Spiced Jungle Bird
A contemporary evolution of the Malaysian Jungle Bird that introduces warming spices like cinnamon, allspice, and clove, creating a complex interplay of bitter, sweet, tropical, and spiced notes perfect for both summer and cooler evenings.
21%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Spiced Jungle Bird evolved from the classic Jungle Bird, created in 1973 by Jeffrey Ong See Teik at the Aviary Bar in Kuala Lumpur Hilton. The spiced variation emerged during the modern craft cocktail renaissance as bartenders sought to add seasonal flair and extra complexity to the beloved tiki drink. The addition of warming spices transforms it into a "tiki-adjacent" drink perfect for cooler months while maintaining its tropical soul.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
1.5 oz
0.8 oz
1.5 oz
0.5 oz
0.5 oz
2 dashes
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker with ice
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled and pineapple juice creates a fine froth
Double-strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube
Garnish with a pineapple frond and freshly grated cinnamon
Glassware
Served in a rocks glass with a large ice cube to preserve robust flavors
Garnish
Fresh pineapple leaf
Grate cinnamon stick over drink
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Make spiced demerara syrup ahead with cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and star anise
Toast whole spices before adding to syrup for enhanced flavor
Use fresh pineapple juice for bright, tart flavor and natural foam
Double-strain to remove ice shards and fruit pulp for smooth texture
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Spiced Jungle Bird.
Extra Spicy
Add a quarter-ounce of allspice dram for more spice complexity
Changes
Cinnamon Forward
Use cinnamon-only syrup for focused spice profile
Changes
Smoky Spiced Bird
Replace rum with mezcal for smoky complexity
Changes
Kentucky Spiced Bird
Substitute bourbon for rum creating a richer, oak-forward drink
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Clarified Jungle Bird
A modern classic transformation using milk washing to create crystal clarity while preserving the signature rum, Campari, and pineapple harmony.
Gin Jungle Bird
A modern, sophisticated twist on the classic tiki-era Jungle Bird, substituting the traditional rum with the botanical complexity of gin.
Jungle Bird
Malaysia's 1970s tiki gift: blackstrap rum, Campari, pineapple and lime shaken into a bittersweet tropical sipper.