amaro zombie

1 oz Plantation OFTD Overproof Rum
1 1/2 oz Founding Spirits Arroyo's Never Bitter Amaro (*)
1/2 oz Falernum
1 oz Grapefruit Juice
3/4 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Grenadine
1 bsp Absinthe

Flash blend with 2 cups of pebble (or crushed) ice, pour into a glass, and garnish with an edible flower.
(*) Perhaps substitute Averna or Amaro Nonino.
Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending Tiki By the Sea, an annual event held in Wildwood, New Jersey, for the past four years. It was a mix of seminars, competitions, bar pop-ups, and other educational and fun happenings that focused around tropical libations, Tiki history, hospitality, and bartender health and wellness. During Jon Arroyo's "The Art of Blending Frozen Drinks" seminar (a write up will follow shortly), he presented one of the many Zombie variations that I had the pleasure of tasting during the event. His was a blended amaro-forward one that was rather delightful. Once prepared, it offered up a caramel and cinnamon nose that led into a caramel and citrus sip. Next, rum on the swallow was complemented by cinnamon and absinthe flavors.