Applebee’s Tipsy Zombie Drink Recipe | Bright, Boozy & Fun

Craving a refreshing tropical cocktail that feels like a beach vacation in a glass? Let me introduce you to the Applebee’s Tipsy Zombie Drink,  a colourful, fruity, and boozy drink that has quickly become one of my all-time favourites. Bursting with tropical rum, melon liqueur, passion fruit, and pineapple juice, this vibrant cocktail is as fun to make as it is to sip. 

Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a summer BBQ, or simply looking for a way to recreate that Applebee’s happy hour vibe at home, this recipe will hit the spot.

How to Make Applebee’s Tipsy Zombie Drink

Making this cocktail is super simple, and honestly, that’s why I love it so much. It’s one of those drinks that looks impressive but takes less than five minutes to whip up. Here’s my step-by-step guide:

Mixing the Drink

1. Prepare your shaker – Start by adding a handful of ice to your cocktail shaker. This is key to quickly chilling the mix.
   
2. Combine the main ingredients – Pour in 2 ½ oz Bacardi Superior White Rum, 1 oz Passion Fruit Mix, ½ oz Midori Melon Liqueur, 3 oz Pineapple Juice, and 1 oz Blue Curacao.
   
3. Shake it up – Secure the lid and shake gently for about 15–20 seconds. You want everything to blend nicely while staying cold and fresh.
   

Serving the Cocktail

1. Fill your glass – Take a large balloon glass (or any wide cocktail glass) and add small ice cubes. This not only keeps the drink cold but also gives it that crisp look.
   
2. Pour the mix – Strain the shaken cocktail into your glass, letting those vibrant tropical colours shine.
   
3. Add the magic touch – Using a syringe or bar spoon, carefully drizzle a splash of cherry juice on top. It will slowly sink and swirl, giving the drink that signature Applebee’s look.
   

And there you have it,  your very own Applebee’s Tipsy Zombie Drink ready to sip and savour!

Serving and Garnishing the Tipsy Zombie

One of the best parts about this cocktail is how stunning it looks when served. That layered, tropical vibe is an instant crowd-pleaser. Here’s how I like to serve it:

• Glassware Choice: A large balloon glass is my favourite because it really showcases the bright colours. You can also use a hurricane glass for that tiki-style presentation.
  
• Garnish Ideas: Top it with a pineapple wedge, an orange slice, or a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick. If you’re feeling extra fun, add a little paper umbrella for that tropical island feel.
  
• Extra Flair: I sometimes freeze edible flowers into ice cubes or use crushed ice to give it a frosty, tiki-bar effect.

Variations to Try

The beauty of the Tipsy Zombie is that you can easily customize it to your taste. Here are some variations I recommend trying:

• More decisive Kick: Add a float of dark rum (like Myers’s or Gosling’s Black Seal) on top for a more traditional “zombie” style.
  
• Sweeter Twist: Swap the passion fruit mix with mango or guava juice for a different tropical punch.
  
• Mocktail Version: Skip the rum and liqueurs, and replace them with pineapple juice, passion fruit syrup, and a splash of lemon-lime soda for a family-friendly drink.
  
• Frozen Zombie: Blend all the ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy-style cocktail that’s perfect for hot days.
  

These tweaks let you enjoy the classic Applebee’s vibe while tailoring the drink to your own preferences.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Cocktails like the Tipsy Zombie are best enjoyed fresh, but there are a few tricks I use when prepping for a party:

• Batch It Up: Mix the rum, Midori, passion fruit, pineapple juice, and Blue Curacao in a pitcher a few hours ahead of time. Keep it chilled in the fridge. When it’s party time, shake with ice and pour.
  
• Cherry Swirl on Demand: Always add the cherry juice right before serving for a dramatic colour effect.
  
• Ice Advice: Use fresh ice cubes when serving – melted ice can water down the drink’s bold flavours.

FAQ Applebee’s Tipsy Zombie Drink Recipe

1. What is the Tipsy Zombie at Applebee’s?

The Tipsy Zombie is a tropical cocktail served at Applebee’s, made with rum, passion fruit, melon liqueur, pineapple juice, and Blue Curacao, topped with a splash of cherry juice for a colourful finish.

2. Can I make the Tipsy Zombie without alcohol?

Yes! Swap out the rum and liqueurs for extra pineapple juice, passion fruit syrup, and a splash of lemon-lime soda. It becomes a refreshing tropical mocktail.

3. What type of rum works best for this recipe?

Applebee’s uses light rum, so Bacardi Superior White Rum is a perfect match. For an extra kick, you can add a float of dark rum on top to make it more like a classic zombie cocktail.

4. Do I need a cocktail shaker to make this drink?

A shaker helps blend and chill the ingredients, but if you don’t have one, you can use a mason jar with a lid or stir everything over ice in your glass.

5. Can I make a large batch of Tipsy Zombie for a party?

Absolutely! Mix all the ingredients (except the cherry juice) in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. When serving, pour over ice and finish with a drizzle of cherry juice for the signature layered look.

6. How many calories are in the Applebee’s Tipsy Zombie?

A single serving is around 240 calories, though this can vary depending on the brand of rum, mixers, and syrups you use.

7. What’s the best garnish for the Tipsy Zombie?

Classic garnishes include a maraschino cherry, a pineapple wedge, or even an orange slice for a forlorn cocktail

Final The ThoughtsipsyThe Tipsy

The Tipsy Zombie is one of those cocktails that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical getaway. From its bright blue-green base to that swirl of cherry juice, it’s as much a showpiece as it is a refreshing sip. I love making this for friends because it looks impressive but takes almost no time at all.

If you’re craving a fruity, beach-inspired drink without leaving home, this recipe is the way to go. Customize it, garnish it, and most importantly,  enjoy every sip. Cheers to bringing the Applebee’s bar experience right into your kitchen!