Episode 111 A Tale of Love and Mezcal
Ep. 111: A Tale of Love and Mezcal – Yellow Bird & Golden Feather cocktail
Welcome to Season 7 episode 111 of The Art of Drinking with Join Jules and Your Favorite Uncle
Join Uncle Brad and Jules as they explore the vibrant world of the Yellow Bird cocktail, a tropical classic that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Uncle Brad guides listeners through the traditional recipe, breaking down each ingredient and technique to help you master this rum-based favorite at home. Jules then elevates the experience with her innovative mezcal variation, "The Golden Feather," showcasing how a simple spirit swap can transform a classic into something entirely new.
Dive into the cocktail's fascinating backstory as Uncle Brad uncovers the Yellow Bird's connection to themes of lost love and longing, revealing how this seemingly cheerful drink carries deeper emotional resonance. The episode wraps up with practical advice on batching cocktails for parties and gatherings, including the crucial technique of calculating proper water dilution to ensure your batch tastes just as good as individually crafted drinks.
Whether you're a home bartender looking to expand your tropical repertoire or simply curious about the stories behind your favorite drinks, this episode delivers both technique and heart in equal measure.
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Fun Facts About the Yellow Bird Cocktail
1. Official Cocktail Status
The Yellow Bird is recognized by the International Bartenders Association (IBA) as an official “New Era Drinks” cocktail since 2011.
2. Mystery Origins
Its true origin remains unclear—some say it emerged in the Caribbean (possibly Jamaica or Hawaii) in the 1950s–60s; others credit a barman at the Shell Bar in Hilton Hawaiian Village naming it after playing the song “Yellow Bird” on repeat.
3. Connection to a Haitian Song
The cocktail likely takes its name from the popular English version of the Haitian song “Choucoune,” widely known as “Yellow Bird,” popularized in the Caribbean and Hawaii in the late 1950s and early '60s.
4. A Colorful Pour
While many believe the name references the song, others suggest it simply reflects the cocktail’s vibrant yellow hue—thanks largely to the bright Galliano liqueur in the mix.
5. The Core Recipe
The classic IBA version includes white rum, Galliano (Italian vanilla‑anise liqueur), triple sec (or Cointreau), and fresh lime juice in roughly 2:1:1:1 proportions. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
6. Taste Profile
Expect a balance of citrus (lime & orange), tropical sweetness, and intriguing herbal‑vanilla notes from Galliano. It’s fun, bright, and deceptively potent—typically around 18% ABV (36 proof)
7. Endless Variations
Bartenders and home mixologists love to remix the base formula. Popular twists include adding pineapple juice, banana liqueur, or even coffee liqueur in tropical or resort-style versions
8. Cultural Melting Pot
The Yellow Bird is often hailed as a symbol of global fusion—it draws inspiration from Haiti (song and roots), spread through Jamaica and Hawaii, and achieved mainstream recognition in mid-century Florida alongside Galliano’s marketing push
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