Paul Kushner
The Jungle Bird is a refreshing drink and a modern classic that’s been gaining popularity in recent years. It’s a perfect combination of sweet and bitter, with a tropical twist that makes it the ideal drink for any occasion. The Jungle Bird has become a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts around the world.
It’s a versatile drink that can be adapted to suit any taste. Some variations include adding coconut cream, ginger, or even jalapeno for a spicy kick. Whether you’re sipping on a Jungle Bird on a tropical beach or enjoying it at home, this cocktail is sure to transport you to a sunny paradise.
History
The Jungle Bird cocktail has a disputed origin, but it is widely believed to have been created in the mid-to-late 1970s at the Aviary Bar in the Kuala Lumpur Hilton hotel in Malaysia. Some sources claim that the drink was first served in 1973, while others suggest it was created in 1978. The cocktail was crafted by Penangite Jeffrey Ong See Teik, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 70.
The Jungle Bird gained popularity in the 1980s when it was featured in The New American Bartender’s Guide by John J. Poister. The recipe in the guidebook was slightly different from the original, but it helped to spread the popularity of the cocktail throughout the United States. In recent years, the Jungle Bird has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the efforts of tiki cocktail historian Jeff “Beachbum” Berry.
Berry included the Jungle Bird in his 2002 book Intoxica! and has since championed the drink as a classic tiki cocktail. Today, the Jungle Bird is a staple on the menus of many tiki bars and cocktail lounges around the world.
How to Make It
Jungle Bird
Making a Jungle Bird cocktail is relatively easy, and it only requires five ingredients: rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and demerara syrup. Here's how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Ounces Dark Rum
- ¾ Ounce Campari
- 1 ½ Ounces Pineapple Juice
- ½ Ounce Lime Juice
- ½ Ounce Demerara Syrup
- 1 Pineapple Wedge Garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 1 1/2 oz of dark Jamaican rum, 3/4 oz of Campari, 1 1/2 oz of fresh pineapple juice, 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice, and 1/2 oz of demerara syrup to the shaker.
- Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
- Garnish the drink with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
Notes
To make a demerara syrup, mix equal parts demerara sugar and water in a saucepan and heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool before using it in the cocktail.
Variations
The Jungle Bird is a versatile cocktail that can be modified in many ways. Here are some variations to try:
Suze Jungle Bird
This variation substitutes Campari with Suze, a gentian liqueur. The result is a less bitter cocktail with a vegetal, herbal flavor that complements the rums.
Italian Bird
This variation adds Amaro Montenegro, an Italian liqueur, to the mix. The result is a more complex, spicier cocktail with a hint of sweetness.
Jungle Bird Spritz
This variation tops the cocktail with soda water and adds a slice of orange for garnish. The result is a lighter, more refreshing version of the Jungle Bird that is perfect for hot summer days.
Jungle Bird Margarita
This variation adds tequila and triple sec to the mix. The result is a fusion between a Jungle Bird and a Margarita that is both tropical and citrusy.
Jungle Bird Negroni
This variation substitutes rum with gin and adds sweet vermouth to the mix. The result is a more classic cocktail with a bitter, herbal flavor that is reminiscent of a Negroni. Experiment with different variations to find your favorite Jungle Bird riff. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients to create your own unique version of this tropical classic.
What is the recipe for a Jungle Bird cocktail?
The Jungle Bird cocktail is a tropical rum-based drink that combines the flavors of sweet pineapple juice and bitter Campari. To make a Jungle Bird cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
1 1/2 oz dark rum
3/4 oz Campari
1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
1/2 oz lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.
What are some variations of the Jungle Bird cocktail?
There are many variations of the Jungle Bird cocktail that you can try, such as using different types of rum or adding other fruit juices. Some popular variations include:
– Substituting white rum for dark rum
– Adding coconut cream for a more tropical flavor
– Using grapefruit juice instead of pineapple juice
– Adding a splash of ginger beer for a spicy kick
What is the best rum to use in a Jungle Bird cocktail?
Dark rum is typically used in a Jungle Bird cocktail, but you can experiment with different types of rum to find your preferred flavor profile. Some popular dark rums to try include:
-Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
-Mount Gay Eclipse
-Myers’s Original Dark Rum
-Gosling’s Black Seal
Can Aperol be used in a Jungle Bird cocktail?
While Campari is the traditional bitter ingredient used in a Jungle Bird cocktail, you can substitute Aperol for a slightly sweeter flavor. Keep in mind that this will change the overall taste of the cocktail, so adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
What is a Clarified Jungle Bird cocktail?
A Clarified Jungle Bird cocktail is a modern twist on the classic recipe that involves clarifying the pineapple juice to remove any pulp or sediment. This results in a clear, smooth cocktail with a more intense flavor. To clarify the pineapple juice, mix it with gelatin and let it set overnight in the fridge before using it in the cocktail.
What is the history of the Jungle Bird cocktail?
The Jungle Bird cocktail was created in 1978 at the Aviary Bar in the Kuala Lumpur Hilton. It was initially created as a welcome drink for guests and quickly gained popularity. The cocktail is known for its unique combination of flavors, making it a favorite among tiki cocktail enthusiasts.
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