Grilled Pineapple Jungle Bird 🦜🍍🥃

Fire Up the Grill... Your Jungle Bird Is About to Get an Upgrade

Everyone grills pineapple for dessert.

I want you to grill it for your cocktails.

That little bit of caramelization completely transforms the fruit. The sugars concentrate, the edges pick up a hint of smokiness, and suddenly your tropical cocktails taste layered, richer, and like they came from a seriously good cocktail bar.

Today we’re giving the classic Jungle Bird a grilled twist. I’ll show you how to grill pineapple, then we’re making two versions: a smoky Scotch riff and the classic rum recipe every home bartender should know.

Looking for more Summer tiki cocktails? Click here!

How to Grill Pineapple for Cocktails

You’ll Need

• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced into rings or spears

• 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Pat the pineapple dry so the sugar sticks.

3. Toss the pineapple with the brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated.

4. Grill for 2–4 minutes per side until you have deep grill marks and the sugar begins to caramelize.

5. Remove and let cool for a few minutes.

From here, you have options:

• Muddle it directly into cocktails for smoky, caramelized pineapple flavor.

• Blend it into fresh pineapple juice.

• Freeze leftovers for future frozen drinks.

Hosting Tip: Grill extra while the grill is already hot. It keeps in the refrigerator for several days and makes an incredible garnish for margaritas, daiquiris, piña coladas, and whiskey cocktails.

Grilled Pineapple Jungle Bird

Makes: 2 cocktails

Ingredients

• 3 oz Scotch whisky, try Fettercairn 12-year here!

• 1½ oz bitter red aperitif

• 2 oz fresh pineapple juice

• 1½ oz fresh lime juice

• 1 oz simple syrup

• 1 oz passion fruit liqueur

• 1 grilled pineapple slice

• Ice

Instructions

1. Add the grilled pineapple, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and gently muddle to release their juices.

2. Add the Scotch, aperitif, pineapple juice, and passion fruit liqueur.

3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for approx. 25 seconds.

4. Double strain over fresh ice in two rocks glasses.

5. Garnish with a grilled pineapple slice, pineapple frond, and a lime wheelI

We used the 12 Year in the cocktail, then you can finish with a sip of the 16 Year neat... and now I'm convinced scotch belongs in tropical drinks.

The Classic Jungle Bird

Makes: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

• 1½ oz dark rum

• 1 oz bitter red aperitif

• 1½ oz pineapple juice

• ¾ oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• Ice

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker.

2. Fill with ice and shake until well chilled.

3. Double strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.

4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or lime wheel.

---

Which One Should You Make?

If you’re a whiskey lover, or trying to convince one that tropical cocktails aren’t just for rum, the Scotch version is an absolute must. The grilled pineapple creates this incredible bridge between smoky whisky and bright tropical fruit.

If you’re after a timeless tiki classic, the original Jungle Bird never disappoints. It’s bold, bittersweet, and one of the best gateway cocktails for anyone who thinks they don’t like bitter aperitif’s.

Either way, don’t skip the grill.

It only takes a few extra minutes, but it’s the difference between a good Jungle Bird and one everyone asks you to make again before the night is over.