The Jungle Bird cocktail was created in the 1970s in the Aviary Bar at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton hotel. Bartender Jeffrey Ong created the cocktail, often serving it in a porcelain vessel shaped like a bird. The Jungle Bird was served as the welcome drink at this Hilton. This tiki drink became very popular in Malaysia. Decades later, it has made its way around the world. The first written recipe was documented in “The New American Bartender’s Guide” by John J. Poister. Years later, it was featured in Jeff Berry’s book, “Intoxica,” in 2002.
Made with just five ingredients—rum, Campari, lime juice, pineapple juice and demerara syrup—this sophisticated cocktail is easy to make at home.
More Rum Drinks: Rum Runner, Mai Tai, Mojito, Piña Colada, Dark & Stormy, Cuba Libre, Blue Hawaii, Bahama Mama, Painkiller, Hemingway Daiquiri.
Ingredients in a Jungle Bird
- Rum – Choose a blackstrap or dark rum
- Campari – Or any Italian bitter
- Pineapple Juice – For sweetness and tropical flavor
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed
- Demerara Syrup – A simple syrup made using demerara sugar
- Garnish – With a pineapple wedge, cherry or lime slice
The traditional glassware choice for a Jungle Bird was a bird-shaped ceramic mug. I used a double old fashioned glass. If you want to be elaborate, these bird glasses are very fun as well.
Instructions
Begin by pouring the rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and demerara syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake for 10-15 seconds.
Strain over a glass with fresh ice.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge, cherry or lime slice.
Tips for Making
- Best Rum for a Jungle Bird – This recipe calls for blackstrap rum, while Jeff Berry favored Jamaican rum. The first written recipe called for generic dark rum, so we recommend sticking to a dark rum.
- Substitutions – If you don’t have demerara syrup, you can substitute it for simple syrup. You can also substitute Campari for another Italian bitter (such as Aperol, which is slightly more sweet than Campari).
- Garnish ideas – You can use pineapple fronds (pineapple leaves) to top the drink. This has a cool bird-like appearance. We used a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry secured together with a cocktail pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Jungle Bird cocktail?
The ingredients include blackstrap rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice and demerara syrup.
What is the origin of the Jungle Bird cocktail?
The Jungle Bird cocktail was created by bartender Jeffrey Ong in the 1970s in the Aviary Bar at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton hotel in Malaysia.
What is the best rum for a Jungle Bird cocktail?
Most recipes calls for blackstrap rum, while Jeff Berry favored Jamaican rum. The first written recipe called for generic dark rum, so we recommend sticking to a dark rum.
More Recipes to Try:
- Happy Hour favorites – Boulevardier, Daiquiri, Negroni, Vieux Carré, Jello Shots
- Dips – Taco Dip, Corn Dip, Cookie Dough Dip, Queso Recipe
- Appetizers – 30+ Finger Foods for a Party
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Ingredients
- 1½ ounces blackstrap rum
- ¾ ounce Campari
- 1½ ounces pineapple juice
- ½ ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce demerara syrup
Equipment
- 1 cocktail shaker
- 1 double old fashioned glass
Instructions
- Begin by pouring the rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and demerara syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain over a glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge, cherry or lime slice.
Notes
- Best Rum for a Jungle Bird – This recipe calls for blackstrap rum, while Jeff Berry favored Jamaican rum. The first written recipe called for generic dark rum, so we recommend sticking to a dark rum.
- Substitutions – If you don’t have demerara syrup, you can substitute it for simple syrup. You can also substitute Campari for another Italian bitter (such as Aperol, which is slightly more sweet than Campari).
- Garnish ideas – You can use use pineapple fronds (pineapple leaves) to top the drink. This has a cool bird-like appearance. We used a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry secured together with a cocktail pick.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
One of my all time favorites!
So tropical and fun!
OMG! Aperol Sprits – go home!!