The Jungle Bird is a tropical rum cocktail with that certain something! Bitter Campari blends the sweet pineapple juice into a balanced and refreshing mixed drink.
Do you like fruity drinks but want something more complex? Here’s the drink for you: this jungle bird! It’s one of the rare rum cocktails that combines tropical flavors with an Italian bitter: Campari. You may know Campari from the ubiquitous Negroni: an ultra-dry and bitter drink. But add it to a tropical drink and the effect is amazing. Campari perfectly balances the drink and adds an intriguing complexity to the finish. In fact, he’s become a favorite here… and given our extensive cocktail library, that’s an understatement. It hits just the right notes: sweet, tart, fruity and bitter.
What is a Jungle Bird cocktail?
The Jungle Bird is a tropical cocktail made with rum, pineapple juice and Campari. According to legend, it was invented in 1978 in the Aviary bar at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton. The telltale sign is that it’s modern: it blends bitter Italian Campari with tropical flavors. This drink has grown in popularity recently, fueled by the Negroni craze. The drink is often garnished with pineapple leaves to mimic a bird’s feathers. The ingredients of a Jungle Bird cocktail are:
Dark Rum vs. Light Rum: What’s the Difference?
The Jungle Bird uses dark rum: something completely different from the light rum you have for daiquiris and piña coladas. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:
- Dark rum matures longer than white rum. It is dark in color and has a distinct flavor with hints of caramel.
- Pale rum or white rum is clear and has a softer, smoother taste than dark rum.
Can you use light rum in a Jungle Bird? Secure. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’s similar. Of course, if you’re a purist: get a bottle of dark rum!
All about Campari
Campari is an Italian bitter with a bright red color! It’s easy to find and mainly used in Negroni and other classic cocktails like Americano and Boulevardier.
How does Campari taste? It is bitter, fruity and spicy at the same time. It is enriched with various herbs and fruits, part of a secret recipe. Fun Fact: Campari was originally so bright red because a dye was made from crushed insects! It’s no longer in the modern recipe, so don’t let that stop you from picking up a bottle.
How to make a jungle bird
It’s quick and easy to make a jungle bird once you have all the ingredients on hand! Shake, then garnish:
- Shake in a cocktail shaker. Combine all ingredients in a shaker, add ice and shake (Don’t have one? Use a mason jar!)
- Pour into a glass and decorate. Strain the drink into a lowball glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice. If you have pineapple leaves on hand, they make a great garnish reminiscent of bird feathers.
More Campari cocktails
do you like campari There are so many interesting drinks made with this Italian liqueur to try outside of Negroni. Here are some excellent Campari cocktails to try:
- Negroni Sbagliato A twist on the classic cocktail with sparkling wine instead of gin. It is bitter, sweet and sparkling at the same time.
- Old Pal Cocktail An elegant, easy-drinking three-ingredient cocktail that balances bitter and sweet with a fiery whiskey.
- Mezcal Negroni The way the smoke from Mezcal balances out the bitter Campari makes it an even better drink.
- Campari Spritz Bitter and sparkling, this cocktail mixes the popular aperitif with sparkling wine and soda water.
When to serve a jungle bird
The Jungle Bird is a festive and fun cocktail, perfect for parties or a casual night out! It’s great like:
- summer drink
- signature drink
- Aperitif at aperitif time
- party drink
- Happy hour drink
- Drink at dinner
The description
The Jungle Bird is a tropical rum cocktail with that certain something! Bitter Campari blends the sweet pineapple juice into a balanced and refreshing mixed drink.
- 1½ ounce (3 tablespoons) dark rum
- 1½ ounce (3 tablespoons) pineapple juice
- 3/4 at 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Campari (to taste)
- ½ ounce (1 tbsp) lime juice
- ½ ounce (1 tbsp) simple syrup or maple syrup
- For the garnish: pineapple wedge, pineapple leaves (optional)
- Place dark rum, pineapple juice, Campari, lime juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously until cool.
- Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice, pineapple leaves or fresh mint.
- Category: drink
- Method: cocktails
- Kitchen: American
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: Jungle bird, rum cocktail
More rum drinks
Do you like cocktails with rum? Here are a few more to add to your repertoire:
