The Jungle Bird cocktail is such a showstopper, it’s no wonder it’s Malaysia’s national drink. While it contains Campari, it differs from the classically bitter cocktails with Campari like the Negroni, as the Jungle Bird cocktail recipe makes a much sweeter sip. With caramel tones of rum, fresh sweet pineapple and lime juice, this drink is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter drink.
What is a Jungle Bird Cocktail?
The Jungle Bird cocktail history unfolds at the Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur in 1973, where Jeffrey Ong aptly developed this welcome drink for the Aviary Bar. It was even served in crazy bird shaped containers! For a cocktail that uses Campari, it’s surprisingly sweet and not at all bitter. While the bird shaped glasses are optional, a Jungle Bird cocktail should look as tropical as it tastes so garnish with a few pineapple fronds for the final ta-da this cocktail deserves.
The Best Jungle Bird cocktail recipe
To make our Jungle Bird Cocktail recipe, you’ll need a decent Jamaican rum. We love Appleton Estate Signature Rum (it’s award winning) as it lines the palette with sweet molasses and peach notes. If you’re a rum fan, try an 8 year old reserve that gives deeper vanilla and orange flavours.
For the juice elements, choose freshly squeezed pineapple juice if you can and make sure you squeeze your limes at the last minute for the ultimate zing. Don’t forget to balance the tartness with either a store bought or homemade sugar syrup.
Rum, pineapple and lime are usual suspects in a tropical drink however this combination doesn’t often see the unexpected addition of Campari. This undeniably Italian red spirit adds a very gentle tang and complexity to this otherwise overtly sweet cocktail, offering a hint of orange and botanicals. You’ll love it, we promise!
