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/.


Rooftop Innings at Pangeo Brings Cricket Fever to Bengaluru’s Skyline

Rooftop Innings at Pangeo Brings Cricket Fever to Bengaluru’s Skyline

By Hariharan U

Published on April 11, 2026

Pangeo has introduced Rooftop Innings, a high-energy cricket screening experience that transforms match days into vibrant social gatherings in the heart of the city.

Set against a lively rooftop backdrop, the experience brings together the thrill of live cricket with an elevated nightlife setting, creating an atmosphere that keeps the energy going from the first ball to the final over. Designed for corporate outings, team evenings, and casual catch-ups, Rooftop Innings seamlessly blends sport with celebration.

The experience is complemented by a thoughtfully curated menu featuring indulgent sharing platters and bold, flavour-forward offerings. Guests can enjoy handcrafted dumpling baskets, sushi platters with balanced umami profiles, and expansive vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections including paneer tikka assortments and tandoori seafood platters.

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Adding to the excitement are crowd favourites such as peri peri tandoori drums, smoky ghost wings, and sriracha wings, each crafted to match the intensity of the game. Special platter combinations paired with beverages further enhance the group dining experience, making it ideal for extended match nights and lively conversations.

More than just a screening, Rooftop Innings at Pangeo positions itself as a destination where cricket feels larger than life, gatherings feel elevated, and every match becomes a shared celebration.

Fact Sheet:
Where: Pangeo
Date: Starting April 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM


Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Unveils ‘Mittha’ – A Summer Dessert Celebration

Loya at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Unveils ‘Mittha’ – A Summer Dessert Celebration

By Hariharan U

Published on April 11, 2026

Loya at Taj Mahal Palace introduces ‘Mittha’, a thoughtfully curated dessert menu that brings together nostalgia, tradition, and seasonal indulgence.

Rooted in the culinary traditions of northern India, the menu celebrates sweets that go beyond taste, drawing from generational recipes and memories of shared moments. At Loya, desserts are not just an end to a meal but a continuation of storytelling through flavour.

The ‘Mittha’ selection blends comforting classics with contemporary interpretations. Highlights include Badana Pearls, where rabri and saffron foam meet pistachios and almonds, and Doodh Jalebi, featuring crisp jalebis paired with pista, chuara, and aromatic kesar milk.

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Adding a playful summer twist, the Kulfi Pop assortment reimagines traditional kulfi into bite-sized indulgences. Guests can explore flavours like rose petal, saffron-cardamom, royal paan leaf, and malai, offering a refreshing take perfect for the season. The Falooda, layered with almond kulfi and rose rabri, adds a cooling, indulgent note to the experience.

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Among the standout creations is Gud–Ke–Maan, inspired by a cherished family recipe of badam kheer, bringing a deeply personal touch to the menu. Meanwhile, Loya Khel introduces a contemporary finish with a light chikoo mousse paired with biscuit cake and coconut elements.

With ‘Mittha’, Loya creates a dessert experience that feels both familiar and new, inviting guests to rediscover Indian sweets through a refined, seasonal lens.


Café Swasthya Expands with Third Outlet at Delhi Metro, Bringing Wellness On-the-Go

Café Swasthya Expands with Third Outlet at Delhi Metro, Bringing Wellness On-the-Go

By Hariharan U

Published on April 11, 2026

Café Swasthya has announced the opening of its third outlet at MG Road Metro Station in New Delhi, marking a significant step in its mission to make wellness-focused food more accessible to people on the move.

Located within the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) network, the new outlet represents a notable milestone, given the limited and highly selective retail opportunities within metro stations. Positioned strategically near both malls and residential neighbourhoods, the café caters to commuters as well as the surrounding community.

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Designed as a compact yet inviting space, the 280 sq. ft. outlet accommodates around 10–12 guests. The interiors reflect the brand’s signature aesthetic minimal, calming, and rooted in Ayurvedic philosophy featuring curated artworks and visual elements associated with Butterfly Ayurveda.

The menu focuses on wholesome, accessible offerings aligned with Ayurvedic principles. Guests can choose from breakfast dishes and snacks such as khatta meetha poha, kala chana wraps, and freshly prepared aloo samosas made with a whole wheat crust and fried in mustard oil. Beverage options include desi masala chai, buttermilk, hot chocolate, and a range of herbal and iced teas.

A highlight of the menu is Jivanti Kwath, a traditional herbal drink made using ingredients like Ashwagandha, Giloy, and Pippali, known for their role in supporting immunity and overall wellbeing.

Speaking on the launch, Akshi Khandelwal shared, “Our vision has always been to transform how people perceive wellness food by making it more accessible and inviting. This space is designed for both quick, nourishing bites and moments of pause during a busy day.”

Beyond food, the café also promotes awareness of Ayurvedic concepts through interactive elements such as a QR-based body constitution quiz and informative menu content explaining Panchamahabhuta and Tridosha.

With this expansion, Café Swasthya continues to strengthen its position in the growing wellness dining segment, offering a convenient, thoughtful alternative for everyday commuters seeking healthier choices

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