Episode 80 Jungle Bird

Aug 28

Ep. 80: Come fly with me – Jungle Bird and Kentucky Bird

Welcome to Season 5 episode 80 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle

The Jungle Bird is a cocktail you need to be familiar with, especially if you struggle with that bottle of Campari that’s staring at you from your bar cart. This tiki drink makes excellent use of our bitter friend in a way that will please even the most hateful of Campari haters – and we feel bad for the haters (please don’t hate). Uncle Brad goes into the surprising origins of the Jungle Bird and, of course, gives us the real deal recipe while Jules hits us with a Kentucky twist. Stick around for the excellent tip inspired by @aberryx

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Art of Drinking Podcast | Your Favorite Uncle | Join Jules

RECIPES

Get the full recipes here!

the Jungle Bird Cocktail, a lil backstory

The Jungle Bird cocktail has a vibrant history that dates back to the 1970s. It was first created in 1973 at the Aviary Bar in the Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The cocktail was originally served as a welcome drink to guests, designed to reflect the exotic and tropical ambiance of the hotel.

The Jungle Bird is a unique blend of dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. The inclusion of Campari, a bitter Italian aperitif, sets it apart from other tiki-style drinks, adding a distinct bitterness that balances the sweetness of the pineapple juice.

Over time, the Jungle Bird gained popularity beyond Malaysia, especially during the tiki cocktail revival in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It has since become a beloved classic, recognized for its refreshing yet complex flavor profile and its historical roots in Southeast Asia.

TIP: What are some rimmers and garnishes you can make on your own?