The Jungle Bird is a bold and intriguing tropical cocktail that brings a distinctive edge to classic tiki-style drinks. With its unique blend of dark rum, bitter Campari, sweet pineapple juice, and zesty lime, this drink offers a rich complexity that appeals to both traditional rum lovers and fans of more adventurous flavor profiles. Its balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes has made it a modern classic and a standout on any cocktail menu.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cocktail is a departure from overly sweet tropical drinks, offering depth and balance that make it truly memorable. The dark rum provides a molasses-like richness, while Campari introduces a bold, bitter contrast. Pineapple and lime round it out with freshness and tang, and the simple syrup ties all the elements together. It’s easy to prepare and makes an excellent choice for those looking to expand their palate or impress guests with something beyond the ordinary.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- dark rum
- Campari
- pineapple juice
- fresh lime juice
- simple syrup
- ice
- pineapple wedge or pineapple leaves (for garnish)
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge or a few pineapple leaves for a tropical touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of tropical sweetness and elegant bitterness.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Calories: 175 kcal per serving
Variations
- Lighter Version: Substitute dark rum with light or aged rum for a softer flavor.
- Spiced Rum: Use spiced rum to introduce notes of vanilla, clove, and cinnamon.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange juice or orange bitters for added brightness.
- Herbal Finish: Muddle a basil or mint leaf in the shaker for a subtle herbal note.
- Frozen Version: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy-style Jungle Bird.
Storage/Reheating
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you wish to prepare in advance, mix all the liquid ingredients (excluding ice) and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice just before serving. This cocktail should not be frozen or reheated.
FAQs
What kind of rum works best in a Jungle Bird?
A full-bodied dark rum, such as Jamaican or blackstrap rum, is ideal for its deep flavor and richness.
Can I make a Jungle Bird without Campari?
Campari is essential for the drink’s signature bitterness, but you can substitute it with another bitter liqueur like Aperol or a gentian-based amaro for a milder variation.
Is this cocktail very bitter?
It has a balanced bitterness from the Campari that’s softened by the pineapple juice and syrup. Adjust the syrup to taste if desired.
Can I batch this cocktail for a party?
Yes. Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix in a pitcher. Chill well and shake individual servings with ice before serving.
Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, canned juice works fine. Choose 100% pineapple juice without added sugars for best results.
What type of glass is best?
A rocks glass is traditional, especially with a large ice cube to keep the drink cold without rapid dilution.
Is fresh lime juice necessary?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch if it’s 100% juice.
How can I make it sweeter?
Increase the amount of simple syrup slightly, especially if using a particularly strong or dry Campari.
What’s the origin of the Jungle Bird?
The Jungle Bird was created in the 1970s at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton in Malaysia, originally served as a welcome drink.
What garnishes work besides pineapple?
Consider a lime wheel, orange twist, or edible flower for a creative and colorful garnish alternative.
Conclusion
The Jungle Bird Cocktail is a vibrant and complex drink that captures both the exotic spirit of tiki culture and the refined balance of a modern classic. Its rich layers of rum, pineapple, lime, and bitter Campari offer a refreshing and sophisticated experience perfect for summer evenings, cocktail parties, or simply exploring bold new flavors. Easy to make and unforgettable to taste, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a twist on the tropical.
PrintJungle Bird Cocktail
The Jungle Bird Cocktail is a bold, tropical classic that marries the rich warmth of dark rum with the bittersweet complexity of Campari, balanced by pineapple juice, lime, and a touch of simple syrup. This tiki-inspired drink is perfect for lovers of fruity cocktails with a sophisticated twist, offering layers of sweet, sour, and bitter in every sip. A true gem for summer parties or craft cocktail nights.
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1 1/2 oz dark rum
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Tropical / Tiki-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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1 1/2 oz dark rum
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3/4 oz Campari
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1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
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1/2 oz fresh lime juice
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1/2 oz simple syrup
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Ice
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Garnish: pineapple wedge or pineapple leaves
Instructions
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In a cocktail shaker, combine dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
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Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
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Strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
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Garnish with a pineapple wedge or pineapple leaves.
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Serve immediately and enjoy the unique balance of tropical sweetness and herbal bitterness.
Notes
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For a smokier flavor, try using aged or spiced rum.
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Campari brings a bold bitterness—adjust the sweetness to taste with extra simple syrup if desired.
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Great for fans of tiki-style cocktails who enjoy complex, layered flavors.