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/.


Kiran’s Houston Introduces ‘Punjabi By Nature’ Cocktail Experience Inspired by India

Kiran’s Houston Introduces ‘Punjabi By Nature’ Cocktail Experience Inspired by India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 25, 2026

Kiran’s Houston has introduced its latest beverage programme, Punjabi By Nature, a new cocktail experience that brings together Indian nostalgia and contemporary mixology. Conceptualised and designed by Prrateek Chaudhary, Director of Beverages, the menu reflects a thoughtful mix of cultural storytelling, regional flavours and modern drink-making techniques.

Designed around the idea of turning familiar Indian flavours into refined cocktail experiences, the programme takes inspiration from memories, traditions and ingredients deeply rooted in Indian culture. Each drink aims to create an experience that goes beyond taste by bringing together emotion, creativity and a strong sense of place.

The menu features a wide range of signature cocktails including Jahangir Lassi, Chai Old Fashioned, Kashmiri Margarita, Summer In Shimla, TNT Sour, Nolet’s 75, East India Negroni, Malabar Martini, Rosé Martini, Lychee Martini, CB G&T, Old Wives’ Tale, Mezcal Is My Pal, Delhi Glitterati, Smoky Isle and Mumbai Miracle.

The creations combine premium spirits with ingredients and flavours inspired by India, including chai blends, mango lassi, pistachio, Kashmiri mirch, tamarind, saffron bitters, cardamom, rose, masala pin and nimbu pani.

Adding a luxury touch to the offering is a dedicated segment titled Kaun Banega Crorepati featuring the Millionaire Martini, crafted using Nolet’s Reserve Gin.

Speaking about the concept behind the menu, Prrateek Chaudhary said: "With Punjabi By Nature, our intention was to take familiar Indian flavors and reimagine them through a global cocktail lens. Each drink is designed to evoke emotion, memory, and a sense of place, while maintaining elegance, balance, and innovation. It’s not just a cocktail menu, it’s a storytelling experience in a glass."

With a modern visual identity and a strong narrative approach, the menu aims to create a seamless connection between Indian heritage and contemporary beverage culture.

Through this latest launch, Kiran’s Houston continues to strengthen its positioning as a destination where Indian culinary experiences and modern beverage craftsmanship come together with global standards of creativity and sophistication.


Mumbai Cafes Serve Power-Packed Breakfasts for Healthy Morning Starts

Mumbai Cafes Serve Power-Packed Breakfasts for Healthy Morning Starts

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 23, 2026

Healthy breakfasts are moving beyond simple salads and basic meals, with cafés across Mumbai creating menus that combine nutrition with comfort and flavour. Whether it is a quick morning bite before work or a relaxed brunch outing, several food destinations are now offering breakfast options that are both wholesome and satisfying.

Leading the list is Pantry, known for serving mindful meals without compromising on indulgence. Its breakfast menu includes the Four Cheese Omelet, bringing together mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan and artisanal gouda for a rich start to the day. For those looking for a protein-rich option, the Protein Packed Quinoa Egg Scrambled combines eggs, quinoa, cheddar and spinach into a filling breakfast plate. Another standout is the Marine Lines Wrap, filled with spicy cottage cheese, BBQ mix, peppers and lettuce wrapped in multigrain bread.

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Flax Healthy Living continues to focus on lighter and nourishing breakfast choices. The Granola Power Bowl combines Greek yoghurt, fresh fruits and chia seeds for a balanced meal, while the Avocado and Garlic Butter Rye Toast pairs creamy avocado with roasted garlic butter and seeds on sourdough toast. Its smoothie bowls and parfait options, including Dragon Fruit Parfait, Blueberry Honey Parfait and Green Protein Smoothie, offer refreshing choices packed with nutrients.

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Adding a creative touch to breakfast is Juliette Café & Bar, where classic comfort food meets global flavours. The café’s smoothie bowl collection, featuring options like The Beetfruit, Day Dreamer and The Green Galaxy, includes a mix of fruits, nuts, seeds and superfoods.

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Those looking for sweet breakfast options can choose Japanese Fluffy Pancakes and French Toast, while savoury selections include Healthy Bowls, Quinoa Upma and Eggs Benedict Crobun. The Benne Dosas also bring a familiar South Indian touch to the menu.

Across the city, cafés and cloud kitchens are increasingly focusing on menus that balance indulgence with healthier ingredients. From protein-rich scrambles to energising smoothie bowls and wraps, breakfast options are becoming more thoughtful and diverse.

With changing eating habits and growing interest in wellness-led dining, these breakfast destinations show that healthy eating no longer means giving up flavour or comfort.


MoMo Café Brings Back The Brunch Society with Mango-ficent Edition

MoMo Café Brings Back The Brunch Society with Mango-ficent Edition

By Hariharan U

Published on May 23, 2026

MoMo Café is bringing back its popular brunch concept, The Brunch Society, with a special Mango-ficent Edition celebrating the flavours and vibrancy of the summer season.

Scheduled for Sunday, 24 May 2026, the themed brunch experience at Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport will spotlight mango-inspired delicacies, refreshing beverages, desserts, and interactive family-friendly activities designed around India’s favourite summer fruit.

The specially curated brunch menu features a wide selection of mango-forward dishes including Mango Sushi, Raw Mango Chicken Tikka, Raw Mango Som Tum, Meen Mango Curry, Mango Risotto, and the classic Aamras Puri.

Complementing the culinary experience are seasonal beverages such as Mango Mint Cooler and Aam Panna, alongside indulgent desserts including Mango Shrikhand and Mango Tres Leches.

Beyond the dining experience, the Mango-ficent Edition aims to create an immersive summer-themed afternoon through vibrant décor, Mango-themed Housie sessions, interactive paper craft workshops for children, and activities curated for guests across all age groups.

The brunch continues the larger concept of The Brunch Society, which blends experiential dining with entertainment-led hospitality experiences focused on family gatherings, social dining, and relaxed weekend indulgence.

With seasonal flavours, interactive engagement, and a festive atmosphere, the Mango-ficent Edition offers guests a lively Sunday celebration centred around the king of fruits.

Event Details

  • Venue: MoMo Café
  • Date: Sunday, 24 May 2026
  • Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Location: Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport

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