Introduction
Discover the birthplace of the legendary classic tiki-style cocktail, Jungle Bird at Aviary Bar, Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Known for its laid-back yet sophisticated ambiance, the bar’s gently curving wall and dim lighting create a warm and inviting setting. Perfect for casual after-work drinks or a quiet gathering with friends, Aviary Bar also offers an impressive selection of wines, champagnes, and spirits.
The now-iconic Jungle Bird cocktail was initially created by the hotel's beverage manager, Mr. Jeffrey Ong at the former Hilton Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Sultan Ismail on 6 July 1963, as a refreshing welcome drink for guests. The Jungle Bird's fame then soared internationally when it was first featured in The New American Bartender’s Guide in 1989. Since then, this beloved cocktail has become a staple on bar menus worldwide, even inspiring bars to take on its name.
The menu..
Proudly honouring Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s signature creation, Aviary Bar’s entire menu presents the Jungle Bird Series—an exciting collection of rum-based cocktails with a captivating twist. Starting at RM65 (14.50$) nett per cocktail, the series features the classic Original Jungle Bird, alongside inventive variations like the Jackfruit Jungle Bird, American Jungle Bird, Morning Bird, and Mexican Jungle Bird.
We started off with the classic, Original Jungle Bird. Presented in a mug with a unique bird design and garnished with a dehydrated lime and a slice of fresh orange, it perfectly captures the tiki aesthetic. After admiring its presentation, we took in the aroma of the cocktail – the fragrance of pineapple and Campari was prominent, while the rum remained subtly in the background. As we took our first sip, we were surprised by its light and somewhat diluted taste, quite the opposite of what one might expect from this famous cocktail. This might have been due to over-dilution, but overall, the cocktail was still enjoyable.
Next, our curiosity was piqued by the Jackfruit Jungle Bird, as we always appreciate the creative use of local fruits in cocktails. Served in a highball glass and elegantly garnished with a slice of dehydrated lime and a purple orchid, it had a simple yet sophisticated presentation. We were expecting a bold jackfruit flavour, but instead, the cocktail leaned more towards the herbal notes of thyme and the sweetness of pineapple.
For our third cocktail, we decided to go ‘international’ and opted for the American Jungle Bird. It arrived in a simple conical old-fashioned glass, garnished with a single violet flower. While the flower added a splash of colour that matched the amber hue of the drink, it felt a bit out of place. The aroma was rich and buttery, leaning heavily towards the bourbon notes.
Like the previous cocktails, the pineapple was a dominant presence. In terms of taste, the cocktail had a lot going on. The bourbon was quite pronounced, and with the addition of egg, it bore a resemblance to a whisky sour—suggesting it might have worked better as a variation on that classic rather than as a twist on the original Jungle Bird. Aperol made a brief appearance in the aftertaste, but it was largely overshadowed by the bourbon. The creamy, buttery flavour hinted at by the aroma was fully realized on the palate. However, the cocktail’s richness made it a bit of a challenge to finish
Lastly, we tried the Morning Bird, served in a delicate bird-shaped glass with a paper straw extending from its tail, accompanied by a garnish of pandan leaf and a vibrant orchid flower. Visually, the cocktail is quite a spectacle. As we moved on to the next sensory experience, the aroma of curry leaves was the first to greet us. Upon taking a sip, the intense coffee flavour from the coffee-infused Campari dominated the palate. Unfortunately, this bold profile overshadowed the rum. The cocktail’s blend of flavours was intriguing, with a well-judged dilution, but the overall balance felt off. The strong ingredients made the drink feel a bit heavy, making it challenging to finish.
Our overall experience...
While the cocktails showcased some intriguing ingredients and flavours, it lacked balance. Despite this, the overall experience was fantastic. A standout moment was when the bartender enthusiastically shared an original bartender’s guide from 1982, created by Mr. Jeffrey Ong. This rare document featured classic cocktail recipes and illustrations, including the renowned Jungle Bird, one of the cocktails featured on the world IBA cocktail list. The booklet even detailed techniques and serving tips. It was a privilege to handle such a rare piece of bartending history, and we thoroughly enjoyed flipping through its pages.
Thumbs Up:
· Historical place worth visiting for the cocktail world.
· The overall vibes are nice, ambience fits the theme of the bar, music playlist matches the style of the bar
· Friendly staff
Room for improvement:
· Although staffs are friendly, their hospitality service and etiquette might need refining
· A little pricey for a cocktail but it is expected for a 5-star hotel price
· Food was good but taste can be improved
Contacts:
Map: View in Google Maps
Address: 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Hours: (Daily) 5PM – 12AM
Link(s): Instagram
Article by: Tcassandra Gerard
Photos by: Riccardo Grechi
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Interesting!!! Well done!!!