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/.

Boulevard at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Celebrates Father's Day with Street Food and Royal Delicacies

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 21, 2026

Boulevard at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is set to mark Father's Day with a special brunch that brings together India's vibrant street-food culture, royal culinary traditions and nostalgic childhood favourites. Designed as a celebration of family, flavours and shared memories, the brunch offers guests a chance to enjoy dishes inspired by different regions of India and around the world.

One of the highlights of the experience is a series of interactive live counters showcasing iconic street-food favourites. Guests can explore a lively Chaat Bazaar featuring Muradabadi Chaat from Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow's Chowk Ki Tikki, Gujarat's Dhokla Chaat, Mumbai's popular Pani Puri and Masala Bhutta. A dedicated Galouti Counter will also serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including mushroom, rajma, soya and mutton varieties.

The culinary spread extends beyond Indian flavours with international street-food favourites such as Sushi from Japan, Tibetan-style momos and Middle Eastern Falafel Pita Shawarma, offering something for every palate.

Adding depth to the menu is a selection of royal and regional specialities, including Paya Shorba, Murgh Shammi Kebab, Mahi Tikka, Maa Ki Dal, Patiala Shahi Gosht, Murgh Tikka Biryani and Subz Dum Biryani. Drawing inspiration from the royal kitchens of Lucknow and Punjab, as well as the rich culinary traditions of Hyderabad, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the brunch presents a diverse range of flavours under one roof.

To bring back childhood memories, dedicated counters will serve Malai Gola, Candy Floss and freshly popped Popcorn. These nostalgic treats are designed to recreate the joy of family outings, local fairs and weekend indulgences. Guests can round off the meal with a selection of artisanal pastries, traditional Indian desserts and other sweet delights.

The Father's Day brunch offers families an opportunity to celebrate together over a table filled with familiar flavours, treasured memories and dishes inspired by culinary traditions from across India and beyond.

What: Global Street Food Father's Day Sunday Brunch with Indian Royal Delicacies.
Where: Boulevard, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai.
When: Sunday, 21 June 2026.

Le Méridien Ahmedabad Curates Special Father’s Day Dining Experiences at Bayleaf and The Market

By Hariharan U

Published on June 21, 2026

This Father’s Day, Le Méridien Ahmedabad is inviting families to celebrate the occasion with specially curated dining experiences designed to bring loved ones together over exceptional food and memorable moments.

Taking place on June 21, the celebrations will unfold across the hotel’s signature dining venues, offering guests a choice between an intimate fine-dining experience and a vibrant buffet feast.

At Bayleaf, diners can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted five-course menu served in an elegant setting. Warm lighting, attentive service, and a refined ambience create the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversations and a relaxed evening with family. The specially curated experience is designed for those seeking a more intimate and sophisticated Father’s Day celebration.

For guests looking for a lively dining experience, The Market will host an elaborate buffet featuring a wide range of global and regional flavours. The expansive spread is complemented by a vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for larger family gatherings and festive celebrations.

Adding to the occasion, fathers dining with two accompanying guests at The Market can enjoy a complimentary meal, offering families another reason to come together and celebrate.

Available from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the Father’s Day experiences at Le Méridien Ahmedabad combine culinary excellence, warm hospitality, and thoughtful touches to create an evening dedicated to honouring fathers and father figures.

Whether choosing the elegance of Bayleaf or the lively buffet at The Market, guests can look forward to a celebration centred on great food, family connections, and lasting memories.

For reservations, guests can contact +91 99789 08933.

Ironhill and Smoor Stir Up a Chocolate Cocktail Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 21, 2026

Chocolate is finding a new place on the menu at Ironhill, and this time, it is not on a dessert plate. In collaboration with Smoor, the brewery has introduced a limited-edition cocktail menu that brings together artisanal chocolate and craft cocktail making in a unique way.

Designed to offer a different perspective on chocolate, the menu features three signature cocktails, each with its own distinct character and flavour profile. Rather than simply adding chocolate to a drink, the collection explores how the ingredient can create depth, balance and complexity in a cocktail glass.

The Silk Route delivers a smooth and rich experience, with deep chocolate notes that unfold gradually and leave a lasting impression. For those who enjoy contrasting flavours, the Salted Cacao combines cacao and salt to create a balanced drink where sweetness and savoury notes work together seamlessly. Meanwhile, the Tropical Ganache brings a lighter and more vibrant approach, blending bright fruit flavours with chocolate for a refreshing and unexpected combination.

What sets the menu apart is its thoughtful approach to flavour. Each cocktail presents a different interpretation of chocolate, showcasing how the ingredient can move beyond traditional desserts and become the centrepiece of a well-crafted drink.

Available for a limited time, the Ironhill x Smoor collaboration offers guests an opportunity to experience chocolate in a fresh and creative format. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely evening drink or as part of a dining experience, the menu aims to bring a new dimension to cocktail culture.

What: Chocolate Cocktails at Ironhill

Where:

Ironhill Marathahalli, Sy no 90, 7 & 90/8, Marathahalli - Sarjapur Outer Ring Rd, beside Radisson Blu, Marathahalli, Bengaluru.
Ironhill Forum South, 4th floor, Cross Metro Station, Forum South, Anjanadri Layout, Konanakunte, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560062.

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