Jungle Bird Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail isn’t just delicious. It comes with a story. The Jungle Bird recipe was first created in the late 1970s at the Aviary Bar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the time, it was the Hilton Hotel’s signature welcome drink, which adds a bit of charm to its history.

We’re excited to share how you can make this tiki classic at home. From tips to creative twists, we’ve got everything you need to make your own Jungle Bird recipe.

Let’s get shaking. Try the recipe at home and tell us how it turns out. We’d love to hear about your Jungle Bird experience!

Ingredients You'll Need

Let’s gather everything we need to make the perfect Jungle Bird cocktail. This tropical drink gets its unique flavor from a few key ingredients that work together beautifully.

Dark Rum

Dark rum brings a rich, molasses-like flavor that balances the sweetness and bitterness of the other ingredients. Jamaican rum is a great choice for its bold character, but blackstrap rum, like Cruzan, can bring even more depth.

Feeling adventurous? Try an aged or spiced rum. It’ll change up the flavor in a fun and delicious way.

Campari

Campari adds bitter, herbal notes that create a bold twist and pair perfectly with the sweet pineapple and dark rum.

If you don’t have Campari, Aperol can work, though it’s less bitter. You can also tweak the amount to suit your taste. Want more bitterness? Add extra Campari. Prefer it sweeter? Use a little less.

Fresh Pineapple Juice

Fresh pineapple juice brings bright, tropical sweetness that makes all the difference. If you have a juicer, great! If not, muddling fresh pineapple chunks works too.

Can’t go fresh? Look for high-quality, 100% pineapple juice at the store. Skip anything with added sugars or preservatives.

Lime Juice

A splash of lime juice adds just the right amount of zest and ties all the flavors together. Always go for freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled juice doesn’t even come close.

To get the most juice, roll your lime on the counter with a little pressure before cutting it.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup smooths everything out and brings the flavors into harmony. Making your own is easy. Just mix equal parts sugar and water, heat until the sugar dissolves, and let it cool.

For extra depth, try using demerara sugar or honey syrup instead. You can also adjust the amount to make your Jungle Bird as sweet or as balanced as you like.

How to Make a Jungle Bird Cocktail

Let’s make a Jungle Bird together. First, we’ll grab a shaker and fill it with ice. Then, we’ll add dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, and lime juice.

Now for the fun part. We’ll shake it up for about 10 to 15 seconds. This chills everything and blends the flavors perfectly.

Next, we’ll strain the mix into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This keeps the drink nice and cold.

To finish, we’ll garnish it with a pineapple wedge and a cherry. It adds a bright, tropical look and a little extra flavor.

Using quality ingredients really makes a difference. We always go for fresh juices and a good dark rum to get the best results.

One quick tip is to avoid overshaking. A quick, vigorous shake works best and prevents the drink from becoming watered down. When straining, we’re careful to keep out any ice chips for a smooth finish.

That deep red color comes from the Campari, and it’s as stunning as it is delicious. We love how the bitter notes from the Campari balance out the sweetness of the pineapple juice. It’s what makes the Jungle Bird so special and so good.

Let’s raise a glass and enjoy this tropical classic!

Jungle Bird Cocktail Recipe Variations

We love the classic Jungle Bird, but it’s always fun to mix things up. Let’s explore a few creative twists that make this tiki favorite even more exciting.

First, there’s the Aperol Jungle Bird. Swap out Campari for Aperol if you’re looking for a softer, less bitter flavor. It’s a great option when you want something a little lighter.

For those who like a bit of heat, the Spicy Jungle Bird is a must-try. Add a dash of hot sauce or use chili-infused simple syrup. The hint of spice works beautifully with the sweet pineapple juice.

If you’re in the mood to cool down, a Frozen Jungle Bird is the way to go. Blend all the ingredients with ice, and you’ve got yourself a grown-up tropical slushie.

We haven’t forgotten our non-drinking friends. A booze-free Jungle Bird is just as delicious. Use non-alcoholic rum and mix cranberry and grapefruit juice to mimic the Campari’s bitterness.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with the rum. The classic calls for dark Jamaican rum, but blackstrap rum adds richness, and blending different rums can bring even more depth.

The best cocktail is the one that suits your taste. Try these ideas, tweak them, and see what you love most. If you create your own twist, we’d love to hear about it. Share your version with us online. Cheers to getting creative and making it your own!

Other Tiki Cocktails to Try

If you love the Jungle Bird, you’re in for a treat. Check out these other tiki classics:

• Mai Tai
• Zombie
• Painkiller

Looking for even more rum-based inspiration? Explore these collections of easy white rum cocktails, dark rum cocktails, and two-ingredient rum drinks. Cheers!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Jungle Bird Cocktail?

The Jungle Bird is a tropical drink that packs a flavorful punch. We mix dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to create this tasty cocktail.

It's a perfect balance of sweet and bitter. The pineapple juice adds tropical sweetness, while Campari brings a bold, bitter kick to the mix.

What is the origin of the Jungle Bird cocktail?

The Jungle Bird first took flight in Malaysia in the late 1970s. Jeffrey Ong created it at the Aviary Bar in Kuala Lumpur's Hilton Hotel.

It started as a welcome drink for hotel guests. Over time, it became a classic tiki cocktail, earning a spot in many bartending guides.

What is the best rum for a Jungle Bird?

We love using dark Jamaican rum or blackstrap rum in our Jungle Birds. These give the drink a rich, deep flavor that stands up to the Campari.

Try brands like Plantation or Dos Maderas. Don't be afraid to experiment! Spiced or flavored rums can add interesting twists to the classic recipe.

How strong is a Jungle Bird Drink?

A Jungle Bird packs quite a punch. It typically contains about 2 ounces of alcohol from the rum and Campari.

The sweet pineapple juice can mask the strength. We always remind our friends to sip slowly and enjoy responsibly.

How can I adjust the recipe for larger batches?

Making Jungle Birds for a crowd? No problem! We simply multiply each ingredient by the number of servings needed.

For best results, mix everything except ice in a large pitcher. When ready to serve, pour over ice in individual glasses. This keeps the drink from getting too watery.

Jungle Bird Cocktail Recipe

The Jungle Bird is one of those cocktails that hits the perfect balance between sweet and bitter. We love the way dark rum, Campari, and pineapple juice come together in this tropical treat. It’s a vibrant and refreshing drink that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re relaxing at home or hosting friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Hawthorne Strainer
• Fine mesh Strainer
• Old-fashioned glass
• Bar Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 oz Dark Rum
• 0.75 oz Campari
• 1.5 oz Pineapple Juice
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
• Pineapple wedge, Pineapple leaves, Maraschino cherry for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill your shaker with ice and add the dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake for 10 to 15 seconds to mix and chill the drink.
• Strain the cocktail into an Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice, using both a Hawthorne and fine mesh strainer.
• Garnish with a pineapple wedge, pineapple leaves, and a maraschino cherry. Give it a quick stir and enjoy!

Notes

• For the rum, we recommend using a dark Jamaican rum for its rich, bold flavor. If you want something even deeper, try blackstrap rum. Experiment with different dark rums to discover your favorite version of this cocktail.
• Not a fan of Campari’s bitterness? Aperol is a great alternative for a sweeter twist.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking by starting with less simple syrup and adding more if needed.

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