Etymology
There are several popular explanations regarding the origin of the name. Generally, it is believed that the name originates from the drink's potency, causing an extreme state of inebriation and thus causing the drinker to exhibit animal-like behavior. Alternatively it has been suggested that the pioneers of the drink were soldiers in the military stationed in a jungle, who threw together what alcohol and other drinks they had.
It has been noted that US Marines in the Pacific Theater of WWII coined the term from mixing various alcohols with juice in canteens or other vessels. Namely coconut, pineapple, or any other juice that may have been attained locally or via supply.
Hunch Punch, Hairy Buffalo, Panty Dropping Punch, Pimp Juice and Purple Jesus are other common names for the potent concoction.
An Atlantic Monthly short story described jungle juice as being prepared in the Navy serving in tropical areas by pouring assorted juice concentrates in a jerrycan, diluting that with water, and letting it sit in the sun so the mix would ferment - no additional alcohol was part of the mix, the US Navy being 'dry' at the time.
In Australia jungle juice refers to a cask wine (goon) and vodka based punch, mixed with soft drink and juice concentrate or cordial. Orange or tropical are the most common flavours of jungle juice, however raspberry, lime and sarsaparilla juices have been experimented with. It is commonly made up in eskys or buckets.
Read more about this topic: Jungle Juice
Famous quotes containing the word etymology:
“Semantically, taste is rich and confusing, its etymology as odd and interesting as that of “style.” But while style—deriving from the stylus or pointed rod which Roman scribes used to make marks on wax tablets—suggests activity, taste is more passive.... Etymologically, the word we use derives from the Old French, meaning touch or feel, a sense that is preserved in the current Italian word for a keyboard, tastiera.”
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