Yellow Bird

Yellow Bird

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

History & Heritage

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.

Ingredients

Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.

Method

Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.

1

Chill a coupe or cocktail glass

2

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker

3

Fill the shaker with ice

4

Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled

5

Double strain into the chilled glass

Glassware

coupe

Served up in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass

Garnish

Lime wheel

Fresh lime wheel

Flavor Journey

Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.

6

Sweet

out of 10

6

Sour

out of 10

2

Bitter

out of 10

7

Strong

out of 10

Master's Tips

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

Variations & Riffs

Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Yellow Bird.

IBA Classic

Minor Tweak

Official IBA proportions with more Galliano-forward profile

Changes
White Rum:2 oz1 oz
Galliano L'Autentico:1 oz0.5 oz
Triple Sec:1 oz0.5 oz
Fresh Lime Juice:1 oz0.5 oz

Gold Rum Version

Minor Tweak

Using aged rum for richer flavor profile

Changes
White RumGold Rum(2 oz)

Fruity Resort Version

Major Variation

Tropical version with fruit juices and crème de banane

Changes
White Rum:2 oz1 oz
Galliano L'Autentico:1 oz0.3 oz
Triple SecCrème de Banane(0.3 oz)
Fresh Lime JuicePineapple Juice(1 oz)
Orange Juice(2 oz)

Dale DeGroff's Yellow Bird

Major Variation

Version with both light and dark rum plus orange juice

Changes
White Rum:2 oz1 oz
Dark Rum(1 oz)
Fresh Lime JuiceOrange Juice(1 oz)

More to Explore

If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.