Hilton Malaysia Commemorates 50 Years of the Iconic Jungle Bird Cocktail

Hilton Malaysia Commemorates 50 Years of the Iconic Jungle Bird Cocktail

By Author

Published on August 10, 2023

In a spirited celebration, Hilton Properties across Malaysia are raising their glasses to honour the 50th anniversary of the renowned Jungle Bird cocktail. This iconic concoction, born at Hilton Kuala Lumpur half a century ago, has captured the hearts and palates of cocktail enthusiasts globally. To mark this milestone, Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton outlets across Malaysia are launching the "Sip, Soar and Celebrate" campaign. Throughout the entire month, patrons will have the pleasure of savouring the Jungle Bird cocktail, a testament to the enduring legacy of this vibrant creation.

The Jungle Bird cocktail's roots trace back to the early 1970s, when Jeffrey Ong Swee Teik, the beverage manager at Hilton Kuala Lumpur's Aviary Bar, masterminded its creation. Inspired by the lush ambience, exotic surroundings, and vibrant birdlife visible from the bar's windows, Ong set out to craft a cocktail that embodied the essence of the jungle while offering a delightful experience for patrons.

While the Jungle Bird found favour among hotel guests and locals in Kuala Lumpur, its true ascent came through the pages of 'The New America Bartender's Guide,' authored by John J. Poister in the late 1980s. The Jungle Bird cocktail was spotlighted as a featured recipe in the guide, catapulting its popularity to a broader audience. The global bartending community embraced the Jungle Bird, incorporating it into their menus and cementing its status as a modern classic.

Linda Pecoraro, General Manager at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, extolled the cocktail's journey, stating, "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. Its blend of flavours, 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 50th-anniversary special edition box that comes with an elegant bird-shaped glass as well as the Jungle Bird cocktail served at Aviary Bar."

In addition to honouring the original Jungle Bird, the participating hotels are adding their creative twists, resulting in captivating variations that pay homage to Malaysian culture. These variations range from mocktail renditions to infusing the cocktail with local ingredients such as rice wine and pandan, providing an authentic reflection of the region's diverse flavours.

Indulge in the Jungle Bird cocktail at 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 a deeper dive into the intriguing history of the Jungle Bird cocktail at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, explore eatdrinkhilton.com/jungle-bird-cocktail/.


Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

Amoeba Sports Bar Introduces Knock Out Kick, a Gin-Based Celebration Cocktail for Game Nights

By Hariharan U

Published on June 12, 2026

Amoeba Sports Bar has introduced its latest signature creation, Knock Out Kick, a gin-based cocktail crafted by Mixologist Arindam Das. Designed to reflect the thrill of competitive moments and the excitement of victory, the cocktail brings together playful flavour contrasts with a modern, easy-drinking style.

Knock Out Kick is built around a refreshing blend of gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus and tonic water. The drink opens with smooth fruity sweetness from peach, followed by bright citrus notes, before unfolding into a gentle jalapeño heat that lingers subtly on the palate. The addition of tonic water enhances its crispness, making it both lively and refreshing.

Crystal clear in appearance yet layered in character, the cocktail balances brightness, fruitiness and spice in a way that makes it suitable for relaxed evenings as well as celebratory occasions. It is positioned as a go-to drink for game nights, social gatherings and high-energy evenings at the bar.

Speaking about the creation, the concept behind Knock Out Kick focuses on capturing moments of excitement and celebration through flavour, offering guests a drink that feels both familiar and surprising in equal measure. The cocktail reflects Amoeba Sports Bar’s focus on creating engaging, experience-driven beverage offerings.


Sector 144 JP Nagar Launches “The King of Pours” Craft Beer Menu in Bengaluru

Sector 144 JP Nagar Launches “The King of Pours” Craft Beer Menu in Bengaluru

By Hariharan U

Published on June 12, 2026

Sector 144, JP Nagar has announced the launch of its new craft beer experience titled “The King of Pours,” a curated beer menu designed around music, nostalgia, and Bengaluru’s evolving beer culture. The programme was launched on 20th May 2026.

Conceptualised as an immersive experience, the menu reflects the spirit of JP Nagar and the city’s strong community-driven pub culture, blending storytelling with contemporary brewing styles and hyperlocal ingredients.

The new selection features five signature craft beers, each built around a distinct mood and flavour profile. The lineup includes Billie's Wit, a Belgian Witbier infused with mosambi peel; Beat It Hefe, a smooth Hefeweizen with banana and clove notes; Off The Wall Stout, brewed with Chikmagalur Arabica coffee; Dangerous IPA, a citrus-forward American IPA; and Mango Jam NEIPA, a hazy mango-infused New England IPA designed for shared experiences.

Alongside the launch, Sector 144 has also introduced Wednesday Gig Nights, featuring live music and curated entertainment aimed at enhancing its community-focused nightlife experience.

The venue describes “The King of Pours” as more than a beer menu, positioning it as a sensory and storytelling-driven experience built around connection, nostalgia, and local culture. The concept integrates neon-inspired visuals, familiar musical references, and immersive hospitality elements.

Speaking about the launch, founder Kushal Raj said, “With The King of Pours, we wanted to create more than a beer menu. Every brew has been designed around a feeling, a memory, and a moment people can connect with.”

He added that the experience is rooted in the culture of JP Nagar and Bengaluru, aiming to create a space that feels immersive, familiar, and community-driven.

The launch reflects Sector 144’s broader vision of building a contemporary craft beer destination centred on hospitality, entertainment, and shared social experiences.


World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

World Gin Day 2026: Bengaluru’s Mixologists Unveil a Bold Line-Up of Signature Gin Cocktails

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

As World Gin Day 2026 is celebrated across global cocktail communities, Bengaluru’s bar scene is marking the occasion with a creative showcase of gin-forward cocktails that highlight the spirit’s versatility. From botanical complexity and tropical freshness to playful heat and citrus-driven refreshment, the city’s mixologists are presenting drinks that reflect both craftsmanship and contemporary drinking trends.

Java Jolt – Maize and Malt, Whitefield

Created by mixologist Mahesh Bhatt, Java Jolt is an aperitif-style gin cocktail that bl  ends botanical depth with Indian inspiration. Gin is paired with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters, while Nannari bubbles add a distinctly earthy sweetness and refreshing effervescence.

The cocktail delivers layered herbal notes balanced with subtle spice and floral undertones, making it both nostalgic and modern in expression.

Ingredients: Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Aromatic Bitters, Nannari Bubbles
Palate: Herbal, Aromatic, Effervescent, Balanced, Refreshing

Festum – Gladia Brewery & Kitchen

image

Festum is a vibrant, botanical-forward creation crafted for World Gin Day, built on Gondraj lemon-infused gin. The cocktail layers floral hibiscus, ripe peach sweetness, and homemade ginger ale, resulting in a bright and refreshing highball.

Light, aromatic, and citrus-led, Festum captures the celebratory spirit of gin with an easy-drinking yet flavour-rich profile.

Ingredients: Gondraj lemon-infused gin, hibiscus, peach, homemade ginger ale
Style: Floral citrus highball
Palate: Bright citrus, floral, fruity, refreshing, lightly spiced

Lime Emerald – Oasis Brewery, Whitefield

image

Crafted by mixologist Abhijeet, Lime Emerald is a refined tropical gin cocktail built on clarified coconut water and fresh lime juice. Kaffir lime leaves add aromatic complexity, creating a clean yet layered drinking experience.

Served in a coupe glass, the cocktail is designed to be visually elegant while delivering crisp citrus freshness and subtle tropical depth.

Ingredients: Gin, clarified coconut water, sugar syrup, fresh lime juice, kaffir lime leaves
Glassware: Coupe glass
Palate: Crisp, Citrusy, Tropical, Aromatic, Refreshing

Knock Out Kick – Amoeba Sports Bar

image

Created by mixologist Arindam Das, Knock Out Kick is a high-energy gin cocktail inspired by game nights and celebratory moments. It balances peach syrup sweetness with fresh jalapeño heat, lifted by citrus and tonic water.

The drink starts fruity and smooth before building into a gentle spicy kick, making it a bold yet approachable celebratory serve.

Ingredients: Gin, peach syrup, fresh jalapeño, citrus, tonic water
Palate: Bright, Fruity, Crisp, Subtly Spiced, Refreshing

As gin continues to evolve as one of the most expressive spirits in modern mixology, Bengaluru’s bar landscape reflects a growing appetite for creativity, regional ingredients, and experiential drinking. Whether it is herbal complexity, tropical clarity, citrus brightness, or spicy indulgence, each cocktail offers a distinct interpretation of celebration—perfectly timed for World Gin Day 2026.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.