back pocket.

FAQs

Is this drink very strong?
It’s balanced and smooth, but it does contain multiple rums, so sip slowly.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yes — replace rum with extra juice and a splash of club soda.

What rum works best?
Any good-quality light and dark rum will work.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, mix everything except ice and grenadine, then chill.

Is this exactly Applebee’s recipe?
This is a close copycat inspired by the restaurant version.

Final Thoughts

This Applebee’s Zombie Drink Recipe is pure fun in a glass. It’s colorful, tropical, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself after a long day, this drink brings a little island energy wherever it’s poured.

Sometimes, all you need is a good cocktail, good company, and a moment to slow down — and this one delivers every time.