Jungle Bird – Dark Rum Recipe

Master this iconic tropical classic with the perfect balance of dark rum's rich molasses notes, pineapple's lush sweetness, and Campari's distinctive bitterness. This easy craft cocktail recipe delivers a sophisticated tiki experience that's both refreshing and complex – the best homemade Jungle Bird you'll ever make!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml dark rum (Jamaican rum preferred)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml Campari</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50ml pineapple juice (fresh if possible)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pineapple wedge and frond for garnish</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Double rocks glass</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Chill your rocks glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside while you prepare the cocktail. This pre-chilling ensures your drink stays colder longer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the dark rum, Campari, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker. The dark rum provides rich molasses notes that form the backbone of this tropical classic.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Fill your shaker with ice (about 2/3 full) and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds. This properly chills the cocktail while creating that perfect silky texture and slight dilution needed to balance the strong flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Discard the ice from your chilled glass and fill it with fresh ice, preferably larger cubes that will melt more slowly and maintain the drink's integrity.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Strain the cocktail into your prepared glass over the fresh ice. You should see a beautiful ruby-amber color developing as the ingredients combine.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and a pineapple frond if available. Position the frond to resemble a bird's plumage – this is how the drink got its name! The aromatics from the fresh pineapple enhance the drinking experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Give the cocktail a quick stir with your bar spoon before serving to ensure all flavors are perfectly integrated. The bittersweet interplay between Campari and pineapple should hit your palate in perfect balance.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Jungle Bird – Dark Rum Recipe?

The Jungle Bird cocktail combines dark rum (preferably Jamaican), Campari, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, and simple syrup. It's garnished with a pineapple wedge and frond for that authentic tropical presentation.

How to make Jungle Bird – Dark Rum Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Jungle Bird – Dark Rum Recipe by combining 50ml dark rum, 20ml Campari, 15ml fresh lime juice, 50ml pineapple juice and 15ml simple syrup in a shaker. Shake with ice for 10-12 seconds, strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, and garnish with pineapple. The perfect balance of sweet, bitter and tropical flavours awaits!

Which dark rum works best for a tropical tiki cocktail?

Jamaican dark rums like Appleton Estate or Myers's are ideal for tiki cocktails due to their rich molasses character and funky notes. Blackstrap rums like Cruzan Black Strap can add intense depth, while aged Barbados rums offer a more nuanced profile with vanilla undertones.

Can I substitute Campari in this bittersweet rum cocktail?

Yes, though Campari provides the signature bitter backbone, you could substitute with Aperol for a lighter, less bitter profile, or Gran Classico for a more herbaceous character. Adjust your sweetener accordingly as these alternatives have different sweetness levels than Campari.

What makes the perfect balance between bitter and sweet in tropical rum drinks?

The perfect bitter-sweet balance in tropical rum drinks comes from precise measurements, quality ingredients, and proper dilution. Fresh citrus is essential to bridge bitter and sweet elements. For this cocktail, the pineapple juice softens Campari's bitterness while the rum adds depth.

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