Take flight with the herbal and citrusy Yellow Bird cocktail.
I’m a big fan of calypso music. I take a walk through my neighborhood every day in the early morning, and I always have a playlist filled with classic calypso music playing as I do so. The soothing and evocative tunes spark my imagination and fill my mind with relaxing sights and sounds. Steel drums, banjos and infectious melodies keep me company on these constitutionals, and I also discover a little of the Caribbean’s history in the stories these songs will tell.
Tonight’s cocktail is a tropical favorite, the Yellow Bird. While the history of this particular beverage isn’t exactly clear or written down anywhere, many people believe that it takes its inspiration from the classic calypso song of the same name. Considered the unofficial anthem of the Caribbean, and recorded by many legendary singers, including King Swami G and Harry Belafonte, the Haitian tune was also a hit for Tiki influencer Arthur Lyman, whose version reached number four on the 1961 Billboard charts.
A citrusy and herbal tasting elixir, the Yellow Bird also could have gotten its moniker from the resulting color that the cocktail has once it is mixed and poured. White rum, Galliano and triple sec are shaken together with lime and orange juices, resulting in a golden-colored and refreshing tropical tipple.
Make sure you listen to the classic song, too, as you sip. Both go beautifully together.
What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Yellow Bird Cocktail?
To make yourself a Yellow Bird or two, you’ll need a few specific ingredients. Since this is an adult beverage, a number of spirits are required. White, or silver, rum will be the base, with an herbal liqueur and triple sec providing more spiced and citrus flavor. For the liqueur, we suggest Galliano, used in classic drinks like the Harvey Wallbanger. For the rum, I’ve never made a disappointing drink with a stalwart like Bacardi Silver, and I always have a bottle of it on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum
- 3/4 ounce herbal liqueur like Galliano
- 1/2 ounce triple sec
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice
- Lime wheel and cocktail cherry for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Pour the white rum, herbal liqueur, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime and orange juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds and strain the contents into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a cocktail cherry if desired, then serve immediately.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Chill a cocktail coupe or a martini glass in your freezer for up to 30 minutes before serving your drink. This will give you an extra cold and smooth sipping experience. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a lime wheel on the rim.
WHAT IS A GOOD SUBSTITUTE FOR GALLIANO?
If you can’t find Galliano and need something close to it, liqueurs like Licor 43, Yellow Chartreuse and Strega seem to be the best options.
Other Tropical Cocktails Similar To The Yellow Bird
Since the temperature is starting to warm up, you might be thinking ahead to weekend barbecues and parties with friends. Or even just relaxing, quiet times with yourself, and maybe an alcoholic beverage or two to keep you company. Whatever you like to do, Twist & Toast has some mighty fine “island getaway” concoctions that’ll bring your next vacation home to you.
- Coconut Margarita – A smooth and creamy version of the classic summer favorite.
- Mango Daiquiri – Make your next rum elixir an extra juicy and sweet affair.
- Bitter Mai Tai – Campari helps make this mixture a robust sipper.
- Chi Chi – Both smooth and fruity, this vodka-based tipple is sure to refresh your senses on a hot day.
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