A classic tropical cocktail celebrated for its vibrant, sunny hue and refreshingly complex flavor profile, blending rum with the distinctive vanilla-anise notes of Galliano L'Autentico.
31%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
“The Yellow Bird's exact origins are debated, but it's most credibly linked to the popular Haitian song "Yellow Bird" (originally "Choucoune"), which was adapted with English lyrics in 1957 and popularized by artists like Harry Belafonte. The cocktail likely emerged in the Caribbean during the 1960s when Galliano was gaining popularity in the U.S. One theory suggests it was created at the Shell Bar in The Hawaii Village, while another points to Jamaica in the mid-1950s. The drink became a staple of tropical resorts and tiki bars throughout the 1960s and 70s, representing a bridge between the classic tiki era and simpler tropical cocktails.”
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or cocktail glass
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
Fill the shaker with ice
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled
Double strain into the chilled glass
Served up in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass
Fresh lime wheel
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
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use freshly squeezed lime juice - bottled will make the drink taste artificial
Shake vigorously with plenty of ice to achieve proper temperature and dilution
Serve immediately after shaking to enjoy peak freshness and chill
Don't over-pour the Galliano as it can dominate other flavors
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Yellow Bird.
Official IBA proportions with more Galliano-forward profile
Using aged rum for richer flavor profile
Tropical version with fruit juices and crème de banane
Version with both light and dark rum plus orange juice
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