Discover the sweet backstory and even sweeter flavors of a classic cocktail-dessert hybrid with this quick and easy recipe!
Here’s a riddle for you: What do you get when you cross a milkshake with an adult beverage, then name it after a dog? A Bushwacker, of course!
This cocktail-dessert hybrid was born in 1975 at the Ship’s Store and Sapphire Pub in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Bartenders blended rum, coffee liqueur, and cream of coconut into a creamy frozen drink inspired by the White Russian. Then they named it for an Afghan hound—called Bushwack—that belonged to a pair of flight attendants who were regulars at the bar.
The drink island-hopped over to the States by way of Linda Murphy, owner of the Sandshaker Lounge in Pensacola Beach, Florida. She tasted the new island cocktail during a trip to St. Thomas, brought the recipe home, and then crafted a slightly richer, rum-heavy version—which caught on instantly, becoming Pensacola’s unofficial signature drink and inspiring an annual Bushwacker Festival still held on the beach each summer.
This Bushwacker drink recipe pays tribute to all those innovators—especially the namesake hound! Serve these frosty, decadent cocktails when you want a sweet sip with a fun backstory. Or when you’re craving both dessert and an after-dinner drink in one elegant glass. Or when your party guests are both tropical cocktail aficionados and dog lovers!
Tips for the best Bushwackers
- Boost depth by using a darker, aged rum for hints of caramel and molasses, or swap in a coconut rum for a lighter, tropical note.
- For a thicker, milkshake‑style texture, substitute part of the ice with vanilla ice cream.
- Layer in more flavor by blending in a few drops of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring to achieve a more dramatic, dessert-like presentation.
- For a sophisticated touch, garnish with toasted coconut flakes, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of amaretto syrup over the whipped cream.
- For an island‑style upgrade, float a half‑ounce of dark rum on top—an authentic trick borrowed from St. Thomas bar regulars.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Bushwackers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. They’re likely to separate a bit, but a quick stir or whirl in the blender should revive some creaminess. This cocktail also freezes beautifully for up to 1 month without losing flavor in a freezer-safe container or tightly sealed ice cube tray. It won’t become rock solid but will set into a thick, scoopable consistency. Thaw for 5–10 minutes at room temp, then pulse in the blender with a splash of milk, cream, or ice to restore its creamy texture.
To prep ahead for a party, you’ve got two options. Combine all the liquid ingredients—rum, liqueurs, and cream of coconut—up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and then add ice (or ice cream) just before blending and serving. Or go ahead and blend all your scaled-up ingredients, store the mixture in the freezer, then thaw briefly and blend again right before serving.
Serving suggestions
Serve Bushwacker drinks alongside mains that celebrate its Gulf Coast origins or desserts that lean into its richness. The spicy notes in Blackened Shrimp and this Easy Jerk Chicken Recipe With Pineapple make a great counterpoint to the cocktail’s icy sweetness. The chocolate and coffee notes in a Bushwacker were practically designed to pair with decadent desserts, like Tiramisu Cheesecake and Chocolate Crème Brûlée.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1 ounce coffee liqueur such as Kahlúa
- 1 ounce Irish cream liqueur such as Baileys
- 1 ounce crème de cacao dark or white
- 1 ounce amaretto
- 2 ounces cream of coconut
- 1 cup crushed ice plus more for thicker texture
- Whipped cream and cocktail cherries optional, for garnish
- Ground nutmeg optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the dark rum, coffee liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, crème de cacao, amaretto, cream of coconut, and crushed ice to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 20 seconds.
- Pour into chilled hurricane or rocks glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and garnish with a cherry and/or a sprinkle of nutmeg, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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