Toast to 50 years: Hilton Properties in Malaysia Takes its Iconic Jungle Bird Cocktail on Tour

From its creation at Hilton Kuala Lumpur to its status as a globally recognized cocktail, raise a glass to a remarkable cocktail that has stood the test of time.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilton Properties in Malaysia are proud to announce the nationwide launch of the "Sip, Soar and Celebrate" campaign, a month-long celebration of the iconic Jungle Bird cocktail, which first came to life at Hilton Kuala Lumpur 50 years ago. Throughout the entire month, participating outlets at Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton properties across Malaysia will be serving this tropical delight to cocktail enthusiasts, tracing its fascinating history and paying homage to its enduring popularity.

The Jungle Bird cocktail, known for its distinct blend of flavors and captivating bird-shaped presentation, has captured the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. The story goes that the cocktail was created in the early 1970s by Jeffrey Ong Swee Teik, the beverage manager at Hilton Kuala Lumpur's Aviary Bar. Inspired by the lush surroundings, exotic ambiance, and colorful birds perched in a caged area visible from the bar, Ong set out to craft a welcome drink that would evoke the spirit of the jungle while delighting patrons.

While the Jungle Bird gained popularity among hotel guests and locals in Kuala Lumpur, its true breakthrough came through the publication of 'The New America Bartender's Guide' in the late 1980s. The guide, written by John J. Poister, featured the Jungle Bird as one of its highlighted recipes, giving the cocktail significant exposure to a broader audience. Bartenders worldwide started featuring the Jungle Bird on their menus, introducing it to new audiences and solidifying its status as a modern classic.

"The Jungle Bird's journey from its creation at Hilton Kuala Lumpur to its status as a globally recognized cocktail is a testament to the power of inspired craftsmanship and the ability of a drink to capture the imagination," said Linda Pecoraro, General Manager at Hilton Kuala Lumpur. "Its blend of flavors, combined with its unique bird-shaped presentation, has made it an icon in the world of mixology. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with the 50^th anniversary special edition box that comes with an elegant bird shaped glass as well as the Jungle Bird cocktail served at Aviary Bar."

We invite you to raise your glasses to Hilton Kuala Lumpur and the creative genius of Jeffrey Ong for bringing us this remarkable cocktail that has stood the test of time.

To add even more excitement to this campaign, each hotel participating will offer their own version of the Jungle Bird with unique twists, such as a mocktail variations and infusing the cocktail with rice wine and pandan, creating delightful versions that showcase the diverse and flavorful elements of Malaysian culture.

Enjoy a Jungle Bird cocktail at any of these participating outlets:

• Aviary Bar, Hilton Kuala Lumpur (+603 2264 2264)
• The Club Bar & Lounge and The Rooftop Bar & Grill, Hilton Kota Kinabalu (+6088 356 000)
• Caffe Cino, Hilton Petaling Jaya (+603 7955 9122)
• Cellar Door, Doubletree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur  (+603 2172 7272)
• Tosca, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru  (+607 268 6868)
• Axis Lounge, DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort (+60 5684 3333)
• THE KOFFEE & Makan Kitchen, DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside Resort (+603 8890 0000)
• The Garden Grille, Hilton Garden Inn Puchong (+603 8084 1299)

For more information on the fascinating history of Hilton Kuala Lumpur's iconic Jungle Bird cocktail, please visit eatdrinkhilton.com/jungle-bird-cocktail/

SOURCE Hilton (Malaysia)