How to Make Applebee’s Tipsy Zombie
Introduction
Applebee’s Tipsy Zombie is a vibrant, show-stopping tiki cocktail known for its electric blue hue and layered tropical flavors. This fun drink combines a mix of rum, fruit juices, and a splash of blue curaçao liqueur, finished with a hypnotic float of grenadine and a “zombie” gummy garnish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering or simply craving a taste of a bar favorite, mastering the Tipsy Zombie at home is a surefire way to delight your guests with a dazzling drink.
Why the Tipsy Zombie Is a Crowd-Pleaser
There’s nothing quite like the lively, punchy flavors of the Tipsy Zombie. The blend of pineapple and passion fruit juices with smooth rum and tangy blue curaçao offers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and tropical notes. And let’s not forget the drink’s stunning electric blue color and dramatic grenadine “bleed” for that signature spooky effect—it’s as thrilling to look at as it is to sip!
Essential Tips for Crafting the Perfect Tipsy Zombie
To achieve the trademark chill and slush of Applebee’s version, blend your ingredients with plenty of ice. Using a high-powered blender ensures an ultra-smooth consistency and even distribution of flavors. The Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black is ideal here, as it easily crushes ice for the perfect tiki texture.
Fresh citrus juice makes all the difference—opt for freshly squeezed lime and premium pineapple juice for authentic tropical flavor. Don’t forget to layer the grenadine; pour it gently to get that signature ombre effect.
How to Serve the Tipsy Zombie Like a Pro
Presentation matters with colorful cocktails. Opt for a tall glass filled almost to the brim, then add your blue-green mixture and gently float the grenadine over the back of a spoon for that signature “zombie bleed.” Add a tropical paper straw, a fun cocktail umbrella, and, of course, a gummy brain or zombie candy on the rim for a fun touch.
To keep your drink perfectly chilled for longer, consider mixing and serving it in a double-walled tumbler, such as the Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, 30 oz, Rose Quartz—it’ll help avoid condensation and keep the colors poppin’.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Each Tipsy Zombie cocktail contains around 250–300 calories, mostly from rum and fruit juices. The recipe below yields one tall cocktail, but you can easily scale up for a party-sized batch!
Tipsy Zombie (Recap)
The Applebee’s Tipsy Zombie is more than just a drink—it’s a tiki experience! Electric to look at and delicious to sip, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for themed gatherings or anytime you want to shake up your home bartending skills with something a little wild.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add white rum, passion fruit rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and sweet & sour mix to your Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black along with a generous handful of ice. Blend until slushy.
- Pour the blended mixture into a tall glass. For the best layering effect, use a Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler, 30 oz, Rose Quartz or other insulated tumbler to keep the drink icy while you finish.
- Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon into the drink; it will sink and creep up through the blue slush, creating a dramatic effect.
- Top with a splash of club soda if you want a little fizz. Garnish with a gummy zombie or brain for spooky fun, plus a slice of fresh lime.
- Serve with a festive straw and enjoy immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredient Prep Made Easy
For quicker assembly, keep your juices and rums organized using the Lifewit Silverware Drawer Organizer, Expandable, Large, Black, perfect for storing bar tools and accessories at your home bar. If chopping fresh fruit for garnish or prepping lime wedges, the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 keeps your surfaces safe and tidy.
Conclusion
Mastering the Tipsy Zombie at home means you get all the flair and flavor of your favorite Applebee’s cocktail, customized to your tastes. Its mesmerizing colors and tropical punch make it the ultimate party drink—simply blend, pour, and watch your guests light up!