Jungle Bird Cocktail Recipe – A Bold Tropical Classic

Craving a tropical escape in a glass? Look no further than the Jungle Bird cocktail. The Jungle Bird is a vibrant mix of dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, and lime juice. It offers a unique blend of tropical sweetness and bitter undertones, making it more than just a drink; it’s an experience.

Equipment

To make a Jungle Bird Cocktail, gather a cocktail shaker, strainer, and rocks glass. You’ll also need a jigger for precise measurements and a bar spoon for stirring. Additionally, a fine mesh strainer can be useful to achieve a smooth texture.

Ingredients

• 45 ml dark rum
• 22 ml Campari
• 45 ml pineapple juice
• 15 ml lime juice
• 15 ml demerara syrup
• Garnish: Pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry

Fresh ingredients can greatly improve the cocktail’s taste. Use high-quality rum and freshly pressed juices when possible.

Instructions

1. Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and demerara syrup.
3. Shake well for 10-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.

This method ensures a chilled, well-mixed drink.

Tasting Notes

The Jungle Bird Cocktail delivers a tropical essence with a bitter twist. You’ll first taste the sweetness of pineapple juice mingling with the richness of dark rum. The bitterness of Campari cuts through, balanced by the citrusy lime and sweet syrup.

Similar Cocktails

• Mai Tai: Another rum-based tiki cocktail with almond liqueur.
• Painkiller: Uses rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
• Zombie: A complex mix of rums and fruit juices.

These cocktails share tropical influences but vary in complexity and flavor profiles.

History

The Jungle Bird Cocktail was created in the 1970s at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton. It quickly became known for its unique combination of rum and Campari. Initially served as a welcome drink, it has since gained popularity in tiki bars worldwide.

Quick Pro Tips

• Use fresh pineapple juice for a better taste.
• For a smoother drink, double-strain your cocktail.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of demerara syrup.

When to Serve

Serve the Jungle Bird Cocktail at summer parties, tiki-themed events, or casual gatherings. Its tropical and refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm weather occasions or when you want to bring a bit of the tropics to your event.