There is no cocktail with a name that symbolizes a holiday as much as the Zombie does for Halloween, particularly because it has the ability to turn you into one if you drink too many of them.

The story behind the drink is an apt one as well. It was invented by Donn Beach, a bartender at Hollywood’s Don the Beachcomber restaurant, in the late 1930’s.

The story goes that Beach devised the cocktail to help a hung-over customer who had to attend a business meeting. The customer apparently returned a few days later to complain he had been turned into a zombie after drinking a few of them, thereupon creating the name. He may have been confused by the cocktail’s smooth, fruity taste, which masks its high alcohol content.

Beach was apparently very secretive about his recipe for the Zombie, which may explain why there are so many different concoctions bearing its name. However, it is generally made of fruit juices, liqueurs and a variety of rums, including one that is 151 proof. The last usually tops the rest of the ingredients, and can be set on fire if so desired.

Below please find a few different recipes that will likely make this Halloween the best you’ve ever had.

Zombie recipe1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum1 oz pineapple juice1 oz orange juice1/2 oz apricot brandy1 tsp sugar2 oz light rum1 oz dark rum1 oz lime juice

Blend all ingredients with ice except Bacardi 151 proof rum. Pour into a collins glass . Float Bacardi 151 proof rum on top. Garnish with a fruit slice, sprig of mint and a cherry.

24% (48 proof)

Zombie #2 recipe1 oz light rum1/2 oz creme de almond1 1/2 oz sweet and sour mix1/2 oz triple sec1 1/2 oz orange juice1/2 oz 151 proof rum

Shake all ingredients (except 151 proof rum) with ice and strain into a collins glass over ice cubes. Float the 151 proof rum on top, add a cherry (if desired), and serve.

19% (38 proof)

Zombie #3 recipe1 1/4 oz lemon juice2 dashes grenadine syrup3/4 oz orange juice3/4 oz Heering® cherry liqueur3/4 oz white rum2 oz dark rum3/4 oz 151 proof rum

Shake over ice in a shaker, and strain into a large highball glass over crushed ice.

28% (56 proof)

Zombie #4 recipe1 1/2 oz gold rum3 tsp lime juice1 tbsp Jamaican dark rum1 tbsp white rum1 tbsp pineapple juice1 tbsp papaya juice1 1/2 tsp sugar syrup1 tsp 151 proof rum1 pineapple stick1 pinch powdered sugar

Shake all ingredients (except the high-proof rum) over ice, the pineapple stick and the sugar. Strain and add ice. Garnish with pineapple and a cherry. Float the high-proof rum on top and sprinkle a little sugar over it.

25% (50 proof)

Zombie #5 recipe1 oz light rum1/2 oz creme de noyaux1/2 oz triple sec1 1/2 oz sweet and sour mix1 1/2 oz orange juice1/2 oz 151 proof rum

Strain ingredients into collins glass filled with ice. Top with 151 Proof Rum.

19% (38 proof)

Source: Drinks Mixer