The Bird is the Word

The Bird is the Word is a sophisticated tiki cocktail that offers a departure from overly sweet tropical drinks. It balances the deep, molasses notes of blackstrap rum with the bittersweet, herbal character of Amaro Montenegro. Fresh pineapple and lime juices provide a bright, fruity acidity, while a touch of falernum adds layers of spice and almond. The result is a multi-dimensional and refreshing drink that is both intriguing and delicious.
The Bird is the Word

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

"The Bird is the Word" is categorized as a modern classic cocktail, representing a new generation of esteemed recipes. It also falls firmly within the Tiki category due to its use of rum, tropical juices, and complex, layered flavors. This places it at the intersection of contemporary mixology and tropical escapism.

Serving

Serve this medium-sized, cold cocktail in a chilled Double Old Fashioned glass or a tiki mug filled with crushed ice. Its alcohol content is moderately strong, offering a pleasant kick without being overwhelming.
Serving size
Approximately 150 ml or 5 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Double Old Fashioned Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail was created by renowned bartender Erick Castro for his bar, Polite Provisions, in San Diego, California. Seeking to create a more complex and bitter-forward version of the classic Jungle Bird, Castro substituted the traditional Campari with Amaro Montenegro. He also swapped the base rum for a richer blackstrap rum and added falernum for spice. The name is a playful nod to the 1963 song "Surfin' Bird" by The Trashmen.
Origin
Created by Erick Castro at Polite Provisions in San Diego, USA, around 2013.

The Bird is the Word

This drink is consistently known by its original name, "The Bird is the Word," and does not have widely recognized alternative names.
Original name
The Bird is the Word

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a complex profile with a tropical fruit aroma balanced by herbal bitterness, leading to a rich, bittersweet flavor with a long, warming aftertaste. Its deep amber appearance and smooth texture make it a refreshing choice for summer, yet its complexity allows for year-round enjoyment.
Flavor
Bittersweet, Tropical, Fruity, Spicy, Nutty, Rich
Aroma
Pineapple, Lime, Molasses, Herbal, Orange Peel
Taste balance
Bitter, Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Long, Herbal, Warming, Bittersweet
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Cloudy, Deep Amber, Brownish-Orange
Texture
Medium-bodied, Smooth, Rich
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-Season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intense and well-balanced, led by high fruitiness and moderate levels of sweetness, sourness, and bitterness. A gentle spiciness and noticeable alcohol strength round out this still, non-creamy tiki cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

To create this drink, you'll need a rich blackstrap rum, bittersweet Amaro Montenegro, and spicy falernum liqueur. Fresh pineapple and lime juices are also essential to provide the tropical, acidic backbone.
  • Blackstrap Rum45 ml / 1.5 oz
    A dark, viscous rum with strong molasses flavor. Cruzan Black Strap is commonly used.
  • Amaro Montenegro22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A bittersweet Italian herbal liqueur with distinct notes of orange peel and vanilla.
  • Pineapple Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for best flavor.
  • Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential.
  • Falernum15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A sweet syrup or liqueur with flavors of almond, ginger, lime, and spices. John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum is a popular choice.

Ice type

  • Crushed or Pebble Ice

Mixing equipments

You'll need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and strainer. This drink is shaken to ensure proper chilling, dilution, and aeration of the ingredients.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pouring.
  • Strainer (Hawthorne or fine mesh) for separating ice after shaking.

Instructions

The preparation involves shaking all ingredients with ice, then straining the mixture into a glass filled with fresh crushed ice. Finish with a tropical garnish before serving.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
2. Add the blackstrap rum, Amaro Montenegro, pineapple juice, lime juice, and falernum to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-chilled.
4. Fill a chilled Double Old Fashioned glass or tiki mug with crushed or pebble ice.
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass over the fresh ice.
6. Garnish with pineapple fronds.
7. Serve immediately with a straw.

Garnishing

Garnish lavishly with one or two vibrant pineapple fronds to create a tropical look. A dehydrated pineapple slice can also be added for an extra touch of elegance and aroma.
  • Pineapple Fronds: Insert one or two leafy fronds from the crown of a pineapple into the glass.
  • Dehydrated Pineapple Slice (Optional): Place a dehydrated pineapple slice on the rim or surface of the drink for visual appeal and aroma.

Dietary Information

This is a vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and caffeine-free cocktail. However, it is not nut-free or vegan due to the common use of almond extract in falernum.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count and carbohydrate content per serving. Its sugar content is relatively high due to the juices, rum, and falernum.
Calories
Averagely 240-280 kcal / 1004-1172 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 25-30 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 22-27 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for warm weather and festive gatherings like summer parties or tiki-themed events. Its refreshing yet complex profile also makes it an excellent choice for a sophisticated happy hour or for leisurely afternoon sipping.
  • Summer Party
  • Happy Hour
  • Tiki-Themed Event
  • Afternoon Sipping

Pairing suggestions

The cocktail's sweet, sour, and bitter notes pair wonderfully with spicy and savory foods. It cuts through the richness of grilled meats like jerk chicken or pork ribs and complements the flavors in Southeast Asian cuisine. It also works well with classic tiki appetizers like coconut shrimp.
  • Spicy Jerk Chicken
  • Grilled Pork or Ribs
  • Coconut Shrimp
  • Spicy Thai or Vietnamese Dishes

A Modern Tiki Masterpiece: The Bird is the Word

The Bird is the Word is a masterful modern tiki cocktail that elevates its inspiration, the Jungle Bird, to new heights of complexity. By combining the deep, earthy notes of blackstrap rum with the floral bitterness of Amaro Montenegro and the spicy sweetness of falernum, it creates a flavor profile that is both challenging and immensely rewarding. It is a perfect example of the modern tiki revival, prioritizing balance and intriguing ingredients over simple sweetness. This drink is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore a more sophisticated side of tropical mixology.

Similar Cocktails

Jungle Bird

The original inspiration. Typically uses dark rum (not blackstrap), Campari instead of Amaro Montenegro, and omits falernum.

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